How to Properly Show Affection to Your Dog Affection is a powerful tool, but it must be used to reward the right state of mind. If you give affection when a dog is fearful, anxious, or over-excited, you are reinforcing those unstable emotions. When to Show Affection The best time to show affection is when […]
Finding Positivity in Breeding Communities
In this industry, nothing is more draining than surface-level interactions or the constant negativity that often surfaces in breeding communities. I thrive on a “breeders helping breeders” mindset, where we remain friendly, support one another, and never tear each other down. My favorite people to be around are those who share this vision—the ones who […]
Where My Beloved Boots Have Taken Me with Duty Danes
My favorite pair of shoes is a worn-out set of waterproof muck boots that have spent more time in the kennel than anywhere else. They have carried me through icy Michigan winters and muddy spring mornings, standing steady while I’ve raised generations of Great Danes. These boots have seen the first shaky steps of newborns […]
The Healing Power of Dogs: My Journey with Tovi
The best gift I have ever received didn’t come in a box; it came with four paws and a heart of gold. Tovi changed my entire world. She isn’t just a dog to me; she is my own psychiatric service dog, and the bond we share is something I can’t even put into words. She […]
Legacy and Life Lessons from Great Danes
Many people dream of living a very long life. However, Great Danes teach us that it is the depth of life, not the length, that truly matters. The average lifespan of a Great Dane is typically seven to ten years. Because their time with us is short, every moment becomes more precious. I understand this […]
Duty Danes Mission and Education
Maintaining a 3.95 GPA at Unity Environmental University shows my commitment to my dogs and clients. My journey through a Bachelors and Masters in Animal Health and Behavior builds the foundation to become a PhD Animal Behaviorist. This education improves my breeding program by giving me a scientific understanding of dog health, nutrition, and behavior. […]
What’s for Snack? A Guide to My Dogs’ Nutrition
Dog Feeding and Nutrition Guide People always ask me what kibble they should feed their dog. My answer is that you have to find out what works best for your specific dog because every dog is different. Some dogs have allergies, like being allergic to chicken. Some dogs cannot hold weight well, and others might […]
Duty Danes: Taking the Blues Away and Adding a Special Kind of Blue, Healing Hearts One Paw at a Time.
Duty Danes: Taking the Blues Away and Adding a Special Kind of Blue, Healing Hearts One Paw at a Time The Billboard Message Imagine you are driving down the freeway and you see a billboard. What message would stop you in your tracks? For me, it would be a message that speaks to comfort, companionship, […]
Veteran and Mental Health Match Program
Veteran and Mental Health Match Program My innovative idea is a match program for veterans and anyone facing mental health challenges to find prospective puppies. I choose to avoid labels that are harmful to the mental health community. As someone who lives with depression, severe anxiety, and social anxiety, I know how unfair these labels […]
The Greatest Gift
The Greatest Gift If you asked me what the greatest gift someone could give me is, my answer would be simple: A community where dog people come together. I want to see a place where we work together as a group and as a family, focusing on the positive instead of the negativity that usually […]