EVERYONE HAS A STORY.

Growing up I always felt a strong connection to animals, helping injured birds, dogs, cats, goats, possums, you name it I tried to save it. However I didn't fully understand animal issues on a larger level or that God had a plan for me working with animals until much later in my life. I spent much of my youth rebelling against authority, a rebel without a cause, getting into trouble and searching for ways to alleviate the pain in my life. I found myself in unhealthy relationships without the tools to help the people and animals I loved.  And because of that I developed depression, anxiety, addictions and self esteem issues, and like most people, I could not see that I was the one that needed saving. 

My passion for animals was sparked in college in 2002 and I focused my studies on animals in society.  But I was devastated to learn about how we were treating animals in our society, especially the euthanasia happening at massive rates in our country and felt compelled to do something about it.  After graduation I found it hard to find jobs working with animals, so I volunteered with local animal rescue groups and started M.A.W.S. in 2005 delving into the world of animal welfare partnering with the local animal control facilities in the city and county.  During this time I also struggled with my own dogs serious behavior issues. I contacted trainers, rescues, and behaviorists who unfortunately could not help me.  I was left feeling hopeless and frustrated feeling like those dogs were failed by a system, because I did not have the tools and resources to help them. 

After working jobs in social work with children and seniors I decided to start a pet sitting business in 2007 where I gained tools and knowledge about animals.; how to care for them, how they communicate, and how to work with them by building relationships.  Then I decided I wanted to share my knowledge with others in order to help animals and their humans on a deeper level with dog training and rehabilitation.  I was determined to figure out how to help dogs with serious behavior issues that were facing death if we could not get their behaviors under control.   So I traveled around the country working with the top dog trainers; studying their systems and combining my knowledge to create the  Life Changing Dog Training™ Program and Communicative Leashwork Process®.

In 2013 I was the first trainer to bring this style of training to the Greater Omaha Metro area, and once I started successfully rehabilitating dogs, I quickly began to make a name for myself in our community with Dharma Dog Training, as the Best in Omaha, Dog Training Company as well as the go to for anyone wanting to start a career in the animal industry. So I created a Mentorship Program so that other people did not have to go through what I went through trying to get into the animal industry.  People told me I was crazy for training my competition, but for me this work has always been about helping as many animals and humans as possible. Because of this I am proud to have created a network of dedicated, pet professionals with a knowledge and skill set above and beyond what was previously available to animals in our area. 

Despite my success professionally, in 2020 after over 20 years in the animal industry, seeing the best and often the worst sides of humans, I hit the lowest point of my life and did not think I could continue  doing this work.  Thankfully because people were willing to share God's message with me, I found Jesus and because of His grace, He saved my life, delivered me, redeemed me and set me free. I now understand God gave us these animals for companions to look after, and experience unconditional love so that we would know we are not alone. I learned, even though saving animals is important, but more importantly the humans must also be saved, and without that we cannot truly help animals and each other like God wants us to. 

This is why I decided to dedicate my life to Christ and building this organization helping all God's creatures. I know what it's like to lose people and animals you love without the information and tools to help them. We all have a purpose for our lives, and by spreading the message of hope and healing and by working together, we can help more animals.  Thank you for taking the time to read my story about how God took my rebel heart and gave me a cause.  I hope you consider becoming a part of our mission, because God's work has always been done by His people.

May God Bless All His Creatures,

Kelley McAtee, Founder & Master Trainer

MIDWEST ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

"The Good News For All Creatures"

Life Changing Dog Training™