About Ken:

I can’t recall a time in my life without dogs.  I was taught from an early age to understand and respect dogs.  Lessons from my grandfather on the farm, and from my dad still guide me to this day.  The dogs of my childhood also taught me what it means to a dog to be a dog.  Dog’s hunt, guard, protect and play. (they also snooze on the couch and like cupcakes but that’s another story!)

I have had a few careers in my life, but without question, the most rewarding has been my work with dogs.

About Zulu:

    Zulu found me just when I needed her.  She was an 8 month old puppy at the Winnipeg Humane Society.  It was love at first sight.  She grew up at my side, she helped me through some difficult times, never judging or criticizing.  She was my constant companion and she taught me a lot about myself and about dog behaviour.  She left us after 16 wonderful years and I miss her to this day!

    I was enrolled in flight training school when Zulu found me.  I wanted to give her an aeronautic name, so she became “Zulu”.  Zulu is the word used for time.  Time in aviation is based on Greenwich mean time, so for example, time would be expressed as 13:00 zulu.  It’s also the word used for the letter “Z” in the phonetic alphabet in radio communications.

Why ZuluDog:

I named my company after Zulu because she embodied the spirit of what I think a good dog is and should be.  She was obedient, loyal and balanced  while maintaining an independence and aloofness that I admired.  She was her own dog, but followed my directions and leadership.  We were a team.  I think it is very important that we look at our dogs as team members, not just as pets.  Zulu and I had many, many good times together and I think of her every day.

My philosophy about dogs is “Let the dog be a dog” and don’t over think things.  I’m not terribly concerned that a dog gets all her commands right away or every time. With consistency, understanding, and patience it will come as your relationship grows.  My main objective is that dogs are fulfilled in their nature, that they have an opportunity to be with members of their own species and that they are safe, cared for and respected.  I believe that if these criteria are met, the dog will respect you, making the time you spend together a pleasure for both human and dog.

ZuluDog K9 Services aims to help you bring balance to your dog through positive interactions with other dogs, disciplined and structured outings based on respect and understanding.

Lexi:

In June 2010 I met Lexi at the Victoria branch of the BCSPCA. I was providing K9 massage to the dogs in the shelter on a volunteer basis.  I had met many dogs during my work at the shelter, but something about this one year old shepherd/rottie cross caught my attention.  I was told she was aggressive and wouldn’t let anyone touch her. I was up for the challenge.  After working to gain her trust for nearly 2 hours I knew I had her.  After another hour of relaxation massage she was asleep on my lap.  Lexi and I have been together ever since.  She is now my right paw on our hikes and other travels. (She has been to Winnipeg, Seattle, and she also joined me on a road trip to Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah)  She is a protector of the pack and ensures everyone sticks together and behaves.  She is my partner and goes on every hike and walk with me.