As long as I can remember I have always had a love of all animals.  This passion led me to the North Jersey School of dog grooming, where I graduated in 1986.  I immediately started working in a very busy grooming shop and was lucky enough to have very experienced mentors.  Eventually, I moved up to manage that very successful business for many years.  I can never thank the owners of that shop enough for all they taught me, preparing me for a successful career as a groomer.

Grooming led me to participate in several grooming competitions and eventually led me to the world of dog shows.  I have been a professional handler for over 20 years, which has given me the opportunity to travel all over the country to show dogs of all different breeds.  Showing dogs gave me the chance to meet and fall in love with a wonderful breed: the Portuguese Water Dog.