Shannon is a Behavior Consultant, A Certified Professional Dog Trainer, AKC Evaluator, AKC Fit Dog Instructor and Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer. A graduate of Animal Behavior College, this Colorado native has always had an interest in animals especially dogs and dog behavior.
What makes you stand out from the crowd? This can be a talent, life-experience, unique hobby.
An Author and collaborator she has worked on many peer-to-peer studies and research articles. She has also written articles featured on petsmart.com and has been quoted in Readers Digest online as well as People.com. Shannon is a virtual content collaborator with training videos climbing to over 5 million views. In 2018 those videos were nominated for the coveted YouTube “Shorty” awards. Shannon is passionate about rescue and has been the training and consultant partner for Adoptable Animal Rescue Force (AARF) for over 10 years.
She has also partnered with therapy dog companies such as Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs and The GO team. Serving as a Dog/ Handler team themselves her own pup Tator has a passion for children and loves to visit the Child Development Centers on the many military bases in Colorado Springs. Where they teach children all about dog safety.
As an avid water sports enthusiast Shannon has also volunteered with SUP Colorado Springs and Team River Runners, an adaptive sports program for Veterans and their families.
When not totally invested in dogs, Shannon is a lover of fitness and adventure, and you can usually find her at the gym, lost on a trail or on the water with her 7lb adventure dog Tator Tot.
What is one experience that has shaped you to be the person you are today, and what advice would you give your younger self?
Life is made up of so many amazing moments. When you’re young it seems like those earth shattering moments are everywhere. The first time to the movies, the fair , having your big brother push you on the swings. As we get older, I’m not so sure that those moments are fewer but maybe somewhere along the way we stopped enjoying them. I would tell my younger self to not let it pass by. Fall in love with every moment. Let the smell of your morning tea delight you. Let the sunrise set you ablaze. Play in the rain. Live IN every moment.
What is your most memorable childhood experience?
My mother took me to my first documentary about animals. It was in an IMAX and that was a big deal. I remember watching these animals, their eyes. I knew there was never any other thing I wanted to do. I wanted to know what they were thinking, why they were thinking it. I looked at those eyes and I saw my future.
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Gosh, I think the last few years have been a little harder for most, myself included. I would say that more than any other time in my life I have been challenged and i have grow. The experiences I will carry with me. The opportunities for growth are immense. Whether it’s teaching yourself the value of rest, the importance of flexibility or for me it’s learning to let go of fear and everything this beautiful world has to offer.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? On what and why?
The best 100 bucks I spent recently was on an Escape room with my family. I have been dying g to go back with them ever since.
What is one book that you recommend our audience should read and why?
The Education of Will, Patricia McConnel.
Patricia is a celebrated Animal Behaviorist. This book is a beautiful mutual memoir of her and her dog Will. As an animal Behavior professional and an animal lover I connect with this book as Patricia explores her own emotions mirrored in her dog.
What is your favorite quote?
Be the person your dog thinks you are….it’s that simple.
What local businesses and local nonprofits would you recommend our readers support?
Behavior Vets or Colorado, Adoptable Animal Rescue Force, my own dog Human Adventure club (A New Leash on Life).
What 3 (only) items would you bring to a deserted island?
A photo album, a book and Tator Tot.
Where are your favorite 5 spots in Colorado and what destination is next on your wishlist?
Paddle Boarding
Hiking
Running
Kayaking
Climbing