In 1995, a seven-week old mixed breed puppy came unexpectedly into my life. Her name was Sweetie, and while she was neither the most intelligent nor the most agile canine, she was wonderful nonetheless, and she opened doors to a whole new world of joy and adventure.

Sweetie in Oakland, 2000.
In my travels as an artist and teacher, I have lived in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, and Santa Cruz. Although the landscape, living conditions, joys and challenges differed from place to place, there has always been one constant element: a dog at my side. Or two.
In 2003 I traveled from Santa Cruz, California to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca in a VW Van, camping most of the way. On the way down, I had one dog. On the way back, I had two! Changuita was the runt of the litter, the one no one wanted. She was fearful, reactive, and covered in fleas when I adopted her. She became a part of our little family and with gentle guidance and proper care she evolved into a wonderful companion.

Changuita on an island in the California Delta.
I feel very fortunate to live in Santa Cruz County and to have an opportunity to help the people and dogs here. My reverence for the natural beauty of our area and my personal experience with dogs brings me to where I am today, offering services to my friends and neighbors in the San Lorenzo Valley.
I am getting my puppies in a row, so to speak. I expect to be offering dog-walking and exercise sessions in Scotts Valley, Felton and Ben Lomond by mid-July 2012. Watch this space and feel free to direct any inquiries to redwoodromps@yahoo.com