Lauralea's experience with animals began in her early childhood with the family German Shepherds and the menagerie of creatures with whom she shared her home. Her love of animals led her to volunteer work at the Wildlife Care Center in her hometown of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. At this incredible wildlife rehabilitation center, Lauralea learned valuable skills in caring for both domestic and exotic animals. During her college studies at the University of Central Florida, Lauralea continued her volunteer work. She became involved with canine rescue and adoption at the Orlando Humane Society where she assisted in their Adoption Outreach Program. Since arriving in Los Angeles six years ago, with her newly adopted Plott Hound mix Loki, Lauralea has delved into a career working with dogs. She also continues her commitment to dog rescue, foster and adoption. In the process she acquired two more pups, Grendel and Fern. These new additions were a blessing in more ways than one. Their behavioral needs led Lauralea to classes at the Pasadena Humane Society. There, Lauralea became a volunteer and later a staff member where she taught Basic Obedience and Tricks Classes for the shelter's Behavior Department. She also conducted SAFER tests with the shelter's dogs for behavioral assessment and placement purposes. In the process, she learned important handling and training skills.

Lauralea also works with Pet Orphans of Southern California as a behavior consultant and adoption counselor. She leads temperment testing and rescue screenings for this well-respected private rescue. As a behavior consultant, she advises staff and volunteers on proper handling and treatment of behavioral issues such as resource guarding and fear response. When acting as an adoption counselor, Lauralea provides shelter tours to visiting public, guides families in selecting the right dog for their lifestyle and education to those who may not be quite ready to take the leap into dog ownership.

In addition, Lauralea has attended two long and intensive seminars with John Rogerson, an acclaimed dog trainer from the UK. During these seminars, she learned the finer details of reward-based training methods. She was also taught specialized techniques in scent detection, nosework, and therapy/hearing dog training.

With her studies in canine behavior and training still ongoing, Lauralea offers behavioral advice and training to the clients of It's A Dog's Life, LLC.