American K-9 Doggie DayCare Boarding and Training

My passion for dogs began when I was about ten years old; caring for the neighborhood strays in Birmingham, Alabama where I lived with my family. Since I was an infant my family always owned German Shepherds. When I was eight years old my father died in an auto accident. My brother and sister were both significantly older than I was so it was only natural that I gravitated towards the strays in our neighborhood. They didn’t have anyone caring for them and I needed playmates. I formed my own pack. Neighbors called me “The Dog Boy of Tarrant City.” My mom always said, “If I needed to find Michael I would just look for the pack of dogs around the area and then would know he was close by.” I understood dogs and loved being around them. At that time I trained all of my own dogs up to the point of advanced obedience and was always complimented on how well behaved my dogs were. Through my young adult years my interest grew stronger and I took classes to become certified as a dog handler. I’ve met and received instruction from many “trainers” and I have to say I’ve seen some very bad teaching techniques. After entering the police force I saw the ability to further my passion for and knowledge of dogs by becoming a part of the K-9 unit where I excelled, became a handler, and then lead trainer for Delaware City, Delaware police department's K-9 unit. I became the North American Police Work Dog Association K-9 coordinator for the State of Delaware; I graduated from K-9 seminars from Maryland State N.A.W.P.D.A., Virginia Police Work Dog Assn., and Pennsylvania Police Work Dog Assn. I also became certified as a K-9 behaviorist and certified K-9 Decoy. Later, I realized the need in the community for a dog trainer after repeated requests from people when giving K-9 demonstrations at local events. I was contacted by a local veterinary hospital and was asked to offer my services as a civilian dog trainer instructing basic obedience, advanced obedience, and agility training. I’ve been teaching civilians since 2000.

Below is a list of some of my accomplishments:

I have had a love for animals since I was very young. Growing up with animals I always knew I wanted to do something that involved them. When I was old enough to get a job I worked at a local pet store where I eventually became an assistant manager running the store on my own at times. Wanting to learn even more about animals and caring for them I found an ad for kennel help at a local animal hospital. I knew that would be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door. After getting some basic training in the kennel department I moved into the veterinarian technician position where I received 5 years of hands on experience and training. Eventually I was promoted to Sr. Tech. where I assisted the doctor in everything from routine office visits to major surgeries.

Years later I had to change occupations simply due to salary. It was hard leaving the field, but knew someday I would return working with animals one way or another…..

I've always had a special place in my heart for all animals. Even as a young child, I would beg my parents to keep any "strays" that happened my way. My passion for animals has lead my life in a positive direction, from taking care of family pets as a kid, volunteering as shelters, also rehabing sick or injured wildlife, to my current career since 2003 as a veterinary technician at a local animal hospital were I perform anything from animal healthcare to assisting in major surgeries.

Most of my "four-legged" family members at home are either adopted or rescued from tragic situations, some of which have needs.

Kerri's been working with dogs since 1995 and specifically in doggie daycare since 2003. She is a board member for the Kent County SPCA and is fulling her dream of being surrounded by dogs 24/7. She currently has 3 needy rescue dogs of her own.

Zach has been with the company since the summer of 2010.

I have always had a love for animals. So after 25 years in the dental field I decided to go to pet grooming school at The Academy of Animal Arts, Inc., in Largo, Florida. I graduated March 10th, 2010. Some of the workshops and seminars included; Behavior & Temperament, Pet CPR & First Aid, Canine Massage, Breed Study, and Salon Operations. My main goal is to open a grooming division here at American K-9.