Melissa Bleiler graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in German Literature and European Studies.  She has always shared her home with various animals (some on purpose): dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, mice, ducks, ferrets, birds, an iguana, and on and on.  She dreamed of being a veterinarian when she was a young girl, but strong allergies to certain cat and dog breeds put a damper on that.  Now having grown out of most of those allergies, she's happy to be finding her dog-time with Teacher's Pet and by sharing her life with Samson, an Old English Sheepdog/Husky mix and Lila, a Border Collie/Terrier mix (although her husband has re-badged her a "bear terrier"). 

 

Melissa works fulltime with the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY), providing programs to gifted and talented students in the state.  The teaching methods she's learned about through working with gifted programs are similar to the training methods she employs in dog training:  A lot of patience, and providing the right amount of challenge to keep them engaged! 

 

When she has time, Melissa enjoys traveling internationally and cooking for friends.  In spring 2005 she returned to Costa Rica and spent some time entertaining 2 beach dogs she'd met the year before.  Perfect travel companions!