Cheryl grew up with a small beagle/sheltie cross named "Snoopy." Also, she competed with her German Shepherd Dog "Jake" in obedience matches and took Highest Score and won various ribbons with Jake. Cheryl use to breed white German Shepherds and show in conformation in Canada.  She trained for other breeders for show and hunting dogs.

Cheryl has always had an interest in dogs and became interested in animal behavior when she worked on a horse farm in the Litchfield area. This prompted her to go to school. In 1989 Cheryl graduated from CT K-9 Academy in Newington, CT with a Certificate in Dog Training/Kennel Management.

She moved to North Dakota and started to work at Great Plains Assistance Dogs Foundation. Here she learned new ways of training and how to work with the physically challenged. She quickly proved herself and became the Director of Training and Placement. She trained many dogs for one or multiple people with diverse disabilities. In her spare time Cheryl belonged to the local horse club and competed in rodeo's. Also, she was active in helping the local young horseman compete.

In 1992, Cheryl wrote and Published "A Training Manuel For Fostering Assistance Puppies"©  Cheryl has worked with people with many different physical challenges. She promotes her expertise on training dogs for multiple disabilities.

Cheryl moved back to CT and trained Guide Dogs for the blind for 2 years at Fidelco Guide Dogs in Bloomfield, CT.

In the recent years has trained Public Dog Training Classes at Brookfield Animal Hospital in Brookfield, CT.

In Memory of Cheryl's Jake 9/27/2001

Scout's web page!

Mr. McNabb's web page!

I hope that the universe gives you great strength and encouragement, just by breathing in the sweet smells of the trees and the rolling sound of the earth’s waters.  May you walk softly with the wolves and dance with energy like the deer,... running.  I believe that you will come to your center and choose your path.  Your journey is ever blossoming!!  Feel the mother earths hands on the bottom of your feet, steadying you so that you will not fall.  Feel her warm breath nurture your soul.  Know that she is here with you, just reach out and touch her.  Get back into nature, and relish in its reality.  That is the only thing that matters on earth.  The pine trees smell sweetening your nose and the moss soft on your toes. 

By;  Cheryl Swarts

2-1-02