I’ve had dogs all my life. My father and step-mother had everything from pure-bred collies to rescued coon hounds. Hiking, running, living with dogs was our way of life. After studying psychology and anthropology in college, I went to graduate school for Education. Around that time, my husband and I acquired Wole (pronounced Whoa-Lay), a seven week-old Rottweiler puppy. 

With all my childhood experience, I thought this would be a piece of cake. Boy, was I wrong! He was a tough puppy to say the least. He never came when we called him. He jumped up on everyone and was chewing my hands and everything we owned. He even chewed a hole in the wall of our apartment. At four months old, he was 45 pounds and completely out of control. I realized that having dogs all my life wasn’t enough. I was in over my head, so I sought professional help. I went to St. Hubert’s Dog Training School in Madison, NJ. 

Formal training was just what we needed. I discovered that my instincts and skills developed in childhood were right on the money. They just needed to be fine-tuned, and I needed more of them. The trainers were my lifeline and really helped me hone all of my handling skills. So inspired as I was training Wole, I began volunteering at the animal shelter. Within a few months, the director asked me to join the staff as the Senior Humane Educator at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. Combining my love of dogs and my educational background, I designed and taught more than 16 different seminars and educational programs to children pre-k through high school. 

Subject matter ranged from basic pet care to advanced canine behavior seminars. I used therapy certified dogs and cats in each program and was responsible for the continued evaluation of those working animals for stress and suitability. I designed and ran the summer camp program for more than 160 school-aged children coordinating with colleagues from other sectors in the animal world including wildlife rehabilitation, guide dog training, veterinary care, search-and-rescue, agility, police K-9 units and bomb detection, and even zoology. In addition to my work, I became a volunteer canine coach to shelter dogs, an assistant trainer at the dog training school, and a dog behavior monitor at different fund raising events benefiting the shelter. 

Today, I offer my expertise in canine behavior and positive reinforcement training to private clients. I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I read industry literature and attend professional seminars and educational programs regularly. 

As for Wole, he died from lymphoma at age nine. During his life, he became a certified therapy dog visiting hospitals, nursing homes and schools throughout New Jersey—a true ambassador for his breed. He was our family’s best friend and most trusted companion. Over the years, he helped me socialize unstable dogs and teach new puppies the ropes. He climbed mountains in the Adirondacks with us and played with our young children in the backyard. He was truly a wonderful dog and the inspiration for my career and passion. He will always be missed, but remembered as the invaluable friend and companion he was to our family.