Our Team
Heather Wood. Owner, Founder & Lead GUide
Hi, I’m Heather! I’m the founder of PupTalk, where we enrich dogs' lives through outdoor adventures.
My professional dog journey began in 2011 with a dog walking gig that quickly evolved into much more. The most impactful experience was long-term boarding, where I worked closely with clients and raised my dog, Nora, who grew up alongside them, forming a close-knit pack.
I would spend countless nights camping with a handful of dogs in my FJ62 Land Cruiser, exploring forest roads in Washington and Oregon. These hands-on experiences taught me how to truly connect with dogs, earn their trust, and guide them—ultimately deepening my understanding of what dogs need to thrive and inspiring the PupTalk hiking & training services.
I practice slow living and approach dog care with awareness, patience, and presence, allowing dogs to live "dog time"—honoring their natural pace and embracing the rhythms of the outdoors.
My family—my husband, our two kids, Arlo and Bode, and our dogs—spends most of our time outdoors. We live on 40 acres near Portland, surrounded by trails and pastures, where we hope to eventually foster more animals. We love camping, travel, adventure sports, and discussing everything from old vehicles to dreamy life goals.
As a dedicated rescue advocate, I’m proud to call my three dogs—Nora, a senior Rez dog; Hawkeye, a blue heeler rescue; and Red Dog, a foster fail—my best friends. I also have a cat, Munch, and a flock of chickens.
Maureen Fereria, Adventure guide
Meet Maureen, one of our amazing dog adventure guides at PupTalk! A devoted mom to three girls, she’s also a passionate animal lover with a heart of gold. Her family includes her loyal companion, Cricket, along with her other bestie pup named Maisy. She also shares her home with two cats—Owl and Shrimp—and a playful kitten, all of whom keep her busy and inspired. Over the years, she’s opened her home to foster dogs and even cared for a litter of puppies. This deep bond with animals is what drives her to connect so genuinely with the dogs she cares for at PupTalk.
Before joining us, Maureen worked on a farm in Estacada, OR, where she developed a love for horses and learned the value of hard work and dedication. In addition to her love for animals, Maureen is a talented jeweler and silversmith, creating unique, custom pieces under her brand, Cascara Jewelry. Her craftsmanship allows her to express her creativity and attention to detail.
When she’s not out on an adventures with the dogs, or creating beautiful jewelry, you can find Maureen spending time with her family, making people laugh, enjoying the outdoors, or learning something new about the world of animals.
Maureen’s warmth, dedication, and nurturing nature make her a true friend to dogs, and we’re lucky to have her on the team. We love watching her grow alongside the dogs she guides and the adventures they share!
