About Us

Kathy McCarthy started dog training in the early 1970s. She began training with her aunt who showed Doberman Pinschers. Kathy began working with H.A.N.D.D.S to the Rescue in June 2010, and working with dogs that had behavioral issues. Kathy saw the need for a behavior modification trainer in our area so she enrolled in Animal Behavioral College (ABC). She graduated in August 2015 with a 99% score. She started Peaceful Paws Dog Training in June 2016 and has never looked back. Her most frequent saying “I have the best job ever!” 

 Mary Elizabeth Schwall has had reactive dogs since her early childhood. In 2010 she started volunteering and fostering for HANDDS to the Rescue.  In 2016, Mary met a troubled dog named Taz and she became interested in helping him and other dogs like him.  In 2017 she graduated from Animal Behavior College (ABC) and joined Peaceful Paws. Her goal is to help other pet parents be more confident with and understand their dogs better so all can have a happier life.