A Heartfelt Update: Why I Stepped Away From Dog Training and What’s Next

A Heartfelt Update: Why I Stepped Away From Dog Trainng and What’s Next

You might have noticed that I’ve been a bit quiet over the past few years. It’s not easy for me to share this, but life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and sometimes they hit harder than we ever imagined.

It all began with the tragic loss of a childhood friend. Someone whom I loved dearly, since as far back as I can remember. After his passing, quickly followed the heartbreaking and tragic loss of a dog I had recently adopted and had become completely obsessed with. One of those soul mate dogs. Those who've had them, know what I mean.  Well, you know how life throws curveballs—normally, you find a way to crawl back, and you just keep swimming. But this time, it felt like someone had different plans for me, as if instead of swimming, they wanted me to drown. I know it sounds dramatic, but honestly, that’s exactly how it felt at the time. Looking back now, it still feels that way. Trust me,  you’ll understand why as you keep reading.

Just when I felt like I was starting to regain my footing, life struck again—my stepmother passed away. She had been a part of my life since I was four years old. Two weeks later, my sweet bull terrier, Honey Badger, left me unexpectedly. ‘Unexpectedly’ doesn’t even seem to capture it; it felt like something deeper, something more profound. But I guess that’s the word we use.

Since my stepmother’s passing, I had been spending all my time with my dad. Honey Badger always came with me to Dad’s—it was our place. Then, on that same Thursday morning, exactly two weeks after my stepmother passed away, I found Honey Badger, my healthy 5-year-old boy, had passed in his sleep. Those who knew him, or knew of him, understood how big of a presence he was in life.

And as if that wasn’t enough, three weeks after losing Honey Badger, my other bull terrier, Dually, crossed the rainbow bridge. To say I was broken would be an understatement. I never even had the chance to pick up the pieces, to catch my breath—the losses just kept coming. My heart was shattered, and I simply didn’t have the strength to help anyone else when I was struggling to keep myself afloat.

Losing the things we love is an inevitable part of life, but when that loss comes unexpectedly, it becomes a different kind of trauma—one that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Since then, I’ve also had to say goodbye to Ernie, my ride-or-die Chihuahua, the one who sparked my Chihuahua obsession. Recently, we lost Frankie and Zoe as well. Each loss has been a heavy blow—something every dog owner understands and fears the most

It was especially difficult because we had built such an amazing online dog training community through Street Wise Canine, which became a painful reminder of my losses. Every time I saw my content, I was confronted with the dogs I had lost, and it felt like I was being repeatedly slapped in the face by my grief. Because of that, I needed to step away from social media and even my online dog training courses. Thankfully, my partner Melissa was there to keep everything afloat for us.

During this time away, I’ve been healing, reflecting, and slowly rebuilding a different version of myself. I needed to step back to find myself and try to put the pieces of who I was—and who I am—back together again. Now, I’m starting to feel ready to reconnect with what I love most: helping you and your dogs live your best lives together. I know now, more than ever, just how fleeting our time with them is. That’s why helping dogs live their best lives, while they’re here to live it, has become so incredibly important to me. I see it all differently now, with a deeper appreciation for every moment we have with them.

I want to sincerely apologize for my absence and extend a heartfelt thank you to those who have been patient and understanding. I’m excited to be back—and at a new address! We’re now living in Delhi, Ontario, with our amazing friend and work partner from The Dog’s Paw, Melissa. When I rebuilt myself, I didn’t just do it figuratively—I took it seriously, and that meant a move to a new place. I’m thrilled to be getting back to work, and we’re already diving in with a board and train client, group classes, and small dog socials up and running!

I’m not sharing this to seek sympathy—I’m sharing because many of you have reached out, and I’ve either ignored or not given the explanations you deserve. Those of you who have helped build Street Wise Canine into what it is today deserve that honesty, and for that, I’m truly sorry.

Here’s to new beginnings, and let’s train some dogs!

Cher