Jill Miller is a professional obedience instructor, a member of the Association of
Pet Dog Trainers and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
Jill is a former foster home and current board member for the Labrador Education and
Rescue Network. She makes her home with two Labradors, two cats, a guinea pig,
an aquatic frog, and a husband.
The idea for Courteous Canines came about one day when Jill sat down and listed her strengths
and interests in an attempt to find a the perfect new job. She realized that her love of
animals, experience as a pet owner and trainer, as well as her desire to be her own boss, lead
to one logical choice – a dog walking and pet sitting service. What started off as a favor for
neighbors, family, and friends when she was nine is now a fascinating and rewarding career.
References available upon request.
Jill's Pets
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Cousteau is a 4 year old yellow lab who is proud owner of the title
"World's Worst Puppy". Despite a rough beginning, with a lot of positive training
and fun bonding experiences, Cousteau is now a great dog. He has his Flyball Champion
title and will be working toward his Companion Dog obedience title this fall.
Cousteau also enjoys agility classes, but would rather run through the tunnels
continuously, than follow a set course.
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Lola is a 3 year old African clawed frog. He was supposed to be a pet in
Jill's elementary school classroom, but Jill's husband bonded to Lola, so Lola is now
his office mate. Believe it or not, Lola really likes the dogs and swims around his
tank to follow them whenever he gets the chance.
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Greymalkin (aka Mully) is a 4 year old dilute tortoiseshell,
adopted from the Jefferson County Humane Society the day Jill and her husband moved
into their new home. Mully sees no purpose for there to be dogs in her home,
but has decided she must deal with them in order to reach her favorite nap spot
in the sun room. Mully's favorite thing to do is to jump on the counters when
everyone is asleep and chew holes in bread bags.
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Over the Bridge
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Machiavelli is a domestic short hair that claimed Jill and her roommates
one freezing October night in 1996. She stole Jill’s bed, then her heart,
and has been ruling the roost ever since. Her favorite thing to do is sit near
Jill as she works and growls every time Jill moves.
Machi developed cancer in the fall of 2004 and left us in December.
Her cranky kitty ways are very missed.
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Beamish is a lab mix rescued through
LEARN Lab rescue.
He's about two and has learned a lot in the year he's been with us - how to be a good boy
in the crate, how not to pull people over on leash, and how to use the
yard for a toilet, just to name a few things. We are gradually working on boosting
Beamish's confidence around other dogs, but in the meantime, he has a
great time going to schools to teach children about humane education.
Sometimes love isn't enough to heal past damage.
We made the decision to send Beamish to a less scary place in December of 2004.
Run free over the Rainbow Bridge, Beamie.
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Tiger is a 4 year old guinea pig who spent a year in Jill's elementary school
classroom. When Jill resigned from teaching, Tiger came home with her.
Tiger's favorite thing in the world is when he finds cut up celery in his food dish.
Tiger finally succumbed to extreme old age this fall, living over a year
past the normal life-span of a guinea pig.
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The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
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