My passion for dogs started when I was about 14 when I worked at a boarding kennel / daycare. Cleaning and caring for the dogs and cats, along with doing doggie daycare, gave me a great foundation and knowledge of these wonderful animals! As a young teenager I adopted a Schnoodle named Max. Together in 4-H we competed in Agility, Conformation, Obedience and Rally. Max was eager to do it all and once I experienced the competition ring I was hooked! During this time I also started my journey with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Raising 6 dogs throughout High School and College enhanced my handling skills and showed me all the different ways dogs can learn and problem solve! When I aged out of 4-H, I began teaching classes to the upcoming 4-H students as well as completing my degree as a Veterinary Technician. Living in Rochester at the time I worked in a general day practice as well as teaching foundations class and adolescent obedience classes at Fingerlakes Pet Resort. I recently moved here to Syracuse for a job at the Veterinary Medical Center working in Physical Rehab and am working toward my CCRP certification.
I purchased my first show dog a few years ago, a Gordon Setter named Edison. With a passion for showing, we started in the Breed ring! At 18 months old Edison and I completed his Championship conformation title! Edison has also competed and titled in Rally, Obedience, Flyball and Dock Diving. Last year Edison qualified to compete in Florida at the NADD Championships for the #1 Dock Diving Gordon Setter! As our journey continues I have added a new addition to the family, a Whippet named Oakley! Oakley has started foundation work in Conformation, Flyball and Obedience!
I am looking forward to getting back into teaching classes! My favorite part about teaching is helping enhance the bond and connection between owners and their pets with a purely positive attitude!
My dogs:
Edison - Gordon Setter - Ch Leadra's Bright Idea BN FDCH DM, flyball champion and dive master
Oakley - Whippet
Max - Schnoodle