Guiding With Heart

Heather Wood

Hi, I’m Heather! I’m the founder of PupTalk.

My professional dog journey started in 2011 with A dog-walking gig that quickly evolved into much more. I did city pack walks, training, park hikes, but nothing was truly fulfilling for me and the dogs.

Between 2011 and 2019, I was long-term boarding and built a close-knit pack with my dog, Nora. Myself and 4+ dogs spent countless nights camping in my FJ62 Land Cruiser, exploring remote forest roads in the PNW. These experiences were rewarding and inspiring, in return deepening my bond with dogs and starting a foundation for PupTalk’s hiking and training services.

Years later, many of the same dogs are still with us, and their families have returned with new generations. What started as a simple service has grown into a lasting community, built on trust, and adventure. I’ve always been quality vs. quantity, keeping our program as the close community it was meant to be.

I grew up in the midwest country of Michigan and quickly after working with dogs I knew PupTalk’s end game was to go back to my roots for the dogs, and find property for professional reliability and safety of what we believe in. Before the purchase of our dream property, we lived on Sauvie Island, rented a few other properties in the area, and we also have years of experience out in the deep wild and city environments - keeping us aware of dogs needs in various ways.

I practice slow living, honoring each dog’s natural pace with awareness, patience, and presence. I like to say we live by "dog time" embracing the natural slowness of both dogs (and honestly, my kids), and appreciating what it means to be together in the moment.

Outside of dogs, I share my time with my husband Mike, kids Arlo and Bode, three dogs, our cat, and flock of chickens at our 40-acre home. We love camping, traveling, old vehicles, outdoor sports, and dreaming up new adventures.

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 more foster dogs.

Maureen Fereria

Meet Maureen, one of our amazing dog adventure guides!

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!