Ruff Relationships

02/10/2025

Still feeling incredibly honored to have spoken at the Aggression in Dogs Conference this year. One thing that came through loud and clear from attendees: there is a deep need for support when it comes to managing the stress and emotional toll of working in animal care and behavior professions.

Whether you're handling complex cases, navigating empathic strain, or just trying to stay grounded while doing this intense and meaningful work — you are not alone.

That’s why I created Stronger Together, a four-session series thoughtfully designed for professionals in high-stress, trauma-exposed roles. Each session begins with conceptual learning, followed by a community of practice — a space to explore how to apply what you’ve learned to your real, messy, beautiful day-to-day life.

It’s the support for all the things no one told you you'd experience (or struggle with) in this field.

DM me if you’d like more info or to find out when the next series is starting. Let’s make sure those who care for others have care and community too.

29/09/2025

To my American friends - if you missed AIDC this year - join me online at the BehavioUr Eh! Conference (the exchange is in your favor!)

29/09/2025

“Burnout and empathic strain are real occupational hazards in this field. Career sustaining behaviors are not optional, they are necessary.”
- Marlene O’Neill Laberge

At the Aggression in Dogs Conference, Marlene O’Neill Laberge reminded us that the work we do with dogs and people can take a heavy toll. The emotional weight, the long hours, and the constant exposure to conflict and suffering are not things we can simply push through.

If we want to show up fully for the dogs and clients who need us, we have to show up for ourselves too. Rest, support, and sustainable practices are not luxuries. They are essential.

This work matters. And so do you.

29/01/2025

The most fascinating and at the same time heartbreaking thing I have confronted on this trip to India is the juxtaposition of the risk assessment, conflict resolution, stress resilience and stress recovery behavior in the street dogs, while at home we are building protocol after protocol to support our dogs to cope, to navigate social interaction and to manage conflict. It is not unlike the crisis our youth are facing as we over work to keep them comfortable and protected from risk, adversity and conflict in their relationships and the natural environment, robbing them of opportunities to develop experience, confidence, judgement and coping skills, while at the same time over exposing them to an influx of overstumulation and too much, too soon inputs in our manufactured world.

17/01/2025

I am so excited to be joining an incredible group of dog professionals at the LEGS in Motion Conference 2025. This year's theme is At Home in the World. Who doesn't need that right now?! Registration link in comments 💕

10/10/2024

Looking forward to joining the Golden Dog Community to chat about mental healthiness and stress resilience for animal caregivers tonight!

03/07/2024

🌟 Exciting news, Family Dog Mediation Friends! 🌟 Justine Chater Schuurmans and I are thrilled to launch the Human & Family L.E.G.S. Support community! Join us for an industry-first experience where Certified and Licensed FDMs come together to focus on human wellbeing and mental healthiness. 🌍💖

Each month, we'll dive into practical tools and strategies to help you thrive in your work and integrate Human L.E.G.S. into your individual, family and group programs. Our first theme is "Burnout and Boundaries". Huge gratitude to Kim Brophey for her visionary leadership and helping to create a space where this is possible!

Ready to join? Check out our post in the L.E.G.S. course group or send me a message for details.

13/06/2024

The Dog Pro community has been so kind and generous in supporting our journey with Cooper. I'm grateful to have been able to pay that forward tonight by bringing Staying Well in the Work: Mental Healthiness and Stress Resilience for Dog Pros to the Aggression in Dogs Mentorship Students. Michael Shikashio thank you for championing human wellness in your community 👏

25/05/2024

Thank you Calgary Humane Society for hosting Emotional First Aid for Animal Caregivers. The growing recognition of the impact of working in high stress, trauma exposed environments on animal care professionals will directly benefit the animals in their care 👏

10/05/2024

Thank you Michael Shikashio for the opportunity to work with your Aggression in Dogs students in this VIP Mentor Session. I was so impressed with the quality of questions and with the openness to integrating this information into practice for the betterment of both ends of the leash. Looking forward to coming back in June to chat about Mental Healthiness and Stress Resilience for Dog Pros!

24/04/2024

Calgary and Area friends, join me on Friday May 24 at Calgary Humane Society for Emotional First Aid for Animal Caregivers
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/emotional-first-aid-for-animal-caregivers-tickets-837806881937?aff=oddtdtcreator

This workshop is designed for caregivers, dog pros and volunteers who experience chronic stress while caregiving for complex companion animals

Learn the in's and out's of working and living with complex companion animals

18/04/2024

A huge thank you to Cochrane & Area Humane Society for booking a Rescue the Rescuer workshop for your staff. When shelter and rescue organizations prioritize the well-being of their staff, both the workplace culture and the animals in their care benefit 💕🐾