I was born and raised in a small, rural mountain town in Northern California, where I found a love for the outdoors and all the creatures that inhabited the forests and streams around me. From a young age I was known for my love of animals. Once, I raised a starling chick that fell from its nest, feeding him every two hours around the clock and making sure he stayed warm. I never left him even during my softball tournaments, he would sit in his box on our bench as the unofficial mascot of Lassen Xplosion! I received my first puppy, a Jack Russell mix with what we thought was cattle dog, at the age of 9.
It was quite a daunting task to raise such a high-strung dog at a young age, but I was up for the challenge. My parents made it clear they would take no part in raising the dog, so I set my mind to proving I could make my puppy, Peanut, the best dog. She never left my side, my partner in crime. I would teach her trick after trick. Making her stay while I threw her most prized possession, a tennis ball, until I gave her the release. I taught her all the tricks I could think of at the age of 9 which included dance, sit, shake, roll over, sit pretty, craw, and jump.
After high school I became a mother to 3 beautiful children. Being a mother, I get to pass on my love for the mountains and animals to those dearest to me. I get to coach Tball to my children and see them struggle and succeed at something they have little control over while teaching them failure is fine, as long as you never give up. Looking back at my childhood and raising a dog of that caliber on my own devices makes me grateful to work for a company that offers help to those who need it. Peanut had the potential to become a very destructive and dangerous dog. This company helps save dog lives like Peanut.