Meet the pack
The Waggy Team
Where Rescue Meets Purpose
Amanda
Qualified dog trainer, life-long adventurer, and founder of Waggy TravelsSeven years ago, I met a dog named Marvin who changed the course of my life.
Marvin had spent the first two years of his life tethered to a back deck. He was shut down, physically underdeveloped and fearful of everything. At the same time, I was recovering from a career-changing snowboarding injury. In many ways, Marvin and I met at the start of our own recoveries. While he was learning to trust the world around him, I was learning to let go of the future I thought I'd have.
For eight months, I visited Marvin every day. There were no quick fixes or dramatic breakthroughs. Instead, there were small moments: quiet walks through the bush, river swims, shared adventures and learning to trust one another. Those daily visits taught me patience, resilience and the incredible power of connection. Together, we discovered something that would become the foundation of what we do today: the healing power of nature.
Since then, I have dedicated myself to understanding dogs, their behaviour and the relationship they share with their humans. Over the past seven years, I have gained industry qualifications and extensive hands-on experience through volunteering, fostering, rescue kennel management, council impounds and private training facilities. Today, I am also studying veterinary nursing to further expand my understanding of canine health, welfare and behaviour.
Throughout my career, I repeatedly witnessed dogs being surrendered, rehomed or returned because behavioural challenges weren't properly understood or supported. Many were simply overwhelmed, understimulated or lacking the guidance they needed to succeed. Waggy Travels was created to help break that cycle: a dog training and adventure-based support service built around the belief that every dog deserves the opportunity to explore the world.
We specialise in post-adoption support, large breeds and reactive behaviours, helping dogs and their humans build better communication and lasting trust. Nature remains at the heart of everything we do.
We believe freedom is one of the most valuable rewards a dog can earn. Many dogs are motivated by what comes naturally to them: movement, exploration, social connection and adventure.
Our trained pack of former rescue dogs supports everything we do, helping demonstrate what is possible when dogs are given the right opportunities.
We are passionate about education, advocacy, rescue support and helping dogs remain in loving homes for life. The private work we do with clients allows us to give back through volunteering with rescues.
Because if Marvin taught me anything, it's this: it's never too late to start again.
Marvin had spent the first two years of his life tethered to a back deck. He was shut down, physically underdeveloped and fearful of everything. At the same time, I was recovering from a career-changing snowboarding injury. In many ways, Marvin and I met at the start of our own recoveries. While he was learning to trust the world around him, I was learning to let go of the future I thought I'd have.
For eight months, I visited Marvin every day. There were no quick fixes or dramatic breakthroughs. Instead, there were small moments: quiet walks through the bush, river swims, shared adventures and learning to trust one another. Those daily visits taught me patience, resilience and the incredible power of connection. Together, we discovered something that would become the foundation of what we do today: the healing power of nature.
Since then, I have dedicated myself to understanding dogs, their behaviour and the relationship they share with their humans. Over the past seven years, I have gained industry qualifications and extensive hands-on experience through volunteering, fostering, rescue kennel management, council impounds and private training facilities. Today, I am also studying veterinary nursing to further expand my understanding of canine health, welfare and behaviour.
Throughout my career, I repeatedly witnessed dogs being surrendered, rehomed or returned because behavioural challenges weren't properly understood or supported. Many were simply overwhelmed, understimulated or lacking the guidance they needed to succeed. Waggy Travels was created to help break that cycle: a dog training and adventure-based support service built around the belief that every dog deserves the opportunity to explore the world.
We specialise in post-adoption support, large breeds and reactive behaviours, helping dogs and their humans build better communication and lasting trust. Nature remains at the heart of everything we do.
We believe freedom is one of the most valuable rewards a dog can earn. Many dogs are motivated by what comes naturally to them: movement, exploration, social connection and adventure.
Our trained pack of former rescue dogs supports everything we do, helping demonstrate what is possible when dogs are given the right opportunities.
We are passionate about education, advocacy, rescue support and helping dogs remain in loving homes for life. The private work we do with clients allows us to give back through volunteering with rescues.
Because if Marvin taught me anything, it's this: it's never too late to start again.
Jamie
Dog Trainer & Community CoordinatorMy passion for animals began as early as I can remember. According to my mum, as soon as I could walk, I was stopping to “rescue” every snail and bug on the footpath.
At 13, I began volunteering at Taronga Zoo through their Youth at the Zoo program, where I spent the next six years learning about animal care, behaviour and welfare. It was there I discovered just how rewarding it is to earn an animal’s trust and where my love of training first began.
Although I completed my Certificate III in Captive Animals and have been lucky enough to work with everything from snakes and alligators to wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils, my heart ultimately led me to dogs.
Since then, I’ve worked across doggy daycare, puppy preschool, boarding and board and train, while continuing my education in canine behaviour and training. One of the most influential courses I completed was Safe Handling and Assessment of Dangerous Dogs, which sparked a particular fascination with reactive dogs and understanding the behaviour behind dogs who are often misunderstood.
Along the way, I also welcomed my first “fur-less” baby, my daughter Josie! Our family is now complete with our ex-racing greyhound Nyx, rescue dog Anakin, Border Collie Kora and ex-street cat Rocket, who definitely rules the household.
They say if you choose a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life — and that’s exactly how I feel being part of the Waggy Travels family. I love getting to know each dog as an individual, helping them build confidence and watching those little breakthroughs happen. Being surrounded by people who share that same passion for dogs, behaviour and giving them the best life possible makes Waggy feel like exactly where I’m meant to be.
At 13, I began volunteering at Taronga Zoo through their Youth at the Zoo program, where I spent the next six years learning about animal care, behaviour and welfare. It was there I discovered just how rewarding it is to earn an animal’s trust and where my love of training first began.
Although I completed my Certificate III in Captive Animals and have been lucky enough to work with everything from snakes and alligators to wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils, my heart ultimately led me to dogs.
Since then, I’ve worked across doggy daycare, puppy preschool, boarding and board and train, while continuing my education in canine behaviour and training. One of the most influential courses I completed was Safe Handling and Assessment of Dangerous Dogs, which sparked a particular fascination with reactive dogs and understanding the behaviour behind dogs who are often misunderstood.
Along the way, I also welcomed my first “fur-less” baby, my daughter Josie! Our family is now complete with our ex-racing greyhound Nyx, rescue dog Anakin, Border Collie Kora and ex-street cat Rocket, who definitely rules the household.
They say if you choose a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life — and that’s exactly how I feel being part of the Waggy Travels family. I love getting to know each dog as an individual, helping them build confidence and watching those little breakthroughs happen. Being surrounded by people who share that same passion for dogs, behaviour and giving them the best life possible makes Waggy feel like exactly where I’m meant to be.
Stef
Spare Dog Mum & Chaos CoordinatorPeople think working with dogs is all puppy cuddles and wagging tails. The reality? Mountains of laundry, muddy paw prints, and cleaning up more poo than I’d ever thought possible. Thankfully, I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.
My journey with dogs started back in 2018, volunteering at local council pounds. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me something incredibly valuable: years of hands-on experience working with dogs of every breed, age, personality and behavioural challenge imaginable. From nervous and shut-down dogs to highly reactive dogs and everything in between. Every dog taught me something different.
Over the years, through my time in pounds and rescues, as well as short- and long-term fostering, I learnt firsthand how much an environment - and one person willing to put in the time - can change a dog’s life. I saw dogs who were scared, shut down or overlooked begin to come out of their shell when they were given safety, patient training and rehabilitation, and a real chance to rebuild their confidence. Sometimes, that chance can make all the difference.
I first met Amanda while she was working at a local pound, where we quickly discovered we shared a similar philosophy around dogs. That connection eventually led me to Waggy. For the past two+ years, I’ve worked alongside Amanda, mostly as the behind-the-scenes Waggy backbone running the chaos at the home compound and keeping the wheels turning. From meals, meds, routines, training plans and supplies, to keeping both dogs and humans moving in roughly the right direction, there is always plenty going on.
Dogs are a pretty big part of my life outside Waggy too - although these days, the line between the two is pretty blurry. I recently officially joined the foster-fail club with Floppy, who came into care and somehow ended up staying for good. I also have two very dog-savvy cats, Frankie and Floyd, who have become excellent (and very opinionated) testers for dogs in our care, helping us understand which dogs may be able to safely live alongside cats.
I love being part of each dog’s progress and watching their confidence grow. Being surrounded by the dogs every day, and learning from Amanda along the way, has taken me a long way in my own training journey. For me, it’s those little breakthroughs - seeing a dog start to trust, relax, learn or simply enjoy being a dog again. That make all the chaos worth it.
My journey with dogs started back in 2018, volunteering at local council pounds. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me something incredibly valuable: years of hands-on experience working with dogs of every breed, age, personality and behavioural challenge imaginable. From nervous and shut-down dogs to highly reactive dogs and everything in between. Every dog taught me something different.
Over the years, through my time in pounds and rescues, as well as short- and long-term fostering, I learnt firsthand how much an environment - and one person willing to put in the time - can change a dog’s life. I saw dogs who were scared, shut down or overlooked begin to come out of their shell when they were given safety, patient training and rehabilitation, and a real chance to rebuild their confidence. Sometimes, that chance can make all the difference.
I first met Amanda while she was working at a local pound, where we quickly discovered we shared a similar philosophy around dogs. That connection eventually led me to Waggy. For the past two+ years, I’ve worked alongside Amanda, mostly as the behind-the-scenes Waggy backbone running the chaos at the home compound and keeping the wheels turning. From meals, meds, routines, training plans and supplies, to keeping both dogs and humans moving in roughly the right direction, there is always plenty going on.
Dogs are a pretty big part of my life outside Waggy too - although these days, the line between the two is pretty blurry. I recently officially joined the foster-fail club with Floppy, who came into care and somehow ended up staying for good. I also have two very dog-savvy cats, Frankie and Floyd, who have become excellent (and very opinionated) testers for dogs in our care, helping us understand which dogs may be able to safely live alongside cats.
I love being part of each dog’s progress and watching their confidence grow. Being surrounded by the dogs every day, and learning from Amanda along the way, has taken me a long way in my own training journey. For me, it’s those little breakthroughs - seeing a dog start to trust, relax, learn or simply enjoy being a dog again. That make all the chaos worth it.
Shana
Canine Care & Compound AttendantLifelong animal devotee, behaviour intrigued, and proud member of the “dogs are my people” club. 🐾
My story started with my childhood best friend, Babe, a Staffy Bully cross with a blue saddle. From then on, I never really lived a life without animals. Dogs, reptiles, creepy crawlies, if it moved, I wanted to understand it, protect it and probably bring it home.
I completed my Certificate II in Animal Studies and volunteered with the RSPCA, where I fell head first into the world of behaviour. Life then took me on a 15 year detour into mental health and psychosocial rehabilitation. It wasn’t the wrong path. Those years gave me a deeper understanding of behaviour, relationships and how our experiences and environments can shape us.
Through it all, animals remained a huge part of my life. I raised two Huskies from my late teens into adulthood, my wolf brained teachers who shaped my understanding of instinct, communication and loyalty. I fostered, pet sat and rehabilitated animals along the way. 🤍
I also became more outspoken about animal rights, veganism, and the uncomfortable truths that often get ignored. Advocacy is part of who I am.
Eventually, my heart pulled me back to working hands on with animals. I’m now completing my Certificate III in Animal Care, following the dog training pathway, alongside running my own grooming business.
My long term goal is to combine my animal experience and mental health background to train rescue dogs for people needing mental health support assistance. 🌿🐾
My story started with my childhood best friend, Babe, a Staffy Bully cross with a blue saddle. From then on, I never really lived a life without animals. Dogs, reptiles, creepy crawlies, if it moved, I wanted to understand it, protect it and probably bring it home.
I completed my Certificate II in Animal Studies and volunteered with the RSPCA, where I fell head first into the world of behaviour. Life then took me on a 15 year detour into mental health and psychosocial rehabilitation. It wasn’t the wrong path. Those years gave me a deeper understanding of behaviour, relationships and how our experiences and environments can shape us.
Through it all, animals remained a huge part of my life. I raised two Huskies from my late teens into adulthood, my wolf brained teachers who shaped my understanding of instinct, communication and loyalty. I fostered, pet sat and rehabilitated animals along the way. 🤍
I also became more outspoken about animal rights, veganism, and the uncomfortable truths that often get ignored. Advocacy is part of who I am.
Eventually, my heart pulled me back to working hands on with animals. I’m now completing my Certificate III in Animal Care, following the dog training pathway, alongside running my own grooming business.
My long term goal is to combine my animal experience and mental health background to train rescue dogs for people needing mental health support assistance. 🌿🐾
Snowman
Waggy's ambassador, top dog and behaviour barometerSnowman entered Amanda’s life 4 years ago as a shut down, reactive dog in a NSW pound, scheduled for euthanasia. At the time, Amanda was fostering with Rescue Hub, who placed an urgent save on him. Marking the start of a life-changing partnership.
Initially, Snowman would “play dead” when given any attention. He had no food drive, no play drive, and no confidence...a dog trainer’s achilles heel. Three weeks later, he had his first grand mal seizure. It was terrifying. Then his aggression toward people and dogs surfaced. It took around a year of holistic medical management and pure positive training to bring Snowman to a stable, neutral place.
Snowman (once just “Snow”) got a name upgrade and a new role: Waggy Travels Ambassador. He’s gone from muzzled and reactive to calm, trusted, and social. From human-aggressive to the ultimate foster grandpa, he’s helped dozens of scared, reactive dogs out of the pound and into the world, simply by being near them and not giving a damn. He’s even completed service dog training, though you’ll usually find him just vibing with Amanda, sharing matching unbothered energy.
Snowman is now our Behavioural Barometer and his calm, consistent energy helps us assess and support reactive and fearful dogs. What makes Snowman remarkable isn’t just what he overcame, it’s what he instinctively offers others.
He’s taught us more about patience, trust, and connection than any textbook ever could.
Initially, Snowman would “play dead” when given any attention. He had no food drive, no play drive, and no confidence...a dog trainer’s achilles heel. Three weeks later, he had his first grand mal seizure. It was terrifying. Then his aggression toward people and dogs surfaced. It took around a year of holistic medical management and pure positive training to bring Snowman to a stable, neutral place.
Snowman (once just “Snow”) got a name upgrade and a new role: Waggy Travels Ambassador. He’s gone from muzzled and reactive to calm, trusted, and social. From human-aggressive to the ultimate foster grandpa, he’s helped dozens of scared, reactive dogs out of the pound and into the world, simply by being near them and not giving a damn. He’s even completed service dog training, though you’ll usually find him just vibing with Amanda, sharing matching unbothered energy.
Snowman is now our Behavioural Barometer and his calm, consistent energy helps us assess and support reactive and fearful dogs. What makes Snowman remarkable isn’t just what he overcame, it’s what he instinctively offers others.
He’s taught us more about patience, trust, and connection than any textbook ever could.
Osiris
Senior pack member & second chance specialistAmanda first met Osiris when he was just six months old. She was close with his original owner, who sadly passed away a few years ago. When she discovered Oz and his sister Iris had ended up in a rural pound following the loss of their dad, there was no question. She went and got them.
They came to her grieving, completely dependent on each other and with little experience of the outside world. Neither had walked on a lead, together they weighed over 80kg, and both struggled with reactivity towards people and dogs.
As bonded litter mates, much of their journey was about discovering who they were independently. Slowly their worlds grew, their confidence followed, and eventually Iris was ready for her unicorn forever home. Oz stayed.
Somewhere along the way, he'd decided Amanda was his person too. During one of the hardest periods following the loss of his dad, those big Ozzy eyes and the dog behind them gave Amanda exactly what she needed to keep going. Adopting him remains, in her words, “the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Oz became one of Waggy Travels’ trusted neutral dogs, a steady presence and empathetic peacemaker within the pack.
Then, nine months ago, Oz was attacked by another dog on a walk. His friendship circle suddenly closed to unfamiliar dogs. Rebuilding wasn’t about making him tolerate them again. It was about restoring his trust in his humans and showing him he could hand the responsibility of keeping himself safe back to them.
Slowly, that trust is returning. Today, Oz is beginning to welcome new dogs into his circle again and return to his role at Waggy Travels, helping dogs through struggles he now understands firsthand.
Ozzy may have lost his family, but he sure is the heart of ours here at Waggy Travels. 🖤
They came to her grieving, completely dependent on each other and with little experience of the outside world. Neither had walked on a lead, together they weighed over 80kg, and both struggled with reactivity towards people and dogs.
As bonded litter mates, much of their journey was about discovering who they were independently. Slowly their worlds grew, their confidence followed, and eventually Iris was ready for her unicorn forever home. Oz stayed.
Somewhere along the way, he'd decided Amanda was his person too. During one of the hardest periods following the loss of his dad, those big Ozzy eyes and the dog behind them gave Amanda exactly what she needed to keep going. Adopting him remains, in her words, “the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Oz became one of Waggy Travels’ trusted neutral dogs, a steady presence and empathetic peacemaker within the pack.
Then, nine months ago, Oz was attacked by another dog on a walk. His friendship circle suddenly closed to unfamiliar dogs. Rebuilding wasn’t about making him tolerate them again. It was about restoring his trust in his humans and showing him he could hand the responsibility of keeping himself safe back to them.
Slowly, that trust is returning. Today, Oz is beginning to welcome new dogs into his circle again and return to his role at Waggy Travels, helping dogs through struggles he now understands firsthand.
Ozzy may have lost his family, but he sure is the heart of ours here at Waggy Travels. 🖤
Floppy
Junior Pack Member & Professional PlaymateFloppy had a pretty rough start to life. He was one of ten puppies found living in horrible conditions, with very little exposure to the outside world before being rescued.
By the time our worlds collided, Floppy was the very last of the puppies still in the kennels, and arguably the one who needed the most help. He was nervous, jumpy, had zero manners, didn’t know how to walk on a lead and was petrified of pretty much everything. Cars alone were enough to send him into a panic.
We decided to take him in temporarily to help him find his feet, and somewhere along the way, he found his home too. Our very own Stef foster failed him, and Floppy officially became the baby of the Waggy Pack.
Fast forward a few months and he’s almost unrecognisable. Still a giant goofball, but now a happy, social little guy who loves dogs, people and getting amongst just about everything.
He’s also known for his signature move “the flop”, dramatically throwing himself on the ground when meeting new dogs. It might be his submissive way of saying “I’m no threat”, or maybe he’s just being Floppy. Either way, it works. His silly, non-threatening nature makes him a brilliant buddy for dogs who’ve never felt comfortable around other dogs, helping them feel safe enough to join in and have some fun.
For a little guy who was once scared of pretty much everything, he’s come a very long way. He’s still got plenty of growing up to do and lots to learn from the older, wiser members of the pack but he’s already become a pretty special addition to the Waggy family. 🤍
By the time our worlds collided, Floppy was the very last of the puppies still in the kennels, and arguably the one who needed the most help. He was nervous, jumpy, had zero manners, didn’t know how to walk on a lead and was petrified of pretty much everything. Cars alone were enough to send him into a panic.
We decided to take him in temporarily to help him find his feet, and somewhere along the way, he found his home too. Our very own Stef foster failed him, and Floppy officially became the baby of the Waggy Pack.
Fast forward a few months and he’s almost unrecognisable. Still a giant goofball, but now a happy, social little guy who loves dogs, people and getting amongst just about everything.
He’s also known for his signature move “the flop”, dramatically throwing himself on the ground when meeting new dogs. It might be his submissive way of saying “I’m no threat”, or maybe he’s just being Floppy. Either way, it works. His silly, non-threatening nature makes him a brilliant buddy for dogs who’ve never felt comfortable around other dogs, helping them feel safe enough to join in and have some fun.
For a little guy who was once scared of pretty much everything, he’s come a very long way. He’s still got plenty of growing up to do and lots to learn from the older, wiser members of the pack but he’s already become a pretty special addition to the Waggy family. 🤍