Unleash'd and Luv'd

Bios

Michelle, ABCT Owner

Michelle Nikiforuk is the founder and owner of Bark-A-Bout. She has demonstrated a lifetime affinity for canine well-being. During the last several years, she has been educating herself in all areas of canine wellness. She has worked and traveled to many states to study and observe canine behavior, participating in workshops, seminars, and hands-on training as well as touring pet facility operations. Some of her professional accomplishments and education is evident through her certification in:

• Pet Training
• Pet Nutrition
• Pet Care Technician Level 1
• Grooming
• CPR
• Pet First Aid

She is steadfast and inspired in her study of canine body language, pack/canine behavior, and off-leash play. Michelle has donated her time over the past several years to local No-Kill animal rescues to help train, foster, and rehabilitate abandoned and abused rescue dogs. She is supported by a loving family which includes her canine "relations": Gabby - Airedale, Buddy - Airedale, Zeta - Maltepoo and Dog-in-law Major - Great Dane.

Michelle holds a diploma and background in Interior design; she has owned and operated her own design firm for nine years. She brings her expertise and inspiration into the design of Bark-A-Bout’s state-of-the-art resort facility.

Michelle is a member of:

• Member of ACWT (Association of Canine Water Therapy)
• Member of IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals)
• Member of PCSA (Pet Care Service Association) Formally ABKA

 

 

 

Denise, Veterinarian Research Technician

 Denise – Dennie Graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in office administration/Legal. She was a legal secretary for 11 years, working for both plaintiff and defense attorneys. She returned to school and graduated from Wayne County Community college with a degree in Veterinary Technology in May 1991. She took and passed both her state and national board exams and became a Licensed Veterinary Technologist in July 1991. She continues to educate herself by attending on-going continuing education seminars, classes and home study regarding all issues of veterinary medicine and animal behavior. Dennie has earned a certificate as a Veterinary Dental Technician. She performs dental prophylaxis and teaches dental home care techniques.

Dennie takes a special interest in helping clients understand how to properly care for their pets. She has a special interest in problem behavior issues of dogs and cats. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills with co-employees, new employees and technician interns. She is driven by her love of animals and her desire to help people understand how to care for them and live with them in harmony.

Dennie currently shares her home with two cats. Thoughout the years she has had many dogs, cats, parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, guinea pigs and rats as pets. She also enjoys hand raising abandoned and orphaned kittens, puppies, squirrels and wild back yard birds. She gets excited when she successfully raises and releases or adopts out an animal back into nature/forever home where they belong.

Trainers

Donna, Trainer

Donna J. Zaj is a certified Canine Behavior and Training Specialist. Her credentials include CTC, CPDT, APDT and she is an AKC CGC and S.T.A.R. Puppy Program Evaluator. She has been specializing in aggression management and obedience for nearly thirty years. Donna began her career training seeing dogs, horses, and parrots. She has volunteered and worked with several local animal control officers helping to re-home abused, abandoned, injured and lost dogs. Donna's unique approach included a system that she has developed through years of research and personal experience. Donna has a gift for connecting with animals. They respond to her almost immediately. Donna will teach you what you need to know to do the same for your animal. Donna will also make sure you have a chance to apply what you are learning throughout the process. Donna has joined the Bark-A-Bout team as a Trainer.