From Stray to Street Smart Executive

Sylvester was once just an unemployed stray cat. He walked into the Guide Dogs Leamington Spa facility looking for shelter. Instead, he accidentally aced an interview and landed a full-time job as a dog trainer.

Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Without even bringing a resume, Sylvester impressed the management team so much they fast-tracked his onboarding process. His employment package came with full benefits, including free meals, regular medical checkups, and unlimited nap breaks.

Today, Sylvester holds the prestigious title of Director of Feline Operations. His main responsibility is cat distraction training - a critical part of guide dog training that ensures service animals can stay focused when faced with distractions in real-world environments.

Innovative Training Methods

Sylvester has developed unique approaches to his job. He strategically places himself in the middle of obstacle courses to test the dogs' focus. He also conducts surprise performance evaluations by jumping out at trainees when they least expect it.

His dedication to the role is impressive. Sylvester often works overtime by sleeping in the dogs' beds. This provides twenty-four-seven exposure training for the guide dogs in training.

A Model of Success

Now in his eighth year with the company, Sylvester continues to excel in his senior leadership role. He shows no interest in retiring or looking for opportunities elsewhere.

When asked about his unconventional training techniques, Sylvester demonstrated his impressive work-life balance by continuing his nap in his corner office. This balance has been key to his success as a feline executive.

The story of Sylvester shows how sometimes the best candidates come from unexpected places. This former stray has become an essential part of training guide dogs that will go on to change people's lives.