10/23/2026
Some graduations mean more than words can explain. Beau’s is one of them🎓
Beau joined us for eight weeks of obedience & reactivity training, an 8 Week Board & Train Program. Barking at dogs, struggling to listen, typical working-line German Shepherd energy. His mom, Major Bianca Wilkerson, wanted someone she could trust with her best friend to help him become his best self. She wanted him to touch the stars.
I didn’t know Bianca long, but she lit up every room. She had this glow to her. Trusting, Kind, loving, & caring, never speaking down to others.
Within his first week, she learned she was suddenly being deployed. She was visibly anxious, so I arranged to move his take-home weekend up so they could practice & spend time together.
This footage is their reunion after that first deployment, before his very first take-home weekend. The absolute happiest we have EVER seen Beau. He literally hugged her. That was HIS person, & he knew it. I will always treasure that footage. 🤍
When she was deploying again, I extended their time until Wednesday, 09/16/26, We didn’t know when she’d return. I wanted them to have those extra days. Before leaving, she decided to come by & just sit with Beau for TWO hours on our front porch before she had to go home. She absolutely LOVED her dog.
I never imagined those would be their last days together.
Major Wilkerson passed away September 18. The night of the 17th, The day before she left this world, she was asking about her boy & checking in. That absolutely broke me. I expected her to come back. Suddenly, Beau was still here, but she wasn’t. I remember this devastating & “weird” feeling seeing him again after hearing the news.
Even I was grieving. You don’t have to know someone for years for their loss to hurt. Realizing what Beau meant to her & how hard sending him away for training must have been broke my heart. Her trust will always mean SO much.
Beau has accomplished SO much: neutrality, proofed OB, listening, better manners, & learning to work around other dogs. I am beyond proud. “Proud” is only an understatement.
Attending her celebration of life, being chosen to handle Beau during it & returning her best friend to her family is an honor I’ll carry forever. One of the most beautiful, memorable & meaningful moments in both my life & my career. Seeing his family with his B&T certificate is bittersweet. I wish she could be beside him, seeing his program now is insane. He was WILD when he arrived.
Major Wilkerson, I thank you for trusting me with your boy. Seeing just how much he meant to you but having the courage to send him to training, doing what is best for him. 🥹
To the Wilkerson family, thank you for allowing me to be part of such a personal & meaningful goodbye. Being there with Beau & bringing him home to you meant more than words can explain. Your family, Bianca & Beau always hold a special place in my heart. 💙
Congratulations, Beau. This graduation belongs to both of you 💙🎓
