06/04/2024
Hi everyone,
Many people who see my page think Iâm just a dog groomer, so I figured Iâd share my story and what I am working toward becoming.
I have two rescues, Unes & Percy. Both suffered a really hard life before I adopted them. Unes was abused & forgotten. Percy was dragged behind a truck 18 blocks, suffering severe physical and mental damage. Unes had severe stranger reactivity. Percy was reactive to absolutely everything. When I adopted them, I had very little experience and knowledge of dog behavior. I spent 3 years prior studying elephants, so my expertise was very different than reactive dogs.
When I first started studying animal behavior and fear reactivity, suddenly my dogs behaviors made sense, finally I could do something to help them. I hired trainers, I studied, I worked my b***y off to figure out how I could help them, and once I understood why they were the way they were, I became a trainer. But I still didnât think that was enough, so I found work in doggy daycares and rescue. I still donât think thatâs enough. I continue to form connections and study and I am constantly learning what I can do to help my dogs and other dogs. Now my dogs have grown tremendously and while Unes is a perfect angel, Percy has neurological damage and may never be able to overcome his fear. I used to blame myself, because I wasnât an expert, I didnât have any knowledge, I was afraid I couldnât give him the life he deserved. Now I know I do everything possible for him and honestly? Heâs the best boy, he just has issues.
In 3-5 years I will have gained enough resources, knowledge & connections to build a safe place for dogs with severe reactivity. A place where people and dogs both will be able to learn how to handle reactivity, fear aggression, and overcome the obstacles dogs experience in life.
I am only at Step 3: Work & gain knowledge in rescue, of my 10 step plan, but I am closer than Iâve ever been. People see reactive dogs and they immediately think âput that dog downâ or âyour dog is out of controlâ and I plan to help change the way reactive dogs are seen & understood.
UP & Onward is a grooming & training service but will soon be a dedicated rehabilitation center, rescue and safe space for severely fear reactive dogs. Every time someone books a grooming or training appointment with me, that money goes towards this goal & I am incredibly thankful to be on this journey đžđ
ABCDT - Certified Dog Trainer & House-call groomer đž Currently working to make sure working with dogs becomes my full-time job in any and every way possible!
