As a well-known dog trainer and instructor locally and statewide, I've put my writing background to work as a voice for harmony and enlightenment in all matters canine.

I recently retired from running my own mail order company, where I wrote all the advertising copy for a 40-page catalog and website selling independent living aid products. Prior to that I was a manager in the employee communications department of a Fortune 500 company, where I wrote everything from magazine articles to safety filmstrips to executive speeches to manuals on conducting job reviews.

My recent publications include an article on Rally obedience, published in the Border Collie Society of America national magazine, and an article on Scottish dogs, published in a local Highland Games event program.

My dog training experience dates back to the 70's, and since then I've completed multiple herding championships and obedience titles. I've become a Herding, Obedience and Rally judge, as well as being Director of Training for a local obedience club for the last 10 years.

Multiple experiences in communicating dog training skills in herding and obedience to others have resulted in a unique ability to help others understand and improve their interactions with dogs. Through research, study, practice and achievement in different types of training, I have acquired an extensive knowledge base in canine behavior, care, training and management.

My passion is ...

dogs, sheep, teaching, writing

I know too much about ...

alcoholism, depression

My parents always told me ...

Keep your temper, nobody else wants it.

My childhood ambition ...

Have a horse

My favorite memory ...

Memory? What's that?

Why I write ...

If I don't write, I'll go crazy.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

half a dozen books in various stages of completion

My first job ...

...a horrible experience as a maid in a motel

My best moment ...

Making my weight goal at TOPS

My inspiration ...

older women

Pets & Animals > Dog Training Testimonies: Taking your dog to obedience class

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In 1965 I was a nerdy, nearsighted 15-year-old girl with only three friends in the world: Alana, Linda, and my dog Tuffy.

Tuffy was one of those All-American ownerless mutts who could have been half cocker spaniel and half Pekingese. He had a fluffy blond coat, an undershot jaw, a tail that curled up over his back, and a hunter's instinct to chase every car that drove down our street. In those days there were no leash laws and my parents, who were reluctant to allow me to adopt this young stray mongrel, said he had to be an outside dog

Alana and I met when we were both selected ...

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