Born in Baltimore Maryland.
I am involved with HABA because I believe it to be a unique group of people from varied backgrounds and experiences all of whom are interested in learning about, teaching, and otherwise exploring, our connection to not just pets but other creatures and in fact, the whole natural world.
I enjoy doing what I can mechanically on the little old air-cooled VWs I own, hanging out with my two dogs, Seamus and Clancy as well as my African Grey parrot, Mugatu.
Pre-Covid, I loved travel both for both work and fun and very much look forward to getting to do that again. The HAB has allowed me to go to some great places.
My most memorable Human Animal Bond experience came long before I had any knowledge of the potential and measurable benefits of being around the natural world, in this case, a little dog. It was third year of veterinary school, the year of the “ologies”, and I was sitting in a windowless smelly lab as our neurologist began to walk us through a neuro exam on dogs. As she spoke, the techs came in and gave each table a real live dog to practice on when she was done teaching. I was the lucky one at my table to get a little dachshund mix and I happily placed her on my lap. At first, she watched what was happening attentively, but quickly got bored, who could blame her? She fell asleep as I petted her and in very short order I noticed that my bouncing knee has stopped, I didn’t feel as anxious about all the things I had to learn, I felt…….better.
It really wasn’t until about 20 years later when I read Meg Daley Olsen’s book, “Better Together” that much of what happened to me then began to make sense. Of course, not everyone feels that way about dogs, but it certainly was a wonderful experience for me, and the rest is history.
I have found that thinking of myself as part of a huge global animal family and not a superior human gives me a clarity of vision on many topics and even allows me to speak to clients and other veterinarians in a kinder and more empathetic and way. I believe celebrating each animal’s unique abilities and skills allows us all to understand and respect each other. That is truly the bond we strive towards.
