Hi pet lovers! My name is Michelle. Here is some information about me. My experience over the years with dogs has been with a variety of different breeds, ages and behaviors. The highlight of my experience was working for Island Miniature Schnauzers outside of Sooke in 2016 for 8 months. My duties were: Home Life training for adopted puppies. This provided the new owners one week of me training the puppy at my home. Training included walking on leash for the first time, crate training, schedule for house training, socializing with other dogs and people to name a few.. I provided video and pictures to the new owners to keep them up to date on progress. I also took older Shnauzers who were used to farm life and adapted them to urban life by going on leashed walks, greeting new dogs and people, taking them into stores that allowed dogs etc. Right now, I don't go to offleash dog parks as Copper pulls on his harness the whole time as there are way to many distractions and new smells. It can also teach bad manners to dogs in training. That is what the Veternarian shared with me. On the farm I also hiked the pack dogs up in the bush where they romped and swam in the beautiful outdoors. The alpha dog was always there keeping the dogs close by. I learned to bathe and groom puppies and older dogs as well. You can see in all my photo's with the Schnauzer puppies and dogs that I trained while working for IMS. Over the years I have taken care of friends/family dogs and cats at their home. I treat all animals like my very own. I massage them, comfort them them and just love them up! I always send pictures or videos to make sure you know all is well. I also volunteered with the Victoria Humane Society from 2022-2023. I fostered and cared for about 6 different puppies/dogs in my home. It was an amazing experience as each dog was so very special in their own way. I bonded with each one almost causing a 'foster fail' each time. It was very emotional to give them up when they got adopted. I wanted my own dog! I ended up adopting a beagle in Aug 2023. He is now 10 months and the love of my life. I am retired now and am looking for a playmate for Copper. He is super friendly (over the top excited - we are currently working on this with training) He has had 5 different dog dates as well as exposure to lots of people and other dogs on our explorations. I have a nice sized fenced in backyard and a nice deck. My backyard connects to the galloping goose so walks are very convenient. I have also discovered beautiful places where I can let Copper offleash to practice recall. I have been reading a lot about dog training/dog psychology and my key thing is connecting with my new fur friend and building trust, encouragement and patience. I have watched many YouTube videos on how to sit with a dog in a rescue pen. It is amazing how much I have learned about dog signals such as licking their lips means they are nervous. Or certain ways they hold their ears means different things. I find it fascinating!! I'd like to meet first to see if Copper and I are a good fit for you and your fur baby. Please see my IG accounts for most of the dogs in my care starting in 2016. (IG is Michelle Trofimuk or copper_the_beagle_trofimuk) Depending on your dogs level of care, adjusting the cost is a flexibility I offer. Thanks for reading my profile and I look forward to meeting you and your furry friend(s).