Krisi Huie; Krisi joined us in the spring of 2021 but has been training tangentially to Amie from the very beginning, and in fact they studied together in their earliest professional days. She worked in Baltimore City under her business name “SmartyPants Dog Training” and took a few years “off” to earn her graduate degree in education from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. With a special affinity for tiny terrors, Krisi shares her life with a hoard of French bulldogs, a pomski or two and two enormous malamutes. Krisi is teaching our SOLO group of classes and will be branching out to other areas as well!
Hilary Thompson; Many of you first met Hilary as an intern in our reactive dog classes, and in a few private sessions before the world shut down. She continued her studies and work with us and became a trainer in her own right. Hilary’s interest in behavior began when she adopted Miles, a once feral cat who became a cuddle-begger. This trend has continued with the canine additions to her family, a reactive pit mix named Dorothy, a hunka-hunka Bully-mix named Wesley, and a shih tzu mix named Bartleby. Under Hilary’s guidance, Dorothy went from being unable to have a collar put on her to wearing unicorn onesies! Hilary hopes to help other people in similar circumstances. Well, maybe without the unicorns. Hilary joins us Summer of 2021 with the basic skills class “How to Train Your Dragon,” private sessions and Matinee training.
Rob Gill, BMOC; You might never meet Rob, but if you do, he’ll be helping your pets get used to men, or holding helper dogs as we work on dog reactivity. He was a talented and experienced vet tech in private practice, and has years of shelter medicine experience, as well as being a darn good guy in general. Rob also provides dog walking, pet sitting and transport services with his business (named after sweet Liberty) Red Gremlin. Reach him at RedGremlinPetServices@gmail.com for more info
Our Social Media Manager, Cait Macanliss, has the tedious job of scheduling and updating all our social media hubs, and reminding Amie to upload client photos. She does so with great humor and compassion, and we’re lucky to have her! When we don’t have her, she’s off creating amazing fiber arts, such as fantasy animals, weaving, and custom felted sculptures. Want a tiny version of your best buddy or a magical dragon for your mantel? Check out her work at ScrapDragon Studio.
Elphaba, CGC, is the quirkiest dog in the family. Elphie came home as a puppy of 9 weeks and the challenge of properly socializing a puppy while working a full time job began! Several classes later, Elphaba earned her AKC Canine Good Citzen title at the age of 7 months, and is training in the sport of K9 Nose Work while exploring other dog sport options. An American Pit Bull Terrier, she also assists as a helper dog in Amie’s reactive dog classes, and in the tradition of one named after a musical theater character, enjoys singing the song of her people while dancing the wiggle of her breed.
Linus is a client favorite, who arrived in October 2016. First seen at an Animal Control facility in Southern VA as part of a cruelty case, a friend saw something special in him and he made his way to us. This hefty American Bully is sweet as pie and almost as smart as one. He loves everyone, and everyone loves him, making him a spectacular helper in our reactivity classes.
Violet, TDN, TKN, VSWE, is an American Staffordshire Terrier learning the ropes of helper dogging from her big brother Linus, as well as being best pal to her human sister. In her spare time, she’s earned titles in tricks and scent work, and wishes we could all just get along…. and throw a ball for her to fetch. Pweez?
The cats (there are a lot of them!) Spanky was dog-aggressive. Tango and Fiona didn’t get along. Sterling had litter box issues. Aslan had side effects related to his declaw. Bert has general anxiety. You name it, we’ve lived it, and through it all, these little guys made our lives better. (Just don’t tell them we think we’re in charge)