Michael J. Brown

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 for the past 8 years.

Below is a list of some of my accomplishments:

• Professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals
• AKC K-9 Good Citizens Evaluator
• Two time Nationally Certified handler with North American Police Work Dog Association
• Retired Police Sgt. And K-9 Handler/Trainer with Delaware City Police Dept.
• Former K-9 coordinator for N.A.P.W.D.A. State of Delaware
• Certified K-9 Decoy and Behaviorist N.A.P.W.D.A.
• Assisted in the training of police K-9 units from the entire Northeast seaboard
• Finisher in 3 K-9 Triathlon (Pennsylvania & Virginia) Best finish 11th in 2002 in Pa.
• Certified scent detection dog (400 hrs) Certified utility dog (560 hrs)
• Hosted and completed numerous training seminars in the use and deployment of police K-9 patrol dogs, K-9 behavior, aggression, scent detection, tracking, building searches, terrain searches, article searches, obedience, and tactics.

Laurie Brown

I have had a love for animals since I can recall. 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 a ton of hands on training. Eventually I was promoted to Dr. 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…..

Kim

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 of 5 years 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.

Jaclyn

Has always been around animals and loves to work with them. She works at a local veterinary center and will be attending Medical school to become a veterinary doctor.

She has a gentle soul and has recently taken in an abandoned Rottweilier named Baron who had some issues which she has successfully rehabilitated. You will see both of them at the daycare.

Sean

 

 

 

Lauren