Amy’s Story

I’ve always been passionate about animals and their well-being. I would rescue the strays in my small town where I grew up and when a neighbor’s collie, Sam, adopted me,  we arranged ‘joint custody’.  My interest in dog training began when I visited Universal Studios during a family vacation.  There I watched a trainer working with one of the Lassie’s (they had 5 “Lassie’s).  I could’ve watched for hours and purchased my first training book titled “How to Train Your Dog Like A Movie Star”.  My training career began as I set out to train Sam “like a movie star”.  I even did a high school speech titled by the same name and learned an invaluable lesson on improvising when Sam got stage fright and didn’t perform any of the tricks on cue.

Several years were shared with Chelsey, my little black poodle who accompanied me everywhere while I expanded my knowledge in other interests. Chelsey relaxed at ‘home’, wherever that was, while I earned a degree in Exercise Physiology, studied dance, psychology, and movement therapy. I learned about the mind-body connection while working on a research study on the ‘Effects of Exercise and Relaxation on Mood’.   Through years of observing movement as a fitness trainer, massage therapist, gymnastics and dance instructor, including ballroom dance, I have honed my intuitive abilities to detect subtle changes in posture, movement and energy.

The next animal companion to join my life was Shiva, my Chesapeake Bay retriever.  At 7 years old she tore her ACL, and it was only natural for me to seek out all healing possibilities.  She had surgery and afterward I drove her to physical therapy twice a week for 4 weeks, 30 minutes one way.  I learned how to modify exercises for dogs and Shiva learned how to use an underwater treadmill.  Shiva and I continued to seek out all healing options including supplements, chiropractic, and acupuncture to help with her osteoarthritis.  I also began studying and practicing Healing Touch for Animals® to help Shiva. It became a way of life for us as she continued to age.  I continued to gather knowledge and experience on subjects like aromatherapy and nutrition, and was grateful to have so many tools to help Shiva maintain her quality of life.

During these years I  began volunteering in dog rescue, fostering homeless dogs, and helping to match dogs with their forever home.  I’ve seen numerous real life examples of the differences a little time and attention can make to a dog, or any animal, that was considered unadoptable.  It is very rewarding to see them grow in confidence and trust and placed in a forever home. I have definitely experienced how our relationships with animals enhance our lives.

Little did I know that my animal healing arts practice would  begin when I got my border collie, Jazz.  Understanding dog behavior and living with a border collie are two very different things.  In addition, I neglected to consider the effects of a 4 year old boy on puppy training. I had my hands full.  After months of training, we had 1 bad experience with a  bulldog and Jazz became leash aggressive.  With his superior reflexes, my skills to detect subtle changes in his body where put to the test and Tellington TTouch was added to my toolbox of skills.

I currently live in a multi-species household shared by humans, dogs, a snake, fish, and hermit crabs.   Crystal is a beautiful corn snake my son and I share. She travels to classes to help educate others about snakes.  Jake is a 4 year old very “mixed breed” dog that came to live with us as an 8 week old foster puppy.   He was considered   unadoptable, by some, and is a living example of how lives can be transformed.  I regularily draw from over 20 years of experience in physiology, movement awareness, mind-body-spirit connection, dog training and continue to expand my knowledge through workshops, books, and hands-on experiences.