Whiskers and Wet Noses

For the past twenty years, I’ve rescued/adopted dogs, mostly larger breeds predominantly German Shepherds. Part of my commitment to my fur-babies is to ensure that they have proper training. I’ve had the fortune to work with some really good trainers in NC and NY. Upon moving back to Rockbridge County, VA from New York in 2016, I adopted three dogs from 2016-2017. Rusty (Chocolate Lab) and Roxy (Boxer) who were older and well-behaved. Lucy my female GSD, yearling needed basic puppy training as she unfortunately lived too much of her life crated. I had zero luck finding anyone in the county who I had confidence in to train her. Instead, I did the best I could and lucky for me, Lucy is a very friendly, gentle female GSD. Fast forward summer of 2022, a fellow animal lover and rescuer reached out to me about a non-neutered, yearling GSD. She was very concerned about the neighbor’s dog, Post, acquired from a pet shop in Lynchburg, VA by a navy vet suffering from PTSD. Although the vet loved Post, he wasn’t physically or emotionally able to care for him. It took until July 2023 over a year later before the vet was ready to rehome Post. My colleague reached out again and I went to Lynchburg the same day to pick up Post. Immediately following I started my search for a trainer, this time I was lucky enough to find Sammy Smith! She surpassed my best experiences with dog trainers by 100 percent! Before taking Post to Sammy, I rushed to have him neutered. At first, he seemed to be adjusting to farm life and having two siblings Gigi and Lucy; however, after an encounter with a male chug with attitude he bit the dog. Both Post and the Chug are fine, but the need for Post’s training intensified. After Post healed from his neutering and Sammy had a slot open, Post spent two weeks in Sammy’s program. Post came home to me as his best version of himself. Sammy brought out his confidence and taught him to listen and be attentive. Post is a silly, goofy pup who likes to play hard and snuggle. I couldn’t love him more and I give a lot of credit to Sammy for him! After his two weeks, my responsibility was to reinforce all the great work Sammy and Post did. With Sammy’s thorough review and instructions, including how to properly use Post’s new collars and leads, we were all set until my accident on September 1. A little over two weeks after Post’s homecoming, I had a spill and broke my tibial plateau which required surgical intervention. There was no way I could work with Post from a wheelchair with a minimum of eight weeks before being weight bearing so no way to exercise two of my three pups. I called Sammy and she graciously crafted a plan to not only board Post, but also my rambunctious – highly loveable Gigi. Post would continue to get all the reinforcement and I wouldn’t have to worry about either of my young furbabies. Sammy’s love of all animals and her open heart to rescue me under some pretty terrible circumstances speak volumes. I get pictures and updates daily of Post and Gigi, along with Koa who is Sammy’s GSD. They are all besties. In sum, I couldn’t recommend anyone more highly than Sammy to entrust with your pup. She is the best and you and your animals would be so lucky to work with her!

When we adopted our dog as a rescue, she was skittish and had no idea which end was up - and we were the same way. Sam was AMAZING. My dog sensed right away that Sam was a friend and a safe person, and that she knew what she was doing. In a couple of months time, my nutty hound had become the sweetest, funniest, easiest dog in the world, and we all had more confidence so we could enjoy each other. Sam also dog-sat for our dog and was wonderful. Gave me updates all the time and cared for her like she was her own. So much so that the next time we went, my dog was wagging like crazy and couldn't wait to get out of the car to see Sam and stay at "camp". Sam.was born to help dogs and their people! I seriously can't recommend her enough.