Mike
Trainer & Pack Leader
I was born in CT and raised on Cape Cod. Some of my first memories as a child are of a Golden Retriever named Leo and creating art. I’ve always loved dogs, and as kids my sister Mindy and I always wanted to be Veterinarians. In 2004, after some college, traveling the country and a long stay in SW Florida as a tattoo artist, I moved to Raleigh. Seeking a change in my life I found a job at YLD and the rest, as they say, is history. Since then, I have volunteered at the SPCA, studied dog behavior, pack behavior and have become a Certified Dog Trainer through the Animal Behavior College. I also had the privilege of studying with Barbara Long, the Vice President of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I thoroughly enjoy teaching people dog behavior and how communicate and live successfully with them. When I’m not with the pack or teaching classes I can be found at Tattoo Jim’s and Son or off on an adventure with my girlfriend, our two Greyhounds and two Australian Cattle Dogs.
I grew up on Cape Cod with my brother, staff member Mike, and have always loved animals and art. I spent much of my time on Cape Cod studying feral cat behavior and taking part in feral cat rescue, as well as pet sitting and creating sterling silver jewelry. I moved to Raleigh in 2009 for a change of scenery and became a frequent visitor to the YLD office. Before long I was working behind the desk, and eventually started working in the pack. I was immediately drawn to the grooming room. After much research I chose to attend Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington, Ky and that was the best decision of my life. I missed my fuzzy pack friends and chose to come back to YLD after graduation. I pride myself on safe and gentle handling, and providing a clean and stress free environment for my grooming dogs.
I am from Winston-Salem, North Carolina originally but have lived in Raleigh since 1975. That is when I came here to attend Meredith College. After obtaining a degree in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration I was married, worked for a couple of years, then became a stay-at-home mom with my daughter and son. That was all twenty five years ago! As my children are now responsible young adults, I realized that the time for "mom" to embark on an adventure of her own had arrived. As a long time client of You Lucky Dog! I have always believed this to be a very special place for our canine companions to spend a couple hours or days, to be groomed or trained. My respect for the work that is done at You Lucky Dog! combined with my love for animals led me to become interested in purchasing the business. I became the proud owner in August, 2011. I personally own two goldendoodles, Phoebe and Bo. They are very special to me, as are all the sweet animals in our care.
I grew up in Pennsylvania right around the Pittsburgh area. My summers were spent exploring the woods and parks around me, this is where my love for the great outdoors took root. I moved with my family to Raleigh in the mid 1990's, this is when we got our first dog, a boxer mix named Lex. Around this time I also got my first job working at Leesville Animal Hospital. From a young age I have always loved animals, and really wanted to become a Veterinarian, but did not have the grades. Fast Forward to 2001 when I got my own dog, a Shar Pei I named Jun-Lei. From 2001 - 2009 I worked for various big box retailers, but was not very happy. 2010 I started to live for myself and quit my job and went to Japan for 3 months. In 2011 I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail, it took me 6 months and I covered a distance of 2181 miles all on foot. 2012 I took 2 weeks and went to Argentina and Uruguay with my mom. 2012 is also when I got my job here at YLD, and I love it. The people I work with are great and the clients and their owner are even better. I still have Jun-Lei, she is turning 12 this year, but she will always be daddy's little girl
