03/02/2026
I’ve been a bit quiet online lately because we’ve been settling into our new home here in Colorado Springs for the last 6 months. I’ve been busy getting our "home away from home" environment ready for you and your pups.
I want to share the real story of why I do what I do. My journey took a life-changing turn in 2013 when I had to undergo major brain surgery. My surgeon told me I needed a service animal for my recovery, but I was shocked to find that most trainers required $20,000 upfront—a barrier no one in need should have to face. As a trainer with decades of experience, I knew I had to wait for my brain to heal and then train my own.
Finding Boomer
I found a German Shepherd named Boomer and trained him to be my own service partner. He was brilliant, but as time went on, I noticed something: when I took off his vest, he absolutely hated it. He started "working" on his own around the house—hiding all the toys from the other dogs and even "correcting" them after I did, as if to say, "Hey, my mom just said something to you!"
The Hardest Choice
I realized Boomer was absolutely bored. He had a drive to work 24/7 that I simply didn't need at that stage of my recovery. With the heaviest heart, I knew it was best for Boomer to give him to a friend that I knew needed a service animal. I loved him deeply, but I knew he needed to work to his full potential.
The Proof of the Training
Two years after I placed him, Boomer and his new owner were in a serious motorcycle accident. Boomer jumped free of the sidecar before impact, but his owner was knocked unconscious.
Because Boomer is a very big, black German Shepherd, I had trained him NOT to approach people, as they might be afraid. Instead, I trained him to go sit in the middle of the street and wait for someone to approach HIM if his owner was hurt. That is exactly what he did. Even after 2+ years without reinforcing that training, Boomer sat in the road, waited for a car to stop, and led them back to his unconscious owner. He saved a life that day.
Why I’m Back
I am operating now in a new spot in Colorado Springs. Because of my own journey, I offer:
Sliding Scale for Service Animals: Safety shouldn't be a luxury.
A "Home Away From Home": Dogs live as part of the family, not in a kennel.
Up and Coming: Look for our Sniffspot private yard rentals and Weekly Puppy Socialization Hour launching soon!
