I am a single mother of 2 boys, Robby and Michael. Most of my time was taken up raising my boys, doing volunteer work for the schools they attended, getting my kids to all their sports activities, and working 3 jobs to support my family.
My hobbies are raising animals, reading, hiking, traveling, playing cards, shopping, watching movies, baking, Red Hat activities, watching sports, (I am a diehard Cubs fan), volunteering, eating out, and listening to Minnesota Public Radio. I just started horseback riding lessons.
I have 7 pets currently living the life of luxury in my home. 5 of my animals are rescue animals. Leah, one of my cats, was rescued on the day she was to be euthanized due to what they thought was a biting problem but turned out that she had been weaned too early. Kosmo, one of my cats, found his way to my porch on a cold winter's night as a kitten. My fox snake was found in a pile of clothes at the Duluth Good Will Store. Luckily I was called to get it. My 2 finches were given to me by a pet shop owner when the female broke her leg after getting it caught in her cage. The owner could not sell the mated pair and was looking for a good home for them. Lastly my youngest son and his girlfriend recently bought me a baby cockatiel born on Valentine's Day. His name is PIP. I went to the pet store every night for 3 weeks to hand feed Pip and start the bonding. Now Pip eats breakfast and helps me read the paper every morning. At night he likes to cuddle while we watch tv.
My dog, Lucky recently passed away. He developed diabetes 4 years ago after a pit bull attack. Insulin shots 2x a day gave him a good quality of life. He lost his sight 2 years ago but his brother, Lightning always walked side by side guiding him. Lightning is a wonderful companion. He is always by my side. However at age 12 he recently has started to be on meds for various old age ailments. He also recently was attacked by a pit bull but Leah, the cat, his pal, came flying at the pit bull's face and then side by side they walked home. Neighbors always laugh because when I take Lightning on walks, the cats come too. Once in a while in the early mornings there might be a third "kitty", a black and white one (skunk). Leah has a secret odorous admirer that follows her.
I recently retired after 35 years of middle school and high school teaching experience. My teaching degree came from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, grades 1-8 and Special Education, all ages.
I taught 7th-12th grade special education classes, (Math, Soc. Studies, and English) for the School District of Superior. I also team taught 10thgrade Biology and 11th -12th grade Ecology. During my years in the district, I developed, directed, and taught a student community work experience program, a student recycling program, a Driver's Ed program for Special Ed students, a basic living 7th-12th grade curriculum to help special needs students survive after graduation. I also developed, directed, and taught a Saturday school tutoring program for behavior problem students. I organized 10 winter camping trips for 40 special needs students to experience The Environmental Learning Center in Isabella, Minnesota.
During this time I became a mentor for new teachers . I was nominated by a colleague and received the School District of Superior Reaching for Excellence Award. In 2005 I was nominated by a student and received an Excellence in Education Award from the Superior Douglas County Chamber of Commerce.
As a docent volunteer for the Duluth Zoo, I did animal outreaches, developed educational units, organized fundraisers, developed and taught a new docent training program, and was a zoo mom to newborn babies at the Zoo and in my home. As a volunteer with the Salvation Army I worked with women needing transitional housing. As a volunteer with the Duluth Woman's Shelter, I was a court advocate and woman's in house advocate. I was a guest speaker for their educational and trainee classes and spoke to professional organizations such as medical personnel, counselors, and police .
As a volunteer at my sons' school I did fundraising activities such as rummage sales and auctions. I volunteered for school duties such as serving at banquets, decorating , doing mailings, and supervising students. When my sons joined the Duluth YMCA Swim Program and the Duluth Speedskating Association, I organized, judged, and ran meets. I was on the Duluth Speedskating Board of Directors and received a Speedskating Lifetime Achievement Award.
I was a caregiver of WindChill. I remember how hard it was for me to leave that first day I visited. As I got up to leave, Kathi asked if I would be coming back. I said I did not know. She replied you will be back. You cannot stay away. She was right. I came back every day. I would get done with work earlier and earlier each day, change clothes, and rush to the barn. I gave WindChill all the love in my heart and he gave it right back to me. I carry his spirit in my heart.
My grief is very painful at times. Heavy tears come to my eyes every time I think of him. The hope, the love, and the support I feel from the WindChill family helps me endure the sadness and helps me work through my anger. I remind myself that WindChill chose me to be part of his life for a reason. I look forward to him guiding me as part of The Legacy Board.

If you are an animal lover, your bond with animals goes far deeper than just companionship. It is really a way of life. Marty Becker DMV