Our Story
I am passionate about animals, especially dogs. I owned dogs all my life, and trained them in basic and advanced obedience. One received the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. I rescued my first Bloodhound from a kill shelter, who had serious fear and anxiety issues. It was through working with her that I fell in love with the breed and truly understood behavioral problems.
Currently, I live with two police K9's, a single purpose narcotics dog (now 4 years old) and a mantrailing (human tracking) Bloodhound (also 4 years old). I assisted my significant other in training and caring for both dogs. We received the Bloodhound at 10 weeks old. I conducted desensitization training as well as obedience training with her, and helped teach her how to track.
I work full-time at the Monmouth County Animal Shelter (MCSPCA), one of the oldest, most respected shelters in New Jersey. I started as an Animal Care Team member. Th job involved a wide range of tasks, from daily cleaning and maintenance of canine living areas to assisting veterinarians with animal restraint and dispensing medications. Currently, I serve as an Animal Control Officer, assist with the coordination and implementation of the Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Program, and as a K9 Adoption Counselor. I often assist the behavior manager in training dogs with behavior issues to increase their adoptability.
I hold a PhD in social sciences and have taught in higher education for over 15 years. I earned a certificate of completion as a Veterinary Assistant from Rutgers University. I am a certified Animal Control Officer through the State of New Jersey and attended the Advanced Control Office course in November 2017.
Currently, I am pursuing certification as a dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, specializing in shelter dogs and their unique needs.
My availability for dog walking and overnight care is:
Thursday and Saturday around the clock
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm
Fridays upon special request.
In order to provide high quality, reliable and timely service, I am willing to travel within 15 miles.
