ABOUT ME
I have worked with animals for over 25 years, as a veterinary assistant, and professional all breed pet groomer. My love for animals and nature lead me to volunteer at Brookfield Zoo near Chicago IL, where I educate our guests about animals and the homes they live in. I enjoy observing animals and study their behavior especially wolves and dogs. I have attended many wolf ecology work shops, seminars and interacted with wolves, foxes, and coyotes, getting hands on experience while learning more about their behavior. I have shared my knowledge about Mexican gray wolves with people at several institutions around the country. I have received a Spotlight Award for my dedication to educating our zoo guest about wolves and their habitat.
I am an award winning artist and photographer. I enjoy hiking, dog sledding, visiting nursing homes with my dogs, and showing them in obedience competitions.
How I became a Writer and Illustrator
Since animals and nature have always been my favorite subjects, I love to draw pictures of animals especially dogs. I studied the anatomy of every dog breed recognized through the American Kennel Club and learned how to draw them. I always had a natural talent for drawing and took a couple of art courses in High School and a Community College. My teachers were always impressed with my animal drawings. Later, I wanted to try something new, and picked up a paint brush, watched a couple of How to Paint videos, and surprised my family with an amazing landscape painting. I then decided to show my work in art shows along with my photography. I later became an award winning artist.
One day at the zoo, a couple of fellow volunteers were impressed with my knowledge of wolves and dogs and loved my method of teaching people about them. They suggested I write books about animals for children. I thought is was a wonderful idea, and learned how to write for children. I later joined a writers group who loved my story and suggested I draw illustrations for it. So I did, sent it to a publisher and she loved it too.
I find writing and illustrating children's book another passion of mine. It has fulfilled my creative side, and allows me to continue educating both adults and children about animals while enjoying the process.
You may also want to visit my main website at http://annagrob.weebly.com
My first place painting of Kia