About Us

The Face behind Geronimo.

 

Karissa became interested in dogs at the age of 10. She was not raised with dogs and had to beg her parents to allow her to get a small mixed breed puppy. Shortly after that she attended her first dog show, met a mentor, and started getting involved in training. She started showing her mutt in UKC and attained obedience and agility titles, as well as competed in junior showmanship. By the time she was a young adult, she was training volunteer classes. After she left home, she worked at a very large dog daycare, boarding, and training center in Austin, TX. She then went to Bergin University for a 6 week intensive program for service dog training certification. From there, she went on to work in just about every area of the dog industry- worked for Good Dog Autism Companions, independently training group and private classes, boarding and daycare, pet sitting, grooming, and even pet art. Previous to owning Goldens, she has had a small terrier mix, a Belgian Malinois, and several other family dogs. Now a mom to 5 young boys, Karissa is too busy to be too involved, but tries to do as much as she can in her very infrequent spare time.

My most notable dog-related educational accomplishments:

• Begin University of Canine Studies- 6 week intensive summer seminar graduate

• Prior Service Dog Trainer for Good Dog! Autism Companions

• Golden Retriever Genetic Seminar Study through Institute of Canine Biology