My love for animals began early in life, but my connection with dogs became deeply personal as my health declined and I found myself needing a service dog to help me maintain independence on difficult days.

My journey started with Buddy, a Husky/Treeing Walker Coonhound mix I received at a year old with no formal training. Despite that, his incredible temperament and work ethic inspired me to take on the challenge of training him as my service dog. He worked faithfully by my side for over six years before retiring to a peaceful home with a friend, where he could enjoy his golden years in comfort.

That experience opened the door to the world of dog sports and training. I had the privilege of working with an extraordinary German Shepherd named Cheese, who learned commands in English, German—and even cheese-themed words just for fun! Training Cheese gave me hands-on experience with a wide range of breeds and taught me so much about communication and trust. He earned several titles, including BH, FO, High P1, and AKC titles such as CGC and TKN, and even placed 3rd in his division at the WDA National Championship. He now serves as a personal protection dog for a wonderful woman in Arizona.

I’ve worked with and around dogs for over a decade, with a deeper focus in recent years. As an AKC CGC Evaluator, I love teaching and testing dogs (when my health allows) and watching the spark ignite in pet owners' eyes as they realize how much is possible through training. From titles to sports to fun activities, there’s something for every lifestyle that can strengthen the bond between people and their dogs.

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