Robin Michelle Yoder, 49, dog trainer

Robin Michelle Yoder, 49, of Abington, a mother, animal lover, and dog trainer, died Monday, Feb. 23, of complications from cancer in Abington Hospice at Warminster.

She had become ill in January.

Mrs. Yoder's dream was to become an animal behavioral specialist. At the time of her death, she had just completed the courses in an online animal training program, was certified, and had her business registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor.

She had three clients for dog training, either at her home or the client's, said her husband, John E. Jr., an electrician with Sunoco. "She loved it," he said.

She also owned and loved cats, participating at her own expense in a national trapping, spaying, and neutering program for feral felines.

"In person, she was great. She was always taking in strays, and I think I was one of those strays," said her husband. "She was always happy. Nobody could meet her and not love her."

Born in Devon, Mrs. Yoder moved with her family to Voorhees and graduated from Eastern Regional High School in 1983. She earned a diploma from Taylor Business Institute in Maple Shade.

She married Yoder on Sept. 28, 1991, and the two moved to Abington in 1992. Over the next eight years, Mrs. Yoder learned karate and achieved the rank of black belt, first dan, in Kempo karate. "It was one of her dreams, and she achieved it," her husband said.

In 2006, the Yoders had a son, Samuel. Mrs. Yoder left her job as a data entry worker at Reed Technologies in Horsham to be a full-time mother. Her home-based dog-training business, Pet Angels, meshed perfectly with her role.

Mrs. Yoder had worshiped at Christ Centered Church in Abington since 2012. One of her outreach projects was to feed the homeless in Kensington.

Beside her husband and son, Mrs. Yoder is survived by her mother, Sarah Evelyn Baylson; a sister; and two brothers.

Services were Saturday, Feb. 28.

Donations may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, 1006 Edge Hill Rd., Abington, Pa. 19001.