who we are

A woman and a miniature horse in a barn. The woman is smiling, holding a green shovel, and wearing a pink shirt. The miniature horse is black with a white stripe on its face, wearing a blue halter.
A person with short hair styled in an undercut and a septum piercing, wearing a green tank top and a necklace, taking a selfie with a black and white dog with salt-and-pepper fur, both looking at each other.
Two women standing indoors, one holding a chicken, and the other holding a small card with a chicken illustration, in a room with light blue walls.
Selfie while cat sitting

Bethany Gardner, B.A. Anthrozoology, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

It all started with a Facebook video of a famous dog trainer getting bit.

The video was a clip from the TV show turned into a play by play of the body language the dog was using to communicate their escalating discomfort. It ends with the trainer getting bit and saying “I didn’t see that coming” but I did. Anyone who watched the video could see it coming.

This realization changed everything. Dogs could $*%@# talk. My childhood dream of becoming Dr. Doolittle was suddenly attainable.

As I drove headfirst into the rabbit hole of canine body language I ended up getting a degree in Anthrozoology - The study of relationships between humans and animals. This degree build within me a strong foundation and understanding of the science behind learning in any species. After getting my degree I began training dogs professionally and continued building my credentials. Currently I am a Certified Behavior Canine Consultant - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).

Despite all this education and years of experience one of the most enlightening and influential experiences has been my own struggle with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Understanding myself and my struggles has allowed me to empathize with the dogs I work with on a whole new level. I know exactly what its like to be so emotionally frazzled that I just can’t. I have also personally experienced how life changing tools like being able to pause and focus on something else can be in a moment of panic.

At the end of it all, we all deserve love and support in our journey through life. We all deserve respect and support in making this life the best one possible. Paws Together was founded and operates on this idea every day.

Canine Specialists

A black and white dog resting its head on the edge of a wooden fence, closed eyes, outdoors with a large tree and a wooden deck in the background.

Sully, Professional Belly Rub Receiver

Sully is 5 years old, has separation anxiety, is afraid of strangers (but loves you once he knows you), and fearful-dog reactive. He has lots of opinions and is not shy about letting you know! His hobbies include receiving ALL the belly rubs, barking at squirrels for his sister, and playing the world’s slowest game of keep away.

Black dog with a purple collar lying on a wooden deck, holding a long stick in its mouth, with a frisbee on the ground near it.

Cocoa, Chief Squirrel Chaser

Cocoa is a 4 year old female pittie with a heart as big as her chest. She’s never met a person she didn't love, a chew toy she couldn’t destroy, or a squirrel not worth chasing. Her hobbies include convincing Sully to chase her around the yard, sunbathing, stealing your warm spot on the couch, and keeping the yard clear of anything that moves.