Welcome to S.I.T.T.!  I’m glad you are taking the time to look into our services.

I am a lifelong animal lover and advocate for the humane treatment and rights of companion animals

I served for 4 years as the president of the Humane society of Clarksville Montgomery County, which  gave me a great deal of experience and insight into the behavioral issues of dogs and a better understanding of the people who own them.

While president, I also served as the organizations adoption coordinator and counselor. As I followed up on adopted animals and their families, I learned much about the issues the animals faced in their new homes. In order to keep the dogs from being returned to the shelter,  I  continually researched how to manage and solve various behavior problems. 

 Once my term expired with the Humane Society, I began a volunteer position with Southern States Dachshund Rescue as adoption coordinator. I also fostered several dogs in my home, where I worked on their training until they were ready for a permanent adoptive home. 

 My experience with SSDR and their dogs, many of which faced challenges because of past neglect or  abuse,  furthered my knowledge in dog behavior and the challenges both dogs and their new owners faced. 

 I began counseling people wanting to surrender or return dogs of all breeds for a variety of reasons such as house training problems, jumping,barking, chewing, fear of crates, introducing a new baby, to name just a few. As I got more involved, requests for help began flooding my e-mail.  So many people wanted and needed help but didn't have the time or the resources to hire a  trainer to come to their home or to take their dog to formal training sessions.

 I  currently serve on the board of the Montgomery County Animal Control committee and see the high rate of owner surrenders to the county shelter, as well as a euthanasia rate that is twice the national average. This growing problem has spurred me work even harder to help owners and their dogs create a stable home life.

I started S.I.T.T. with the belief that there had to be a more cost effective and efficient way to help  pet owners and dogs in need. Since beginning my consultation service, many dogs have been spared the trip to a shelter, because most problems can be solved with just a little time, effort and proper training.

My  family has three rescued dogs, and each had their own set of training needs.  We have worked through most of them to create greater harmony and balance, which depends upon sticking to a set routine and positive reinforcement techniques.

I also have a small child, and throughout his life, we’ve had many different dogs in our home. Each had unique health or training needs, and our child safely interacted with each of them.   I feel it is a blessing to raise a child with animals, which teaches them compassion, respect and kindness for all living things. I believe that dogs and children of all ages can happily and peacefully coexist. 

 I will offer you a thorough evaluation of your individual situation , complete with a written plan to get you started on a more peaceful  path toward a stable environment with your dog(s).