As a child, my dream was to have a pony or dog. Unfortunately my mom was not a dog lover, and a pony would not fit in the front yard of our apartment. The closest I had become to cuddling and enjoying the company of canines, was when I would sneak over to my neighbors yard, and play with the dogs tied out. Now that I look back, 45 years later, I believe that it was always my calling to work with animals.

At 19, I had the opportunity to work for the Morris Co. Fish, Game and Wildlife Management. It was a governmental teaching program, so I learned a wide variety of wildlife management skills. Mainly driving and operating large farm equipment.

By 21, Because of my experience with farm machinery, I was able to get my foot in the door of some of the best Stander bred breeding farms in Morris County. Although I had started with no horse experience, I worked my way up from barn help, to groom, to barn manager with in a few years. I learned a lot about animal behavior and health. Teaching foals and yearlings to accept the human touch and the care that goes with it, was a challenging and rewarding experience.

As fate would have it, tears welled up in my eyes when I saw my first Seeing Eye Guide dog working the streets of Morristown. I knew then that working with dogs was what I wanted to do with my life. Even though I had not worked professionally with dogs, I was hired and loved every minute working there.

For 5 years I worked with some of the best dog trainers, veterinarians and dog savvy people in the area. Becoming a vet tech, dog handler and liaison for the “reject” dogs, I dreamed of one day being on the other end of that harness.

Unfortunately life does throw curve balls. Once again, one door closed and another opened.

Answering an ad for a pet groomer, when I never even picked up a pair of clippers, seemed sort of silly at the time. But nothing ventured , nothing gained. I got the job.

Within 6 months of training under the owners tutelage, I was running her mobile grooming business. Within 2 years, I bought her business, and at 30, started on another career path. I have learned more about dog behavior in this business, than anything I could have ever learned in books. I’ve worked with such a variety of breeds, their temperaments and owners.

12 years ago I adopted a deaf Jack Russell puppy. Having no experience with deaf dogs, I called on the help of Tina Bowe owner of A-1 Dog Training. With her help, I graduated with “Hopie” in basic obedience. When I completed my CGC class with my second Jack “peanut”, I was approached by Tina to become an apprentice in her school.

Huh, funny how life works.

In 1998 I moved to Blairstown.  I sold my grooming business and started working as a part time groomer at Hopes Kennels, focusing on building my dog training business. I expanded my knowledge through seminars, books and other well known trainers in the area. One of whom was Carolyn Wilke out of Bangor. Although I knew a bit about positive motivational training, I was still primarily old school. Carolyn taught me the “science” of behavioral training and how to truly communicate with dogs on their level.

I’ve become an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and have mentored students for the Animal Behavior College in Ca. I am a member of the APDT and volunteer for JRTC rescue. I have successfully helped numerous owners through my group classes and private sessions over the past 12 years.

I have six dogs. Two Jack Russell Terriers, a Smooth Coat Fox Terrier, Two Brittanys, and a Lab.

I’ve dappled in Agility, Fly ball , “Go to Ground” and Breed handling. I’ve never been a competitive person and probably never will be. My “peanut” has a title for earth dog , but I couldn’t tell you what it is. My young Brittany is still working towards being a breed champion, but out side the ring, I'm proud to say she is well behaved and knows her manners.

I don’t have ribbons, titles or trophies on my walls. If I can save one dog from being relinquished by it's owner because of behavioral problems, that gives me more joy than any ribbon ever could. 

Finally at 50,  not  only do I get to cuddle and enjoy the company of my own canine, but also those I have helped along the way.