13 years old. This silly gremlin was another foster failure. Walter came to the shelter as a stray, found emaciated in the cold. He has many friends and aunties that supported him through his recovery. Currently retired from event appearances, this fella is the most human social of the crew. He is the best cuddle buddy and is best friends wih Rachel’s 4 year old daughter. Walter is loved by many!

3 years old. Rachel first met Yeti at Oakland County Animal Control when he joined the Teacher’s Pet program at Children’s Village. He was pulled from the shelter by Canine Companions Rescue Center. After a few weeks, a foster still hadn’t stepped up for him so Rachel brought him home to foster. Not long after, she realized he needed to be a part of the family. This wild child keeps her on her toes. He loves playing with other dogs and is a great assistant to client dogs.

Rachel’s 1st adopted dog and her heart dog. The first in the ‘Original Two’. Mariah battled cancer at a young age and won! She was an amazing advocate for pit bull type dogs. Mariah loved everyone she met and was the most gentle soul. She was Mama Mariah to many fosters that came through the home. Mariah passed away in December of 2020.

Rachel’s first foster failure. This Hellion is the inspiration to learn everything ‘dog behavior’. He came to Rachel as a puppy with severe dog aggression along with anxiety. He battled Babesia and is currently fighting degenerative arthritis. This old guy is one of the ‘Original Two’. His antics may cause chaos, but he is very loved, mostly by those that understand that some of us are just born naughty. Homer passed away in June of 2023.

Rachel’s 1st family dog. Cammie’s puppy and ongoing obedience classes were Rachel’s first introduction to positive reinforcement training. Cammie was loved by so many and was a sweet and gentle girl. Cammie passed away in November of 2012.

Another foster failure. Brought to the shelter as a stray. Wednesday struggled making human friends at the shelter but loved every dog. Wednesday struggled meeting new people and after a year or so in the home she became a permanent member of the family. Wednesday only had love and trust for Rachel and the little human sister. Wednesday was true to her namesake Wednesdy Addams. Unfortunately, as the years went on, Wednesday’s anxiety and fear left her with no quality of life. She crossed the rainbow bridge January of 2023.

Another foster failure of Rachel’s. Lucy was pulled from a shelter and saved from the euthanasia list. Lucy could not be adopted from the rescue due to severe human and canine directed aggression. Lucy was Rachel’s first behaviorial euthanasia and the greatest learning experience in her career. Lucy crossed the rainbow bridge in Novemeber of 2015.

Another foster failure of Rachel’s. Rachel was told by her previous owners that Piper might bite her. Upon first meet, Piper ran to Rachel and never looked back. After years of struggling to find a home due to stranger danger and anxiety, she became a permanent member of the family. Piper was very enegetic and playful with her trusted humans and dog siblings, along with a few fosters along the way. Piper passed away from cancer in February 2020.

Wallace was rescue from a hoarding and neglect case by Warren AC. He was brought to the shelter with 6 other dogs presumed to be family members. Rachel quickly noticed that Wallace was deaf and blind. Wallace suffered from extreme anxiety and health problems. He loved Rachel and his foster siblings. After consulting with veterinarians and other trainers it was decided that he was suffering beyond any medical or behavioral help. Wallace is missed dearly by Rachel and his foster sister Wednseday. Wallace crossed the rainbow bridge in May 2018.