We believe love and science working together will create the most wonderful relationships we will ever experience with everyone we share our lives with, including animals. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We offer a variety of scholarships to help you and your dog build better bonds without fear, pain, or punishment.

 

Certifications: CCFT

 

Designations: Animal Chaplain, Senior Dog Trainer

 

Job Title: Animal Chaplain, Senior Dog Trainer

 

Training Philosophy: I believe in training force-free and fear-free!

 

Locations Served: Greater Portland Metro Area - Oregon

 

Languages: English

 

The only thing I love more than learning is sharing my knowledge with others. Whether I'm giving a formal presentation, teaching a one-on-one dog training session, frolicking with a class full of puppies and their handlers, or just having a lovely conversation with a group of folks over tea, I relish the opportunities to teach and learn about the world we all share. As an AKC Evaluator I enjoy evaluating dogs for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Titles including the CGC Urban and CGC Community Titles. In 2020 I became one of the first AKC FitDOG Instructors certified in the new AKC FitDOG Instructor Program. In 2021 I became a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer through the University of Tennessee. This allows me to continue to help people find ways to increase longevity in their dogs while reducing pain and injuries. I enhanced this education with a certification in Canine Arthritis Management. I have a passion for therapy animal interventions. My dog, Schatzi, and I became a registered AAI team in 2014 with Pet Partners. During her eight year career Schatzi and I visited with people in hospitals, schools, prisons, camps, medical offices, vaccine clinics, and many other events/locations. We became a R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) team in 2015 to help children develop their literacy skills at local schools and libraries. During our time at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility I found new and innovative ways to bring animal assisted interventions to the adults in custody there, including incorporating animals other than dogs, into my unique curriculum. My love of animals and the humans that care for them lead me to Emerson Theological Institute to obtain my Animal Chaplain degree. My ministry, the Assembly of the Wondering Shepherd, became an official 501(c)(3) in 2021. We provide training, guidance, and coaching for humans and animals with the goal of living as long as possible in as little pain as possible. We are also here when the time comes to say good-bye to our pets. We can provide guidance before euthanasia and we’re here to provide continued support during times of grief. We believe love and science working together will create the most wonderful relationships we will ever experience with everyone we share our lives with.