Lifetime dog lovers Jay and Heather have fostered for the local Golden Retriever rescue since 2003, and have fostered 60+ dogs and puppies. They started training their fosters on basic manners and house training so they would be more likely to be adopted. They also saw many dogs given up to shelters and rescue organizations for behavior problems which could have easily been fixed with proper training.
It was their dog Danny, a foster failure, who really brought Heather and Jay into the “training world”. Danny was a very, very high energy dog who needed a lot of direction in his life, so Heather signed up for every training class she could. She became somewhat of a training class junkie, and loved watching Danny blossom into a well-behaved, therapy dog. Both Heather and Jay came to realize how important structure and exercise is for a dog.
They are partial to Golden Retrievers, but love all dogs big and small. They particularly love working with puppies. Jay is certified by the AKC as a Canine Good Citizen Tester and also teaches Therapy Dog and Puppy classes. They train dogs for Triad Golden Retriever Rescue and Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, along with dogs for their private clients.
Trainees are never lonely when staying with Jay and Heather. They recently lost their two senior goldens, Danny and Jasper. Their pack now includes 3 wonderful dogs – Duncan, Castle, and Nova. Two are Golden Retrievers who epitomize their breed by being friendly and good natured dogs. Their newest member is Duncan who is a young, energetic Golden Retriever who will welcome any dog with open paws. Nova is their Lab, who is their puppy playmate. Castle, the oldest reads other dogs really well and is a pro at calming the ones who are nervious. Jay and Heather love spending their time working with their dogs and trainees. Whenever they get the chance, they like to head out and explore the state of North Carolina; going to the mountains or Outer Banks. They’ve recently purchased a travel trailer for spur of the moment trips around the state.