I worked for the State of New York as an Animal Cruelty Investigator (holding three state certifications: Peace Officer, Animal Control Officer, & Assistant Wildlife Rehabilitator) for two years - starting right out of high school in the summer of 2003 at the Cortland County SPCA, and then moving on to the #1 no kill shelter in the country - the Tompkins County SPCA. I have been working as a Veterinary Assistant for a small animal hospital - Adana Veterinary Clinic - since 2006 and continue to work there part-time while in college.
I am currently attending a Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks, where I am a Business Management and Entrepreneurial Studies major. In the future, I intend to form an international organization devoted to “humane mushing,” which will define and promote ethical and responsible sled dog treatment and guardianship, as well as fight for better legal standards of care for these dogs worldwide.
I’ve been involved with the sport of sled dog racing since January of 1998, and have been rescuing & rehabilitating abused sled dogs professionally since 2002 (and privately since 1998). I’m a member of Dogs Deserve Better - an organization supporting and creating legislation which will outlaw the inhumane chaining of our animal companions. I also volunteer for the Sled Dog Action Coalition - an organization which seeks to bring to light the horrific realities which Iditarod dogs face.
In my early teens, I attended two Cornell summer camps for 4H kids interested in Veterinary Medicine. I stayed in the dorms for a week each summer, toured the extensive section of the school devoted to veterinary medicine, attended numerous lectures and even completed a couple of laboratory projects. I have been fortunate to grow up only a short drive from one of the nation’s leading veterinary medical schools.
I’m a strong believer in public education in regard to dog related issues. I have given numerous public demonstrations with my Siberians throughout Central New York over the years. Topics have included humane mushing, breed specific care, obedience and agility. I have presented at the following events and locations: Maple Festival, Cortland County Fair, New York State Fair, Homer Winterfest, Skaneateles Winterfest, Brockway Husky Truck Day, Camp ARCO Day, FLKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day and Cornell’s March Dog Madness. I have also given demonstrations for the Cortland County 4H Dog Club, Orleans County 4H Dog Club, a Tompkins County Girl Scout Troop and numerous local elementary & middle schools.
I taught obedience, agility and conformation handling for four years for the local 4H dog club, of which I was co-president with a good friend of mine for all four years. After my 4H years were over (age eighteen is the limit for membership), I continued to offer obedience lessons privately and still do today. I’ve also assisted in teaching obedience for a local AKC sanctioned dog training club.
While working at the Tompkins County SPCA and the Cortland County SPCA, my primary job was as a Cruelty Investigator. However, I also assisted in dog behavioral assessments and rehabilitation, as well as adoption counseling. At the Cortland County SPCA, I also headed the foster care program and conducted the home inspections and application reviews.
I compete in obedience and rally obedience with a couple of my own dogs when I have the time. Arthur has earned his Companion Dog (CD) and Rally Novice (RN) titles in AKC sanctioned trials, along with his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate and his Therapy Dogs International (TDI) certificate. Windy has earned her Companion Dog (CD) title in AKC sanctioned trials, along with her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate and her Therapy Dogs International (TDI) certificate. Both Arthur and Windy (and also Windy’s late aunt Legacy) have achieved numerous Championship and Reserve Championship placements in 4H obedience, agility and grooming & handling at a county level. Arthur has also placed third at the New York State Fair in 4H obedience out of a field of over one hundred dogs.