I have known Twilla for over 20 yrs now and her love of animals has always been formost in her life, second only to her children and husband. I, myself, am a farm girl from the praries of Saskatchewan and continued in the farming industry into my late 40's when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

Of course, no farm is complete without a dog and we always had dogs on the farm for as long as I can remember. These were happy, working dogs with jobs to do. I didn't realize until I met Twilla, that it was the jobs that fullfilled the dogs, making them the happy creatures they were.

Eventually, after several years of painful management of my illness, I was able to remain mobile with the use of a cane. My mobility was aggravatingly slow and difficult for me to accept because I had been so very active my entire life. With my diagnosis, came a difficult transition. One that was difficult to accept. 

Although I have many friends and a devoted son that would come to visit on a regular basis - Twilla and her children among them - she recognized, in me, a need for a more constant form of companionship. All those hours alone were wearing on me and I had voiced my desire to, one day, have a dog again. Along with all the new limitations imposed upon me by my illness, I assumed that caring for a dog was well beyond my capabilities due to my limited and slow mobility.

Thankfully, Twilla knew just what to do. She found a reputable breeder with a lovely litter of pomeranian/pekinese x puppies. She evaluated the litter over a number of weeks and selected the one with the perfect energy to suit my situation.  

I had no idea she was going to all this effort until she arrived with the children for our regular visit.  She had puppy with her and handed the little bundle to me, saying, "Here is your new friend."

I was overcome with emotion. Although deeply moved by her generosity of spirit, I must admit to having thoughts of self-doubt. Would I really be capable of caring for this tiny bundle of fur?

Twilla had everything my little dog, whom I eventually named "Honey", would need. But most importantly, she explained that I had the natural instinct of a good pack leader and that I should trust myself. She was always available to help me with any question or situation that arose. 

Due to Twilla's skills, she truly did select the perfect match for me. Honey and I immediately fell into a routine that worked for us both. At 8 wks old, Honey only had one accident in the house and that was on the very first day. With Twilla's guidance, Honey was crate trained easily and without incident. This was something new to me becuase we did not crate our farm dogs but Twilla was able to explain the dog psychology as applicable to the crate and how our farm dogs, although never crated, did, in fact, select a place that fulfilled their instinctual needs for a safe and quiet retreat.

Twilla also taught me how to walk Honey adequately by using my scooter safely and in a manner that would pose no danger to my little friend. Honey and I loved the out doors and with the use of the scooter, I was able to exercise her efficiently without over taxing my physical ability.

Honey and I lived many years in wonderful companionship but the day came when my mobility proved to be too burdensome to my faithful companion.  Twilla stuck by my side as the difficult decision was made to place Honey with a person who could care for her properly. We put our heads together and we found a wonderful young lady who I had known for a couple of years and was eager to welcome Honey into her life. I was very fortunate that this individual brought Honey to visit me often. She even brought her to the hospital on several occasions when I was convalescing. 

There were other occasions when I would request Twilla's help when I was sitting for my son's dog. She was there in an instant to evaluate the situation and provide the dog psychology methods to rectify the issue. She also modified methods so I would be able to accomplish the tasks regardless of my limited mobility.

Honey passed away a few years ago but I will never forget how much joy she brought into my life as well as others who knew her. I do not believe I would have been granted this wonderful experience had Twilla not possessed the skills to select the puppy with the proper energy for my situation and provide instruction on becoming a good pack leader which led to a long and loving relationship with my dear little dog. She was always quick to remind me of my natural pack leader skills and encourage me when I doubted myself.

Through Twilla's instructions, I learned things about dogs that astounded me and made me a qualified pack leader regardless of my disability. And for that, I cannot thank her enough.         (E.W. Edmonton, AB)