From an early age, I felt an undeniable pull toward animals and the deeper, more spiritual aspects of their existence. My passion for animals goes beyond mere companionship; I have always sensed them as spiritual guides and energetic beings, each carrying a unique vibrational frequency capable of healing and imparting profound lessons in interconnectedness and unconditional love.
Determined to merge spiritual insight with scientific understanding, I embarked on an academic journey in Animal Behavior, Nutrition, and Alternative Medicine in 1990. My studies took me to esteemed institutions, including the University of Guelph (Canada), Glasgow University (Scotland), and the British Institute of Homeopathy. This diverse educational background allowed me to seamlessly integrate rigorous scientific principles with holistic healing methods, bridging intuition with evidence-based practice.
Scotland, with its mystical landscapes and rich traditions, was a pivotal period in my career. While at Glasgow University, I applied my knowledge to horses, consulting on their behavioral and nutritional needs. I also became an associate of the Canine Education Association of Scotland (CEAS) in the early 1990s, helping to develop innovative training programs for underprivileged young adults pursuing careers in the pet industry. This work led me to become a chartered member of the Institute for Animal Care Education, solidifying my role as an advocate for progressive animal care.
It was during this time that fate introduced me to a renowned Scottish holistic veterinarian pioneering one of the first macrobiotic and Traditional Chinese Medicine-based holistic pet foods. Our collaboration expanded internationally, leading to the establishment of manufacturing operations in the United States and the development of distribution networks across Canada. What started as a single pallet grew into a nationwide holistic pet food movement, immersing me in global holistic veterinary conferences and strengthening my ties within the international pet health community.
Returning to London, Ontario, I founded my first Canadian pet behavior academy, where I introduced completely force-free training methods. While initially met with controversy, my approach gained traction, and I proudly embraced the nickname “The Controversial Canine,” championing compassionate, science-backed, force-free, and holistic animal care—a philosophy I have stood by for nearly three decades.
This period also deepened my commitment to raw feeding, an approach that became a fundamental part of my work with dogs. I combined writing and education, contributing to Home and Garden magazine and various breed-specific publications on homeopathy, animal behavior, and holistic health. My involvement with the CAPPDT, PABA, and ABS further enriched my expertise, while I bred and titled Flat-Coated Retrievers, trained in Schutzhund with my German Shepherd, and attended hundreds of conferences and seminars in animal behavior, nutrition, training, and holistic modalities such as iridology, homeopathy, herbology, and species-appropriate nutrition.
Throughout my career, I have logged thousands of hours in hands-on experiences, working with a vast array of species across multiple disciplines. From hands-on rehabilitation of aggressive or traumatized animals to in-depth conversations and collaborations with some of the most influential minds in holistic veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, and behavior, my work has always been rooted in pushing boundaries and pioneering new approaches. Whether presenting at conferences, consulting with veterinarians, or developing groundbreaking training techniques, I have been privileged to stand at the forefront of progressive animal care.
Following our time in London, Ontario, my (now ex-) husband’s career as a molecular biochemist and PhD in cancer biology and immunology led us to Montreal, QC. There, we purchased a 250-acre working farm, where I established another pet behavior school and expanded my teachings to include agility training, competitive obedience, and a thriving pet nutrition company. My expertise extended into the equine community, consulting and educating on horse behavior and holistic nutrition.
After my divorce, life led me to the vast wilderness of Montana, where I fully immersed myself in natural horsemanship on a sprawling ranch. While I had owned horses previously, Montana provided unparalleled growth and experience. I established and managed a racehorse rescue, an Arabian horse breeding program, and a training facility for Quarter Horses, combining my deep passion for horses with extensive scientific and holistic knowledge. I also ran a rehabilitation program for a variety of animals, further honing my expertise in nutrition, behavior, and alternative medicine. It was here in Montana that Dogs Naturally Magazine was born.
Living in Montana, I could officially add “international” to my title as an Animal Behaviorist and Holistic Practitioner. By this time, I had consulted across three continents and numerous countries, expanding my reach into Canada, the USA, and Europe, later adding South America and the Middle East. I had founded a breed club, opened a school, and consulted for the American Holistic Veterinary College. I taught holistic-minded veterinarians about homeopathy and nutrition while continuing to educate, train, and collaborate with professionals worldwide.
Upon returning to Canada, I launched The Progressive Pet, a publication dedicated to holistic pet health, animal advocacy, and progressive science. My evolving education and spiritual beliefs led me to integrate quantum physics into my holistic approach, allowing me to see animals not merely as companions but as energetic beings vibrating at distinct frequencies.
The principles of quantum theory, which emphasize energetic interconnectedness, form a cornerstone of my practice. Animals influence our emotional and physical well-being through subtle energetic interactions, a concept I have seen create remarkable transformations. Embracing and nurturing this connection has only strengthened my dedication to holistic care, organic botanicals, and natural medicine for pets.
Today, as a professional consultant in Animal Nutrition, Animal Behavior, and Alternative Health—including herbology and homeopathy—I remain deeply committed to empowering pet owners. My mission is to bridge science and spirituality, helping people actively participate in their pets’ health through natural, safe, and sustainable alternatives to conventional care.
Whether through groundbreaking training methodologies, hands-on rehabilitation work, collaborating with leading industry experts, or pioneering holistic veterinary approaches, my focus has always been on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in integrative pet care. I am honored to have contributed to the shaping of modern holistic veterinary practices, combining ancient wisdom with contemporary science to create a truly holistic approach to animal well-being.
My life’s purpose is clear: to elevate the lives of animals through education, holistic care, and compassionate understanding, advocating for a harmonious coexistence between humans, animals, and the natural world.