I am presently owned by three dogs

I am presently owned by three dogs, a Boxer, a Chinese Crested, and a Border Collie. I have been involved with dogs my entire life; more so for the last 13 years where I have dipped into many different avenues dealing with dogs: working for a vet, volunteering, working in a kennel, pet sitting, dog walking, apprenticing with a trainer (which lead to teaching pet obedience classes), and finally becoming involved with rescue.

Photo by Pet Art / Photo Reflect

I was introduced to competitive dog sports 5 years ago and became hooked. I now train my dogs for obedience, tracking, and agility. My passion, I’ve found, lies with agility, although I enjoy all three activities. I’ve been married for 10 years and have a son I hope will one day share the same passion I have for dogs -- interesting complex little creatures that offer unconditional love -- I can’t imagine not having one around to share life with and learn from. I am passionate about training and understanding dogs. One can never stop learning and each dog is a new book, some with familiar chapters, and others that are all their own - offering yet another opportunity to learn more.

April Cover Boy: "Justice" - photo by JT Pawprints

A sign painter by trade, I have an artistic streak and have found I just can’t be happy if I’m not doing something creative. Enter "get a grrip" leads -- something that I came up with one night while being crafty and making training toys for my dogs.

One day at an agility trial, my dogs were adorned with my newest creation and people started to ask where I got the leads. Enough people inquired for me to decide to make more and display them for sale at some agility trials.

The leads were an instant hit and I’ve been making them ever since. I only displayed them at a few trials at the end of 2002 and the response to them was incredible! I love the fact that people seem to love them.

To me, they are visually pleasing (right brain) and practical (left brain) for training. Making them is an artistic and creative outlet for me as well as therapeutic. My hope is that people will continue to want & enjoy them as much as I do.

~ Tracy

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