My work with dogs is built on respect, understanding and an individual approach.
I've lived with dogs since I was a child. My life has included both males and females – from mixed breeds to purebreds such as retrievers or springer spaniels. Today I'm accompanied by Čárinka (a border collie and pointer mix), my adopted female Engie from Romania, and I currently foster Daniel, a herding sheepdog.
I'm constantly educating myself, drawing on both practical experience and expert guidance. I trained under dog trainer Dana Baborová, drew inspiration from positive reinforcement and František Šusta's methodology, and studied at Viktoria's dog school "Ako so psom". I completed a dog-catching course at the Veterinary University in Brno, an online course on canine trauma, and I specialize in working with reactive dogs in cooperation with the British organization Positively.com.
I pass on my knowledge through lectures on human-dog communication at schools, youth clubs and scout troops.
In 2023 I founded a private shelter, Hand for Help, in the Šumava mountains, where I currently care for seven dogs. I focus mainly on older dogs and dogs with problematic or challenging behavior, whose chances of adoption are much lower. Through patient, individual work I try to help them overcome their trauma, teach them new habits, and gradually prepare them for life in a safe, loving home.
My help doesn't end with the dogs directly at the shelter. I've long supported around twenty other dogs in foster care – across the Czech Republic and abroad. I cover a large part of the costs from my own resources, but thanks to adoption fees and contributions to our transparent account, we can fund emergency surgeries, veterinary care and other essential help.
To keep the shelter running sustainably, I also have a foundation outside my work with dogs. I'm employed, and this stability lets me help dogs in need without compromising their care. I'm also a foster parent, a wife, and my family is my support. Alongside all this, I lead the fire-performance group Vita Sua.
My long-term dream is to build a center in Šumava for people and their (future) dogs – a place that emphasizes mutual understanding, expert care and education. The goal of my work is to give dogs in need hope for a new beginning and a safe home.
