I’ve been fortunate to keep company with dogs throughout my lifespan. Now as a recent retiree I feel even luckier to be working around them and often in the same settings where I spent much of my career as an Occupational Therapist. It's completely comfortable for me to work in school and hospitals with Ella, my easy going and well-behaved Labrador Retriever.

Ella came to me through Argos Rescue in Albuquerque. She was around four years old, and staying long-term with a friend and foster parent who hadn't yet been able to find an acceptable match. I’ll never forget when we first met, because it was love at first sight. Ella's gaze followed me, and soon she started thumping her tail really loud. I just had to take that as a good sign. Our first walk together felt completely natural and easy. I just knew right then we were going to be friends for as long as we could possibly last. My wife and I have since adopted another Yellow Lab, Zoey, and we all live happily together in the North Valley. It’s actually an ideal setting for outdoor fun in the ditches and trails along the Rio Grande. We all love our daily walks and camping together in the beautiful outside lands of the Southwest.

After 20 plus years practicing in Special Education, I’ve enjoyed retirement while working at a much slower pace. Joining HDTD has afforded me a perfect extension to my career in a more relaxed capacity. I especially enjoy the camaraderie and the diversity of both my human and canine co-workers. Ella and I look forward to meeting and working alongside all of you!