For people who want a furry companion that doens't need twice-daily walks or extensive grooming.
I was born in New York City, where I lived until the age of two. When I was still a toddler, my family heeded the westward call and moved to Los Angeles, where I spent my youth. I fell in love with animals and science at a young age, and played "mom" to a variety of pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, mice, hamsters, birds, snakes, guppies and a horse.
After graduating El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, Calif., I worked at various jobs including key shop manager, and cashier at Sears. At the age of 21, I returned to New York City and became a student at New York University in Manhattan. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and a minor in Astronomy.
While living in New York, I worked for several years as an editor for a home fashion trade magazine, then moved on to become an editor for the American Kennel Club Gazette. After five years with the AKC, I accepted a position as managing editor on Dog Fancy magazine in Irvine, Calif., and moved back to the Golden State. Shortly after, I became editor of Horse Illustrated magazine. I left the position in 1995 to pursue a full-time career in freelance writing and editing.
I live in Norco, Calif., with my husband, Randy Mastronicola. We share our home with an Appaloosa gelding named Idaho Hawk (Bailey); a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Nigel; four cats named Murray, Holly, Cheddar and Stanley; and two rabbits, Prudence and Karma.
Nigel (Ninacorte Nigel Tuff S Nails, NA, NJ) and I compete in American Kennel Club agility events, and are currently working on our Open title. I am also preparing Bailey for a career in competitive trail riding.
