Caring for Canines

One of our goals is to raise awareness about important issues for dogs living in a city environment. It goes beyond spaying, neutering and obedience training. It’s important to understand the mental, emotional and social needs of dogs. City dogs face challenges that dogs in a rural environment may not have. It's vital that they be an active part of the family and a positive social group, not left to hang out in the back yard or confined inside, alone for long periods of time.

We are wholly committed to pursuing a course that will further these objectives, and other important issues for the welfare of animals in our community and abroad.

Even for families who do not have a dog and never intend to, it is certainly necessary that parents and children understand canine behavior and how to interact positively and safely with dogs when they meet them.

Meet the McCarters

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

The McCarters

How Did I Get Here?

When I was a little girl, there were three things I wanted to be when I grew up:

a ballerina
a hair dresser
an animal trainer

The ballerina idea fell away a long time ago. The hair dresser thing evolved, I’ve worked in the fashion and beauty industry for most of my adult life. I loved it, but something was always missing.

I’ve always had pets of various types, and loads of dogs. I’ve enjoyed training them, but I must admit that my dogs have taught me much more than I could ever teach them. Each one of them, in their own unique way have taken me further along in my understanding of these wonderful creatures we call our best friends. I cherish many memories of these wonderful companions who have shared their lives with me and my family.

I'v surrounded myself with animals and actively studied them all of my life. I've even been smooched by a Bengal tiger and wrestled with a Sun Bear! I always yearned to find some way to bask in the magic that I always felt in their presence. This deep longing was something I’ve never been able to adequately explain, even to those closest to me.

Gradually I found myself frustrated as day after day went by and I was unable to make it to the dog park with our newest addition, a 10 month old bundle of energy, and our faithful dog of 15 years before dark. All day I would find myself trying to figure out some way that I could spend more time outside with my dogs! I’ve always been an outdoor kind of girl and the years spent sitting inside an office had taken a toll. I knew it was time to make a change. I owed it to my dogs and I owed it to myself. About a year later, I finally found the opportunity I’d been looking for. I leaped for it and have never looked back. There’s no doubt that this is where I belong! I'm fortunate to have been born with a natural affinity towards animals and an instinctive understanding of animal behavior. I'm so happy to finally be able to spend my days actively caring for animals.