The SPCA taught me many valuable lessons. One of these lessons, was the heartbreak of watching so many dogs and cats come into the shelter system purely for behavioural problems. I worked with each of them and helped them get to a place where they could become adoptable pets.  

In the 3+ years I worked there, I gained experience performing health checks, dispensing and applying medications, completing behaviour assessments, attending to cruelty and stray calls, running fundraisers, matching adopters with the right furrever friend(s).  You name it, I did it! I wanted to learn as much as possible about dogs and how to help prevent them and their families from getting to the point where the shelter seemed like their only option. I knew I could do more to help.

I completed a certificate program at a positive reinforcement-based training school, The International Academy of Canine Trainers. There, my natural intuition and ability to communicate with animals was enhanced by a wealth of theory and practical skills. It reaffirmed something I already knew, that I was on the right track when it came to working with dogs. 

I then started my own dog training business, K9 Companion (originally on Salt Spring Island, B.C.) to put the knowledge I had gained into action.  My vision in the beginning was to prevent dog behaviour problems from starting or worsening, so that I could help not only keep families together, but help create a society that understood dogs so we could do justice by them. 

I adopted my first dog, Bella, and we set off on our mission to save the dogs of the world! I branched into dog walking as well so that I could help the dogs who were stuck at home as so many are while their humans are out holding down jobs to keep their doggie dishes full, giving them a reprieve from the crazy making life of a dog stuck at home all day (we saved many couches!). It didn’t take long before we were seeing success in all areas of the business.

Eventually, life brought me to Cranbrook, B.C. where I recently re-started my business. I’ve since fallen in love with the endless beauty that is our back yard and the amazing people that make the Kootenays so great! I get to hang out with dogs all day and make a difference in a lot of lives!

To find out more about me and how I can help you and your furkid(s), please get in touch.