I am a relationship-oriented animal caregiver with 6+ years of experience with creatures of all ages, ability, breeds, and backgrounds. I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Companion Animal End of Life Doula (CA-EOLD) with a liberal arts degree from UMass Boston.
My first relationships with dogs were the dogs of friends and family members, and street dogs in the neighborhood.
Caring for street dogs and the pets of family & friends from a young age laid the groundwork for my understanding of dogs into adulthood - as animals with agency, desire, and decision making capabilities.
     I adopted my own first dog at 19, a 6 year old 85 pound pitbull mix with a heart of gold. While I have always had a deep spiritual and material calling to be a friend to animals, Zion led me towards the path of becoming the best caretaker and friend of animals I could possibly be, and to becoming myself.
   Zion and I have worked together for a dog daycare, for dog walking companies, for dog training facilities, in veterinary care, and eventually as myself with Canine Defined. While the bond between Zion and I was always preeminent in our relationship, I entered the dog industry and some of our training with minimal understanding of balanced training. My frustrations with mishandling my beloved friend led me towards learning from local shelters, trainers, groomers, vets, and other professionals that uphold the highest standards of scientific understanding and holistic care.
     On that path I have earned my CPTD-KA and my CA-EOLD because of Zion, focusing intensely on understanding end of life care in our final years together. I assisted Zion’s transition in January of 2024, and do my best to honor our time together by sharing skills and knowledge that allow others to foster the highest possible quality of life for themselves in tandem with their beloved companion animals.
     When I’m not with dogs, I spend a lot of time volunteering with horses and with cats at local barns and rescues. Since losing Zion, I have found an incredible source of joy in dance, especially country line dancing.
 

 

​

 

​