Linda Kaplan - Director

I am a Registered Nurse by Profession. Presented at the American Psychiatric Nurses Conferences on several occasions, and mentored my team of Nurses to co-present. I have worked in private, state and federal positions during my long career in the behavioral health field. My last position before retiring was at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System in Manhattan as a Patient Care Team Coordinator (aka a Nurse Manager with responsibilities for related services like Housekeeping, Social Work etc.). It was during my time at the VA that I implemented Animal Assisted Activities for my patients on the acute mental health unit. It was during this adventure that I came to learn and love the Barbet! One of the first Animal Assisted Therapy Teams I had was someone who owned a Barbet! I was sent his photo and he looked like a “star Wars character. His name was Tug, and he came with one of the best volunteers (human) we ever had. They helped to normalize the hospital experience for my patients! I was hooked on this breed of dog, and soon got Willie (who was a future litter brother to Tug).

Willie and I started puppy classes with Jaime McKay, then did several Family Manners with Jaime and Nancy Fields….and then got hooked on Scent Work Classes with Kathy Gregory, and with Mary Skirchak. A few years latter Arlo joined the family, and has been enjoying Nose Work/Scent Work etc. We started trialing in Nose/Scent Work and so far both have their NACSW 1, NACSW Elements Level 1, AKC Advanced Scent Work Titles and several other titles in scent work. Arlo just earned his FAST CAT BCAT Title, and is the # 4 (soon to be #3) Barbet. They are also the only Barbet to be titled in Scent Work! We were recently featured in the Barbet Club of America newsletter on our journey in scent work. I recently retired from the VA to take care of my two beautiful granddaughters (Madison 3 year and Charlotte 5 months). I feel that my background, both professionally and personally, provide a good fit to assist the Port Chester Obedience Club.