Born and raised in Canada with family roots in the Czech Republic, Veronica is a professional trainer who also owns a boarding service. Her resume includes a plethora of show and sport titles, and she trains service, therapy and protection dogs both privately and for various organizations. She also travels to police and military units across Canada and the USA for training sessions.

WHO IS YOUR MENTOR?

I have two: Ivan and Natalia Balabanov, as well as Greg and Theresa Chan. Both couples are an absolute driving force for their respective breeds – I'd say Ivan and Natalia are the top Belgian Malinois Breeders in the world, while Greg and Theresa can say the same for Doberman breeders in North America.

The values they have, the respect they have for people, friends, and family are unparalleled. To keep it short and sweet, they truly are phenomenal people.

ONE DOG YOU'LL NEVER FORGET?

I'm not sure if I could pin point one, but if I really had to I think it'd be Liška, my Belgian Malinois.

She's the dog who truly opened doors for me. She's my heart dog. I've gone through breakups with her, relocating homes with her, I've put some of my first titles in certain sports on her, and she has proven to me day after day that anything is possible with dogs. She is my demo dog, she has flown all over North America with me. This dog is just incredible. I don't want to think of the day I'll have to say goodbye.

IF YOU COULD BE ANY BREED, WHICH WOULD IT BE (BESIDES THE ONE YOU CURRENTLY OWN)?

A well-bred, waterfowl fetchin' Labrador. Gun dogs have the life, in my opinion.

FUNNIEST DOG STORY?

To my dogs, they probably think my whole life is a joke, ha!

WHAT'S YOUR HISTORY WITH DOGS?

I have had a variety of breeds in my life, making special note of my very first dog ever who was a Bull Terrier. I then went on to get a Yorkshire Terrier... I set out to almost prove to people that small dogs don't have to have a bad rap, and that Yorkshire Terrier went on to have a variety of Obedience and Trick titles. The best dang small dog there ever was! I also had two Dobermans who did show and sport work. Currently, I have two Belgian Malinois who do show and sport work.

ONE THING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I competed in a national level hunter circuit (horseback riding).

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR DOGS ORIGINATE?

Definitely my great grandfather. Although I don't recall many memories with him he was the one who ran our family farm back home in Czech Republic. I truly believe (as would anyone in my family) that my love for animals came from him. His love for animals, his love for hunting, his love for all things outdoors... it's all from him.

LONGEST ROAD TRIP TAKEN WITH YOUR DOG?

Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) to St. Pete Beach, FL (USA). I did it in about 24 hours.