5.0

Dogs have been my whole world for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was the neighborhood's unofficial dog-walker, so much so that our animal control officer would come to me when an older resident's high-energy dog needed extra exercise to stay comfortably in their home. One I'll never forget: Maggie, an assertive, energetic GSD who lived with a sweet older woman. The moment her owner opened the door, Maggie bolted. Her owner tried calling her back, but I just jingled my keys, and that was enough to catch Maggie's curiosity and gently guide her home. That instinct followed me into adulthood. In college, I worked at a dog training facility, teaching puppy obedience classes and running the daycare program, and I spent three semesters as a teaching assistant for canine behavior courses. By day, I'm a licensed therapist, so patient, warm energy, and being attuned to mood and behavior come naturally; skills that translate well to reading a nervous or excited dog. Today, I have my own dog, a remote private practice, and I'm working toward a certification in animal-assisted therapy, with a long-term dream of building a therapy farm where people can experience the same healing and joy that animals have given me my whole life. Whether your pup is laid-back or more energetic, I bring patient, warm energy, and genuine love for the work.