Deborah Lobo, CGN Evaluator
Hi, I'm Deborah and I have been involved with animals, especially dogs, for the last twenty years. I guess it is a family trait which has been passed down genetically for generations. My grandfather and great grandfather showed Dobermans and my great grandfather was even honoured by the Queen of England!
My career has been closely intertwined with that of my sister – we both show dogs in conformation and have also been involved in agility, tracking and scent work, racing, lure coursing. Frisbee, etc. You name it, we have probably done it!
Our breed favourites are Basenjis, Labrador retrievers and Australian Shepherds. I came to the U.S. from Canada in 2018 and, because I could not work at first due to immigration laws, decided to return to school. While looking around, I discovered that SUNY Cobleskill offered a degree in none other than Canine Training & Management. What, I thought? Could I really get a degree in a field I loved? It turned out I could and I graduated in 2023 as the valedictorian, summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Canine Training and Management.
Turns out I love studying and I am now going to graduate work in Anthrozoology which is the study of the interactions and relationships between human and non-humans. In my spare time – and what spare time you may ask - I participate in a lot of dog related activities – from sports to conformation to dog training to analyzing behavioural issues in dogs and providing solutions to help owners. I also work part-time at a
veterinary clinic as a receptionist cum veterinary assistant to assess FAS scores,prepare medications, vaccinations, etc.
So my life is pretty full.
Working with animals is very fulfilling as the love you receive from an animal is unconditional. Sometimes animals, like people, need a bit of guidance and training to help them become better and that is what I personally seek to do – to improve the communication between us and our companion animals and make life better all-around for everyone!
