06/27/2026
I was honored to be featured in a Washington Post article alongside Dr. Amy Yam, Medical Director at Falls Church Animal Hospital, sharing Rory’s journey with severe anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks.
Ten years ago, Rory changed my life.
Many people know me as a dog trainer, but few realize that Rory is the reason I became one. She is incredibly smart, eager to learn, and one of the most fun dogs I've ever trained. She has taught me more than I could have imagined.
But Rory also suffers from severe anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks. After all these years, it still breaks my heart to watch her panic. I do everything I can to help her making sure she's mentally and physically fulfilled before storms or planned fireworks, creating a safe environment, and supporting her through each event. Unfortunately, storms and unexpected fireworks don't always give us the warning we'd like.
Rory has reminded me that training isn't about creating a "perfect" dog. It's about understanding the dog in front of you, meeting them where they are, and helping them navigate a world that sometimes feels overwhelming.
She made me a better trainer, a more patient person, and an even stronger advocate for dogs who struggle with fear and anxiety.
Thank you to Washington Post reporter Dana Hedgpeth for calling attention to this issue that affects so many dog families.
Pet owners worry that President Donald Trump’s potentially record-breaking fireworks show honoring America’s 250th birthday will scare their dogs.
