Annie Hughes is a graduate of the Animal Behavior Center of New York's Canine Behavior Counselor Training Program and a Member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  

Annie arrived in NYC in 1974 to study voice and theater.   Having grown up with dogs, she adopted her own in 1976 - a lhasa apso named Maggie who was her constant companion for the next 16 years.  After Maggie's death, Annie traveled and performed all over the world for the next 7 years, finally settling down on New York City's upper west side.  She was ready to adopt again and found an incredible nationwide shelter on the web: Hearts United for Animals.  

Duffy  arrived first - a lhasa apso who was abandoned twice for food aggression - and, 2 years later,  Chloe came - a puppymill breeding dog with resulting physical and neurological problems.  Helping Duffy and Chloe blossom into happy, healthy dogs inspired Annie to become more involved with the shelter that saved them.  She worked with Hearts United for Animals for 6 years as the New York area liaison in their adoption process, visiting the homes of prospective adopters as well as assisting in local rescues.   From there, her passion for dogs took her to the Animal Behavior Center of NY for an intensive course in the history, nature and psychology of these wondrous and fascinating beings.  She was certified in the summer of 2003 and worked at the center as a master trainer and teacher. There she found Mollie and took her home to join the Hughes pack.

Annie moved to Waupaca, WI, in 2004, with her parents. The three of them welcomed Charlie after a call from the local Humane Society asking for help in saving him from euthanasia due to major behavioral issues. After intensive rehabilitation, he is now a happy, balanced guy and a much loved member of the family.

When you are thinking of adding a dog to your own family, always consider adoption first - and

NEVER EVER - BUY A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE.