Basil joined The Grinning Dog in mid 2023, bringing along a generous and relaxed vibe that the dogs (and the rest of us!) warm up to instantly. Basil will be using their extensive experience in land and property management to maintain the NaturePark, our trails and grounds along with day to day, direct care of our canine guests. Basil's sensitivity to and curiosity about each dog as an individual, fits perfectly with the way we do things around here!
"I've dedicated most of my life to exploring the coexistence of humans and animals, both domestic and wild, in our shared world. My passion for dog training was ignited during my years on the Appalachian Trail. There, I had the privilege of meeting remarkable human-animal partnerships capable of completing the nearly 2,200-mile journey. Exploring the unique breed histories, specific training, and exercise regimens that made these dogs exceptionally well-suited for their roles fascinated me. Today, my focus lies in understanding and supporting dogs with specific behavioral, exercise, and training requirements, such as my own Deaf BC/Aussie mix, Tiefling. When I'm not at the Grinning Dog, you can find me hiking, gardening, and foraging to prepare community meals, all while accompanied by my canine companions."