I have been involved with training service dogs since 2002 when I raised my first puppy for a large service dog organization. Since then, I have raised 4 more for a variety of guide and service dog organizations. My most recent was raising a pup for Atlas.

I wanted to advance my skills as a trainer and went on to become certified with the Karen Pryor Academy. It was there I became intrigued by the truth that any species can be taught anything that is physically possible. The training skills I obtained with KPA were ideal for training service dogs.

Through KPA, I learned about Atlas which is an ideal match for me. The Atlas Certified Trainer program taught me how to apply what I learned in KPA to specific tasks necessary in ALL areas of service dog training. Atlas put the final puzzle piece in place for me. The human. A human’s need for a skilled dog is what got me started as a puppy raiser, but I wanted more. I wanted to be life on life, empowering people to be involved with the training of their own service dog. I continue to be amazed at how Atlas nurtures both people and dogs. They are highly skilled and aware of what is needed for a team to succeed. I am very proud to be part of that process.