Meet the pranaPACK
Marcy
Marcy is the force behind pranaDOGS and wears many hats in the world of canine care: she's a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, serves as the Executive Director of pranaDOGS Behavior & Rehab Center, and holds the role of Canine Behavior Coach at La Plata County Humane Society. Her unwavering dedication to dogs has been a lifelong passion. From her early years, Marcy found solace and purpose in working with dogs. She didn't stop at basic training; even as a teenager, she was teaching the family dog unique skills like husking corn. However, it was during a period of personal turmoil that Marcy truly leaned into her bond with dogs. Reflecting on this, she says, "Dogs saved me when I was a kid. When the world made no sense, I focused on dogs and all was okay. As I grew up, anytime things got crazy I found myself focusing on dogs, and things turned out better. Dogs have always been my best friends. They give me confidence and teach me something every day. I am committed to spending my life improving the quality of theirs."
After serving in the Air Force and receiving her Bachelor’s degree, Marcy found herself in the world of animal welfare and never left. She’s worked as a veterinary technician, doggie daycare director, shelter consultant, and executive director. She has also authored the book entitled, The Ripple Effect; a story of the triumphs and challenges of running an open-admission animal shelter.
Focused on mixed-breed dogs, Marcy has spent years working in and for animal welfare agencies and with those individuals who’ve adopted animals. After publishing, The Ripple Effect, Marcy went on to work as a shelter consultant focused on empowering individuals and helping shelters increase their live-release rates. In 2013 she was hired to improve the standards at Farmington Regional Shelter, while there she implemented a foster program, improved the transfer program, moved the organization into a new and improved space, and doubled the live-release rate.
After her time in Farmington, Marcy decided to focus her attention on dog training and behavior. After a year of study and training perfecting the skills that already came naturally to her, she was hired as La Plata County Humane Societies Dog Trainer and Behavior
Consultant and has remained there ever since.
Realizing the need for off-site rehabilitation, in 2017, Marcy founded pranaDOGS Behavior & Rehab Center, a not-for-profit committed to education and training. This 20-acre dog paradise houses dogs from different organizations while they work through their issues and learn how to be polite and well-mannered members of society.
Laura
Laura's deep affection for animals has been a constant throughout her life. Her passion led her to pursue a career as a Veterinary Technician, earning her degree from Colorado Mountain College's (CMC) Veterinary Technology Program. At CMC, Vet Tech students gain real-life experience handling large and small animals at a farm right on campus. This hands-on training was instrumental in shaping Laura's skills and confidence in animal care.
After graduation, she gained invaluable experience working at a veterinary clinic and various animal shelters, where she provided care and support to countless animals in need.
In addition to her professional achievements, Laura is a devoted wife, to husband Brian and mother to her son, Reed. Her family also includes a beloved cat named Paris and two loyal dogs, Fenway and Sage. Laura's home is filled with love and the joyful energy that only animals can bring, reflecting her lifelong dedication to their well-being.
Jaymie
Jaymie's lifelong passion for animals, particularly horses and dogs, has driven her to dedicate her career to their care and training. Growing up in New England, she worked at various dog kennels, nurturing her love for seeing young animals blossom into their best selves.
Her professional journey with dogs began through the American Kennel Club (AKC), where she specialized in puppy manners and socialization classes while also competing in AKC dog events. Over the years, Jaymie has adopted several dogs needing specialized attention and behavioral training.
A significant milestone in her journey has been working with Marcy at pranaDOGS, where she has found invaluable support for her current dog, Chuck. Under Marcy's guidance, Chuck has made remarkable progress in impulse control, basic manners, and handling. Jaymie is proud to be a part of the pranaDOGS team, continuing her mission to help dogs thrive.
Cheryl Lynn
Cheryl Lynn's passion for animals is undeniable; she has been fostering kittens and puppies since 2014 for the La Plata County Humane Society. Her journey with pranaDOGS began when she sought assistance for her own adopted pup with special needs. This experience led her to the pranaDOGS team, where she now contributes her technical and marketing expertise, driven by her desire to give back to the community she loves.
