The humans behind PupTalk!
Heather Wood- founder
Hi, I’m Heather!
My professional journey began with dogs all over the spectrum in city pack walks and 1:1 training. In those early days, I also offered long-term boarding and built a tight-knit group. The dogs and I would camp all over Oregon and Washington together, spending as much time outside as possible. These experiences deepened my understanding of our canine companions mental and physical needs, thus creating the foundation for our current services.
When it comes to working with dogs, I view training as a lifestyle, focusing on our relationship and connection, guidance, energy, and presence. Much like helping children with their big feelings in the world.
Around here, we like to say we live by “Dog Time” honoring each dog’s natural pace with awareness and patience. We don’t rush and like to set everyone up for success!
After a decade of working in a variety of public and private environments, we finally saved enough pennies to purchase our dream property for a private, reliable, and safe space for our pack adventures, boarding, educational days, and rescue work!
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 (our farm name is called, SlowPoke!!), 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, finding new hikes, spontaneous camping trips, old vehicles, music, caring for our land/garden & family, and dreaming up new adventures.
Maureen Fereria- Adventure guide
Meet Maureen!
Maureen has always been a passionate animal lover with a heart of gold. She’s also a mom to three girls and has a very strong understanding of caring for others. Her fur family includes her loyal companion, Cricket, bestie pup Maisy, and three cats—Owl, Shrimp, and Milo.
Over the years, she’s opened her home to many foster dogs and continues to want to explore further into rescue work. Her deep bond with animals is what drives her to connect so genuinely with the dogs (and humans) she cares for in 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 and quiet hikes, or learning something new about the world of animals.
It’s safe to say we all truly enjoy her company - both the clients and dogs! We love watching her grow alongside the dogs she guides and the adventures they share!
