Joyce was introduced at a young age in Detroit, Michigan to nursing homes and assisted living facilities through her family's ownership, and involvement with them.
She brings to the organization more than 40 years of experience in the dog fancy in the way of: Obedience training, Therapy Dog training, Dog show confirmation, and breeding champions, some of which have competed in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden.
Her AKC Champion show dogs have graced the cover of the Alaskan Malamute breed book for TFH publications, have been seen in Saturday Night Live skits, and have had their photos on food containers for Iam’s dog treats.
In the early 90’s, Joyce sat on the Pet Over-Population board of Palm Beach county where she helped to implement the now “Spay Shuttle” for affordable spay and neuters. She was a past president of the Boca Raton Dog Club, and has had numerous board seats, and memberships in various clubs including: The Alaskan Malamute Club of America, Sunshine Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club, The United Poodle Association (UPA), and The Therapy Dog Foundation of South Florida.
She is a Board Advisor to 2gether Furever, a Non-profit Charitable 501(c) 3. This organization helps our Veterans, and 1st Responders get trained Service dogs to help in their everyday lives.
She is also a Member of APDT -
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers
After the passing of her longtime friend of 25 years, and mentor Lynn Hoffman founder of The Therapy Dog Foundation, Joyce continued her legacy and became the Co-Founder, and Vice President of Certified Therapy Dog, Inc.
Joyce's 40 years of experience in the dog fancy, and training helped create the organization from infancy, and helped establish the training techniques used by the organization today. You can expect the same comprehensive training, attention to detail, and enhanced techniques being implemented by
Bonafide Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Today she is an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator, and is involved with rescuing efforts of both canine and felines in Palm Beach and Broward counties. She highly believes in responsible dog ownership, with a fun approach to positive reinforcement between owner/handler and their fur baby.
She resides in Boca Raton with her husband Peter, Aussie Doodle Hayli who is a Certified Bonafide Therapy dog with a AKC Novice Trick title, Standard Parti Poodle Mati a Certified Bonafide Therapy dog, who is also a group winning UKC Champion / International show dog, Miniature Parti Poodle Jeri, a UKC Champion show dog, 3 rescue cats (Lilli, Charli and Caci) 1 feral cat (Stealthi), and parrot (Maxi).
Their beloved Standard Parti Poodle Henri who was a Certified Bonafide Therapy Dog, and remains the face of Bonafide Therapy Dogs, Inc. Passed away suddenly on 5/9/2021. He left this wonderful legacy for all to fill, and we continue in his memory. Henri was a star, and influencer in his own right on Instagram (#Henrisparti) with over 5600 followers. His page will forever continue on with new memories.