Deirdre McGrath, CNWI

Deirdre McGrath had family dogs around her until she went into the Peace Corps. Her brother’s short-hair pointer, Victoria, wormed her way into Deirdre’s heart while she was attending college.  The result her future included dogs.  Once her law career was established, she chose Chad, a Rhodesian Ridgeback (1997-2006). He opened her eyes in all ways dog and dispelled her naïve thought that all dogs view the world in the same way. What a confident and fun loving dog who was a clown in an agility competition!

Justice (2003-2016) a friendly, confident border collie joined them in 2003. He loved being by Deirdre’s side and trained and competed in agility with her for 8 years.  Karma, an 8 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback, briefly joined Deirdre for a year before she died in 2008.  Karma kept revealing her dog secrets.

While young Zip was running the streets of Modesto, this 10-pound Chihuahua mix found his home.  Needing an outlet to focus his energy, they discovered canine nosework.  Zip loved putting his nose to work sniffing for target odor! Their 10-year nosework journey began and in early 2023, Zip earned his Elite Championship title through the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).   Justice insisted on joining them in his senior years and earned his NW2 title before he died. 

Deirdre loves the challenge of developing her ability to read a dog’s behavior. In 2019 after “retiring” from the practice of law, she chose to put all her nosework knowledge and education to teaching to others and their dogs.  She became a NACSW Certified Nosework Instructor (CNWI) in 2021.  She continues to share the fun and enjoyment of this team sport.

Also, during 2019, Deirdre adopted Jasper as a puppy border collie mix.  Jasper unsure how to approach life used sniffing as one way.  Harnessing that instinct, his world has expanded. In later 2023, he earned his NW3-Elite title and is eager to continue his “job”.