My experience and love for animals started when I was in kindergarten. Although my family has never owned dogs, my neighbor and best friend of 25 years has. My lovely introduction to dogs was their senior, handsome, and well trained Keeshond, Dantley. He passed and was followed by an energetic puppy, Marleigh the Collie. My childhood with Marleigh was filled with (unofficial) crate training, poddy training, and even agility training. Rebelling against my parents rule of no dogs, I found a solution by beginning horseback riding at the age of 6. The discipline of riding has developed a positive reinforcement training style which has crossed over from horses to dogs. My horse back riding experience continued through college as a member of the Michigan State University Equestrian team.