Let me introduce myself

I own a small dog daycare facility in NW Ohio. We focus on manners and behavior, but we also let dogs be dogs. Which is to say, we allow them to playhard, but we don't allow them to hump or annoy one another.

I sit on the boards of two local animal-related groups. I am the current secretary of Planned Pethood, Inc., an organization that focuses on spay/neuter for low income families and feral populations. Planned Pethood also rescues dogs and cats through fostering.

I am the president of K9 MASH. This is a Toledo area group of therapy dogs and their owners, certified by Therapy Dogs International . K9 MASH is focused on bringing some companionship to those who may not otherwise get to spend time with dogs. I have two therapy dogs (and one dog who needs therapy [just kidding, Baron]). We visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools for children with special needs, and even funeral homes. The love of a dog can get us through the roughest times.

I also started a small pet food bank and collect dog and cat food for those who may be experiencing hardships. I am working with another local S/N group called Humane Ohio. The pets have to be spayed or neutered, or the owner must sign a contract to have them altered within sixty days. They can also get a voucher for the surgery.

I have three dogs of my own (and a human son, though he is grown and has moved out). I have a Maltese named Poco whom the daycare is named for. I have a large Miniature Schnauzer named Baron who was one of my first daycare clients. I also have a mutt (we think he's a wire-haired dachshund mixed with a toy poodle) named Pluto (The Great Pludini) who was a rescue from a hoarding case.