About the Owner

Charlie Petrizzo is President and Founder of Circle of Life Professional Canine Services. His inspiring life story includes miraculous recoveries from two life threatening accidents. As a result of those accidents he overcame a myriad of injuries including partial paralysis and the mental and physical ramifications associated with second and third degree burns over nearly two thirds of his body.

His professional experience includes work as a school teacher and over fourteen years in the financial services industry. In 2000 his family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina when Charlie accepted a senior management position with the Wachovia Corporation. He was responsible for sales, marketing and product development in a division that generated over $ 4 billion in annual product sales. While in that role he also developed a reputation as a gifted speaker.

Charlie has extensive experience with animals having worked with both dogs and horses for over 25 years. In 2003, Hidden Cabin Ranch, an equine training facility built and developed by Charlie was featured on Fox News Charlotte and in the Quarter Horse News. In 2005, the training facility was sold so that Charlie, his wife Sandy and their two daughters could focus all of their energies on their dogs and ways to serve others with them. It was this desire to serve others with his experience and a love for dogs that led to the creation of Circle of Life.

Charlie is uniquely qualified to perform the work undertaken by Circle of Life. His vast experience working with animals is matched by academic achievement in the field. In 2006 he received his diploma in canine training from the Animal Behavior College and in 2007 he earned an advanced diploma in Canine Fitness and Nutrition with distinction from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. His other academic accomplishments include a diploma from the College for Financial Planning and a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Administration from St. John’s University in New York.

Charlie has written many articles on canine related matters. He has been featured on WBTV- Charlotte, in the Charlotte Observer, The Ballantyne Times and Myrtle Beach Sun News.