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I started out life surrounded by puppies and dogs, and I've never wanted to be without them since! I had other careers in the past (-- French teacher, Human Resources manager), and often used to think to myself "It's too bad I can't make a living working with dogs; it's what I love to do most" until I finally woke up and realized that I *could* make my living at it. So that's what I've been doing for several years now, and enjoying every minute of it.
I supplement my love and affection for dogs with training and experience; I graduated with honors from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, earning my Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) credential. I studied with Jean Donaldson, author of "Culture Clash," "Mine," and "Fight", and Janis Bradley, author of "Dogs Bite." I am also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid through the Red Cross, and am a member of APDT, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (member #72015). In addition, I continue to learn about dogs through experience, observation, books, classes, and networking with other professionals. My interests in this area include dog behavior, cognitive development, animal learning theory, health, training, and most of all, having fun with my canine friends.
I'm also heavily involved in the neighborhood and community in which I live. While living in Noe Valley in San Francisco, I sat on the Board of Friends of Noe Valley; I co-founded Friends of Noe Courts Park, which raised almost $500K to renovate and improve that park and playground, and I organized park clean-up days at Upper Douglass Park. If you are interested in hearing more about any of these efforts, please contact me. Since my move to Placerville, California in late summer 2007, I was elected President of El Dorado Dog Owners Guild (EDDOG)/ Cameron Park DOG (CP DOG), a regional group attempting to create several dog parks in the area.
I currently live in Placerville, California, with my dog Luna, a source of endless joy and entertainment. She is my inspiration, and also my assistant.
Luna
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Luna is a 4 year old, 90-lb husky mix. She was part of a rescue litter that was lucky enough to be taken in and fostered by the Bay Area Siberian Husky Rescue group, and at about 10 weeks of age she adopted her owner Eden. She is extremely playful, and has many doggy friends, both large and small. She's generally very well-behaved, but like most dogs, needs the occasional "time out" when she forgets her manners. She takes her assistant duties seriously, and shares her toys, her house, and her owner nicely. She mopes when there are no other dogs around the house.
Her favorite games are tug-of-war and wrestling around, her favorite places are Fort Funston and also the American River, and her favorite treat is a bully stick, although she is not one to turn up her nose at anything edible. Balls are only interesting some of the time -- mostly she loves to play with other dogs, scavenge, dig, run on the beach or in the forest, lick people on the face, and chew on toys. Oh yeah, and sleep. Sleep is good.
Luna as a young puppy