Guiding With Heart
Heather Wood- founder
Hi, I’m Heather!
My professional journey with dogs began in 2011 with a city walking gig and 1:1 training. In those early days, I offered long-term boarding and built a tight-knit group. We would spend countless nights camping and exploring remote areas of the Pacific Northwest in my trusty Land Cruiser. These experiences deepened my understanding of what dogs truly need and created the foundation for our current services.
When it comes to working with dogs, I don’t view it as traditional “training”. For me, it’s about thoughtful guidance, relationship, energy, and presence. From this intentional work, calm, connection, and lasting change grows.
Around here, we like to say we live by “Dog Time”—honoring each dog’s natural pace with awareness and patience, appreciating what it means to be truly present together.
A few years ago we purchased property to create a reliable, safe space that reflects even more what we believe in. Before our current space, I lived in NE Portland, Sauvie Island, leased other properties, and therefore spent many years working with dogs in both wild, farm, and urban environments—giving me a deep understanding of their needs across a range of settings.
As a rescue advocate, I’m proud to call Nora (a senior Rez dog), Hawkeye (a blue heeler rescue), and Red Dog (a more recent foster fail) my best friends. Our future plans include building a safe haven for our foster dogs.
Outside of PupTalk, I share my time with my Husband Mike, sons Arlo and Bode, our three dogs, cat Munch, 3 new farm kittens, and a flock of chickens at our 40-acre home. We’re taking it slow, but adding more farm animals would be an absolute dream! I LOVE desensitizing and watching/teaching species to safely coexist.
I also love almost anything to do with being outside, hiking in quiet places, camping, traveling, old vehicles, music, caring for our land & family, and dreaming up new adventures.
Maureen Fereria- Adventure guide
Meet Maureen!
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 named Milo, all of whom keep her busy and inspired. Over the years, she’s opened her home to foster dogs and lots of puppies. Her 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 under her brand, Cascara Jewelry.
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!
