Greetings. My name is Carol Richey-Yowell and I am the proud owner of Canine Homeschool. Whether it be domestic animals, farm animals, or wild animals I have had the privledge of being involved with so many of God's creatures. From a western cattle ranch to an eastern saddlebred show horse establishment I have worked in every animal field I possibly could since my youth. Some were paying jobs, others were strictly volunteer. But, no matter which it was, I came to believe that every animal has a lesson to teach us if we are willing to listen with an open heart. God sends angels in many forms and I know I have met many furry angels in my lifetime.

My love for all animals began at a very early age. Whenever I found a stray or wounded animal I would take it home, and with the help of my parents, nurse it back to health. From there we would return it to the wild or find it a proper home. Through our local veterinarian and park ranger, I learned much about rescuing and rehabilitating everything from moles to birds to dogs.

I went on to attain college degrees in Education and Nursing. Although I enjoyed both these professions, I always regretted not pursuing a career in the animal field. Seven years ago I adopted a paralyzed cat who was severely neglected by his owner because he was too much trouble. Although he requires much more attention and veterinary care than a "normal" cat, I am inspired by his determination every time I watch him roll around in his wheelchair or pull himself along by his front paws. It will always break my heart when I see him trying to run and play with my other cats, only to be left behind. I am an active member of Handicapped Pets and Pets With Disabilities.

I still continue my volunteer work in the rescue/ rehab/ release and trap/ neuter/ release programs in the area. Because of my love for animals and my medical background I have adopted many of the "medically undesirable" animals I have come across in my volunteer work. My family has also served as foster parents for dogs awaiting permanent placement.

Through these rescue groups I made many contacts and was offered an opportunity to work as a veterinary assistant. I jumped at the chance to learn more about the anatomy, physiology and behaviors of domesticated animals. I became increasingly aware of how the relationship between owner and dog, no matter how well intentioned, could negatively impact not only the dogs health, but the dog's desire to behave and obey.

As my interest in this area piqued, I began working for a dog trainer. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the owners and their dogs teaching obedience commands. I was discouraged though to see that in the group classes there was no education related to understanding canine behavior. I saw many repeat clients who returned because their dog's misbehavior impeded their desire to obey the owner's verbal commands. It was obvious to me that group classes were too generic, only minimally, if that, touched on behavior issues and that obedience training without understanding canine behavior was only temporary. Too many times I had clients tell me that they returned their dogs to the shelters or breeders because they wouldn't listen and were out of control.

It was because of these unfortunate circumstances that I started Canine Homeschool. My goal is to make sure NO dog is returned to a shelter or breeder because of bad behaviors or lack of obedience. With the proper education about the way canines think and act, all training, whether it is for undesirable behaviors or obedience commands, will fall naturally into place.

~ Carol ~