Approved AKC CGC Evaluator

Member of Association of Professional Dog Trainers

AKC ATT Judge

I grew up with a love of animals, especially dogs! My grandmother raised everything from German Shepherds to canaries. My protector, growing up, was a Silver and Black Saddle Shepherd, named Lady, who was the Granddaughter to Rin Tin Tin. Mom Mom, as I called her, taught me a love and respect for all animals, but her dogs were extra special to her. They have always had a special place in my heart because their love is pure and unconditional. 

My husband, a retired Lieutenant with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and native New Yorker, also had a love for animals but never owned a dog till we were married. Now, in our 33 years, we have had numerous dogs, ferrets, birds and even snakes in our menagerie, but it’s our dogs that have become a part of our family. 

Upon retiring from the department after 37 years, we both began volunteering at Big Dog Ranch Rescue and got involved with their Veteran Service Dog Program. We began by “dog walking”, but quickly became involved in the training aspect of the program. Big Dog was training rescue dogs to become Service Dogs for Veterans in need, and at no cost to the Veteran. We began to learn how to teach our new protégé’s basic obedience and participated in many outings where we helped the dogs learn how to help their perspective partner to be able to function in the local grocery and/or department stores. We were educated of the plight of our Veterans with PTSD and how difficult it was for them just to go pick up groceries and participate in the day-to-day activities Dave and I take for granted. We witnessed how the Service Dogs, that we were able to help train, were able to aid Veterans to return to a normal life. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is where we adopted our Service Dog, Cielo, who now is a loyal companion to my husband. 

After leaving the Big Dog Ranch, we became involved in launching Semper Fi Service Dogs. Carrying on the same mission from Big Dog Ranch, both my husband and I continued to help with the Service Dogs in Training and have always believed our Veterans deserve everything we can do to assist them, so what better way to help both our passions….help a deserving shelter dog find a purpose and a good home and a Veteran regain his or hers independence! With the support of some great friends, 2gether Furever, Inc. was born. We have the goal of expanding our program to include First Responders, like my husband, who have seen tragedies on their own battlefield. If it’s a Service Dog, an Emotional Support Dog or just someone to listen, 2gether Furever, Inc. is here for you.

As a retired Lieutenant of 37 years with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, I have seen both tragedy and triumph. I have been fortunate to be able to have a wife that I could come home to talk to, but there are things I can never tell her about, so I carry them with me, buried deep inside. We were blessed during our time with Big Dog Ranch Rescue to adopt Cielo, an American Bulldog we were training as a Service Dog. She is now my best friend. She is there to provide companionship and comfort when I need it. She helps keep me calm now in many situations. I don’t know what I’d do without her or any of our dogs in our lives. Service Dogs Save Lives!

After serving in the military, returning to civilian life wasn't an easy transition. I felt as it I didn't know what to do when I returned home and felt scared. Many counseling sessions and discussions later, I have been paired with my life-save, Tenacity and I don't know where I would be without her. She has helped me overcome fears that I didn't think were possible to overcome and she's there when my PTSD rears it's ugly head. We still have a long ways to go, but I'm able to accomplish more than I thought I would be able to now that I have her by my side.