Whitney was born and raised in Ripley, a very small town in western New York, where she attended kindergarten through 12th Grade in the same school, and was given the nickname “Point 5”. After high school, she attended Delhi University and received her Associates Degree in Veterinary Science, passed the difficult State Board Exam, and became a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Whitney has worked in the veterinary profession for over 30 years. She began working in kennels in Westfield, NY, at age 16, and since has worked at various locations [citation].