I’m a mother of two teens. I am the guardian of one cattle dog mix. I am a teacher. A community member. A regular sort.

I grew up in the farm country of the Midwest. For my first years, I grew up on a dairy farm with an Australian Shepherd who worked the cows - and kept me on the property. As a teen I lived in town and worked on farms.

I went to college. Worked a while in non profit. I got married. Went to grad school and became a teacher. This was my jam. I loved teaching middle school humanities in Oregon. Then my kids came into my life. My new passion was them! I was fortunate enough to be able to be at home with them for years.

Then, Covid 19. Home school. Two kids. We already had bunnies and chickens. We needed a dog. I did all the homework. I knew what I was getting (or did I?!!?)

Enter: Buddy. A bundle of cattle dog, pit bull, boxer, coon hound, German shepherd, border collie, and a whole lot more. Suffice it to say, we loved him from the start. And…

We did NOT appreciate many of the behaviors he exhibited: nipping, herding, chewing, biting our clothes, etc.  I tried and tried and failed and failed in subduing these Tasmanian Devil behaviors. I worked with a number of trainers, finding some of the methods unsettling for such a small pup, I finally found Suzanne Parker.

Well, Buddy had a lot to learn about behaving… and I had a lot to learn not only about being a good dog guardian, but also - through training dogs - about myself. So Buddy and I found ourselves spending a whole lot of time with Suzanne both in private training and in multiple group classes. Over the years, Suzanne invited me to apprentice as a trainer. Now that my children are teens, I’m ready to instruct. I am also working toward certification by studying with Method K9.

You know how they say dogs find their people to teach them what they didn’t know they needed to learn? and introducing you to people you didn’t know you really needed to meet?

Well… Buddy is doing that. He teaches me about my lean suits every day and reminds me of how I can be fun and loved. He led me to meet Suzanne who has supported me to be ready for this next chapter - of living a good life, with my dog!

It is an enormous honor to be invited by Suzanne Parker to train dogs in our communities because Suzanne is serious about respecting dogs and the responsibility of being guardians to our canine family members. She is highly respected and loved by many including Buddy and I.

As far as perspectives on training methods, you will find me using the least restrictive method, including a variety of tools. The key is which is the best way to communicate for the dog and guardian duo. It’s not about proving who is the boss; it’s about leading with heart. Fear drives and love leads.

Here’s to Living A Good Life - WITH OUR DOGS!