I’m passionate about dogs. But more specifically I’m passionate about helping people understand them. As a dog trainer for seven years, I quickly realized that most dogs get returned to shelters due to a mere lack of understanding between the species. A little knowledge goes a long way, and the part of my job I loved the most was being able to keep dogs in homes. I felt so strongly about it that it justified my existence.

Finn and his ears!

Things change and for personal reasons I got out of dog training. But in the back of my mind, I knew that I needed to keep being their champion. Now, several years later, I am finally able to take up their cause again. The job I was currently in was cut in March because of Covid 19. I had to decide what to do next. I was paid severance and this gave me time to work it out. What better time to start helping dogs again?

But in what capacity? Well, I’m older now so I didn’t want to start training again. Pet-sitting? Boarding and grooming work? Animal rescue? These were all great options and jobs I have many years of experience in, but I really wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom for my three rescue Chihuahuas, Finn, Ziggy Stardust, and Meg.

Write Back to the Start

Way before I got into dog training I was a writer and editor for well over twenty years. I’m English originally and I’ve been employed in London, Sydney, and Dubai. I’ve worked for companies such as the BBC. I was good at my job and I enjoyed it.

Ziggy Stardust

When I came to the States I wanted to be a freelance writer. I did lots of cold-call emailing with my resume and several companies employed me immediately. A few of them were pet companies. I loved writing for those the most.

My business was doing wonderfully. Yet life has so many ups and downs. Due to a divorce, I lost my health insurance. That meant giving up my life as a freelance writer working from home, and going out into the big world to get a corporate job with insurance. I ended up working for Petsmart as a dog trainer and that’s where my passion for understanding dogs exploded.

So here I am in 2020 back to the world of freelancing. I’m going to be writing for pet companies and all kinds of pet people and creating my own dog blog. Within all these arenas my aim is to increase the understanding people have about their canine family members and how to live with them successfully.

My little Meg…Finn’s sister

I call this blog “Dog Ambassador” because when I was a trainer one of the best books I ever read was “Kids and Dogs: A Professional’s Guide to Helping Families” by Colleen Pelar. She had the best information on understanding dogs and how kids interact with them.

In the opening chapter she wrote that if you ever come to understand dogs, and what they need, and what people who own them need, you should spread that understanding. She said you should become a dog ambassador. That phrase never left me. And it’s why I’m here starting this new blog today.

In the days, weeks, months, and years that follow I’ll be doing everything I can to be a great dog ambassador. Stay tuned. It’s going to be so much fun, and I hope whoever reads this will enjoy it and learn how two species can live in harmony with just a little knowledge…and a lot of love. Welcome to my blog!

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