Charlie grew up in the Philippines with one brother and a lot of furry siblings- at one point, her family was caring for 28 dogs and 53 cats! Every single one of them was either a rescue or the offspring of rescues, many of whom were found as pregnant strays. 

Her career path began in human medicine and healthcare, where she earned a degree in pharmacy and biotechnology. But along the way, Charlie realized her heart belonged to animal health and welfare. She trained at the Toronto Humane Society, where she also earned her Fear Free certification, and later joined Blue Cross Animal Hospital because of its welcoming environment, high standards of care, and supportive team. 

Every day at BCAH looks a little different for Charlie, but her responsibilities include assisting with animal handling during exams, feeding and cleaning pets, sanitizing equipment and kennels, restocking supplies, and supporting the veterinary team wherever needed. Most importantly, she focuses on keeping pets comfortable and stress-free during their stay. It’s a fast-paced job that keeps her on her toes- and she loves every minute of it! 

Outside of work, Charlie enjoys yoga, going to the gym, watching movies, and continuing to volunteer at Toronto Humane Society. One of her proudest achievements was nursing back to health a 5-month-old puppy who had been found emaciated and unable to walk, providing round-the-clock care until the pup recovered. 

Although she doesn’t currently have pets of her own, Charlie dreams of fostering senior cats and dogs in the future—and maybe even owning a snake or two! 

She also shared a sweet and funny memory from work: “One day, a very gentle golden retriever came in for a nail trim and immediately laid down on the floor. She looked like she was having a spa day- someone was feeding her treats while someone else trimmed her nails, and she just relaxed with her eyes closed. It’s moments like those that bring joy to our day and remind us how unique every animal is.”