happily ever after?

Seriously, you deserve a gold medal. Or a parade. Or at least a really good treat! You gave a dog a second chance, and that’s no small thing. You did something incredible and your new best friend is lucky to have you. So this is happily ever after, right? Well… not exactly.

Bringing home a lifelong companion, especially one with an unknown past, comes with its fair share of bumps in the road. But don’t worry, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

That’s where I come in!

If you’re struggling with:

• Integrating your new dog with existing pets or family members

• Potty training an adult dog

• Reactivity or fear-based behavior

• Trouble with leash skills or settling into a routine

• Separation anxiety or clingy behavior

• Or just figuring out how to help your new dog adjust to real life…

You’re in the right place.

Hi, I’m Sierra

Shelter dogs are my roots and my passion.

I’ve been working with rescue dogs since 2011, starting as a kennel tech scrubbing floors and handing out biscuits. Since then, I’ve worn just about every hat in the rescue world:

• Shelter manager

• Foster mom

• In-home trainer for newly adopted dogs

I’ve been there for the first day out of the shelter. I’ve seen the “oh no, what have we done?” panic. I’ve coached overwhelmed adopters through everything from leash meltdowns to reintroducing peace into their multi-dog home. And honestly? I’ve seen it all.

My goal is simple: get dogs out of shelters and keep them in their forever homes.

With structure, understanding, and the right support, we can make adoption stick. Whether you're weeks into your rescue journey or still adjusting to the new normal, I’ve got your back and your dog’s.

free guide: rescue to refuge

The roadmap every adopter wishes they had.

You’ve brought your new dog home—now what? This guide walks you through the things nobody tells you about the transition period. Because rescue dogs need more than love, they need space, routine, patience, and support. And you need to know how to give them that without losing your mind.

Inside the Guide:

• How to bring your new dog home without overwhelming them

• The right way to introduce them to your existing pets

• Why giving your dog a safe space is non-negotiable

• How to create structure while still giving them room to decompress

• Tips to avoid the most common post-adoption mistakes

• What to expect in the first few days, weeks, and beyond

This isn’t fluff. It’s the guide I wish every adopter had in their hands before the freak-out stage hit.

You’re giving your dog a second chance. This guide will help you make it last.

Virtual

services

Because good intentions aren't always enough, and that’s okay. Rescue dogs come with pasts, personalities, and sometimes behaviors you didn’t expect. And even if you're doing everything right, things can still feel off the rails.Sound familiar?

Does this sound familiar?

• You're not sure how to introduce your new dog to your resident pets

• Your dog is constantly pacing, barking, or can't settle

• They're reactive on walks or fearful of strangers

• You're walking on eggshells, not wanting to mess things up

• You keep wondering, “Is this normal… or a red flag?”

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a plan and a trainer who actually gets rescue dogs.

Five 30-minute Zoom sessions customized for your dog and your situation.

Perfect if you're outside my local area, or if your dog is still adjusting and does better in a calm, familiar space. You’ll get clear coaching, homework, and a step-by-step plan—no guesswork required.

Schedule a free consultation below.

In-Person

Five 1-hour sessions in your home (Hood River, Mosier & The Dalles).

Ideal for families, multi-dog households, or dogs who need support in the environment where the behavior is happening. We’ll work hands-on to make your space safe, structured, and peaceful for everyone.