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I started out life surrounded by puppies and dogs, and I've never wanted to be without them since! I had other careers in the past (-- French teacher, Human Resources manager), and often used to think to myself "It's too bad I can't make a living working with dogs; it's what I love to do most" until I finally woke up and realized that I *could* make my living at it. So that's what I've been doing for a number of years now, and enjoying every minute of it.
I supplement my love and affection for dogs with training and experience; I graduated with honors from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, earning my Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) credential. It's a nationally recognized, full-time intensive program, where I was able to mentor under reknowned trainers Jean Donaldson, author of "Culture Clash," "Mine," and "Fight", and Janis Bradley, author of "Dogs Bite, But Balloons and Slippers Kill People." I use dog friendly, rewards-based training methods, emphasizing positive reinforcement. (I do not use shock collars, leash pops, alpha rolls, or similar outdated and punitive methods.) I am also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid Instruction through PetTech, and am a member of APDT, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (member #72015). In addition, I continue to learn about dogs through experience, observation, books, classes, and networking with other professionals. My interests in this area include dog behavior, cognitive development, animal learning theory, health, training, and most of all, having fun with my canine friends.
I also have a history of being heavily involved in the neighborhood and community in which I live. Currently I am quite involved with P.A.W.E.D. (People for Animal Welfare in El Dorado County), a wonderful organization doing fundraising for the county shelter, public awareness and education, animal fostering, and so much more. From 2007 to 2008 I was President of El Dorado Dog Owners Guild (EDDOG)/Cameron Park Dog Owners Guild (CP DOG), a regional non-profit all-volunteer group advocating for the creation of off-leash dog parks in El Dorado County www.eddog.org. During the 5+ years I operated my business in San Francisco, I sat on the Board of my neighborhood association, Friends of Noe Valley; I co-founded Friends of Noe Courts Park, which raised almost $500K to renovate and improve that park and playground, and I organized park clean-up days at Upper Douglass Dog Park and co-founded Friends of Upper Douglass Dog Park, an active group now boasting over 150 members. If you are interested in hearing more about any of these efforts, please contact me.
I currently live in Placerville with my dogs Luna and Vesta, sources of endless joy and entertainment. Luna is my inspiration, and also my very able assistant, and Vesta keeps us both young.
Luna
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Luna is a seven year old, 90-lb husky mix. She was part of a rescue litter that was lucky enough to be taken in and fostered by the Bay Area Siberian Husky Rescue group, and at about 10 weeks of age she adopted her owner Eden. She is extremely playful, and has many doggy friends, both large and small. She's generally very well-behaved, but like most dogs, needs the occasional "time out" when she forgets her manners. She takes her assistant duties seriously, and shares her toys, her house, and her owner nicely. She mopes when there are no other dogs around the house.
Her favorite games are tug-of-war and wrestling around, her favorite places are Fort Funston and the American River, and her favorite treat is a bully stick, although she is not one to turn up her nose at anything edible. Balls are only interesting some of the time -- mostly she loves to play with other dogs, scavenge, dig, run on the beach, lick people on the face, and chew on toys. Oh yeah, and sleep. Sleep is good.
Luna as a young puppy
Vesta
Vesta joined the family at 9 weeks old in January 2009. She is now a sweet, exuberant, playful young adult. Luna is showing her the ropes so Vesta can be part of the team, as well as part of the family. She loves playing with other dogs, receiving both 2-legged and 4-legged visitors, digging, and is extremely food motivated. Oh, and she loves to talk, as most huskies do!
