I am the founder and owner of Henry’s Royal Canine Care. I am a graduate of Washington State University with a B.A. in Finance/Marketing. Post graduation I began a 10 year career in Corporate Finance. Throughout this period of my life my dream remained to work with animals. This passion was cultivated through a childhood surrounded by various companion animals of my own and a family that has helped to place an unknown number of homeless pets.

I share my life with my amazing husband Daniel and our three ‘kids’ Henry, Poncho, & Norton.

For over 6 years I have been a volunteer at the Humane Society for Seattle King County located in Bellevue, WA. Over the many years I have taken on various roles working directly with the shelter animals (dogs, cats, and small animals) in addition to education roles including, Volunteer-Humane Teen Club Coordinator for 5 years. I continue to serve as a member on their Development Committee and remain dedicated to working to solve our society’s pet overpopulation problem.

In addition to acting on my passion through volunteer work, I continue to educate myself in animal behavior and communication. My formal education includes:

• Recent graduate of a Canine Studies program facilitated by Cristine Dahl, founder and owner of Seattle Dogworks. This program focuses heavily on the science of canine behavior and animal learning theory. This program includes hands on training and behavior evaluation experience. Graduation is contingent upon attendance throughout the rigorous 2 month program and the passing of a 3 hour comprehensive final exam.
• Currently a student at Companion Animal Sciences Institute (‘CASI’’). CASI is a distance education institution, founded and directed by James O'Heare, providing advanced, in-depth and challenging certificate courses and diploma programs of study in professional dog training, behavior consulting, fitness and nutritional sciences. Graduation with an Advanced Dog Training Diploma is anticipated June 2009.

Beyond formal education I continue to attend seminars in hopes to further understand what makes our four-legged family members tick. Recent seminars include the following:

• Sarah Kalnajs’ Canine Body Language: Observation, Understanding, and Utilization
• Pia Silvani: Fighting Dogs: Family & Strangers & Playtime: Win, Lose, or Draw.
• APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) annual conference in Portland, OR October 2007. This educational conference brings together some of the top industry experts from all over the world. Over 5 days each share the most updated information in their area of expertise.
• Karen Pryor Clicker Training Expo in Los Angels, CA February 2008. This annual conference is organized by the Godmother of clicker/positive reinforcement training, Karen Pyror. This experience offers 50 insightful educational sessions in addition to several hands on training opportunities guided by the top trainers within the industry.

I am also certified in Pet CPR by the American Red Cross, licensed, fully insured and bonded!

Henry is a 7 year old Beagle that truly expects nothing less than ‘The Royal Treatment.’ He lives for long naps, special treats, and long strolls in hopes of finding an unsuspecting cat or squirrel. Henry is my soul-dog and inspiration behind Henry’s Royal Canine Care. Since his adoption at 8 months of age he has been such a gift and brings so much joy each day. My goal is to help others achieve this same relationship with their companion animal.

Poncho is a 2 year old Black Lab a.k.a. ‘The Wild Child.’ Poncho was found near our home in December 2006 at about 3 months of age and through unsuccessful efforts to reunite him with his original owner, became a member of our family. He is ready to play wherever and whenever and truly brings life to any situation. Poncho is a very high energy dog and he has challenged me to find new ways to stimulate his mind and exert his energy. We look forward to sharing our findings with you!

Norton is a 3 year old Beagle that came to us through the Seattle Beagle Rescue in December 2007. He is my failed attempt at fostering but well worth having to admit defeat! We call him Itty Bit as he is a mere 24 pounds and has an itty bitty nose and itty bitty toes. Even with his small stature he has a beagle bay that contends with the best of them. You can generally hear him before you can see him! Norton’s favorite past time is giving sad eyes to anyone who shows the slightest interest in picking him up and holding him. He is a wonderful addition to our family.