Debi McKee

Debi McKee creator of Rescue Dogs 101 with her dogs Ginger and Bear

About the Author

Hi, I’m Debi McKee. I’m a mom to three kids and four dogs, with over 30 years of experience navigating the joys and challenges of dog parenting. 

My home has been filled with eight incredible dogs over the years — Symba, Nala, Abby, JJ, Ginger, Bear, Thunder, and Wizard — each one teaching me something new about dog behavior, health, and the importance of love and patience.

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LinkedIn Profile

Beyond my own dogs, I’m deeply involved in the canine community. I’ve volunteered with local rescues, starting as a foster home and eventually performing home visits to help dogs find their perfect forever homes. I also worked as a Canine Care Assistant at my local Humane Society, where I made it my mission to give shelter dogs the love and care they deserve.

My love for dogs and my skills as a graphic designer come together in my work as a webmaster and active member of my local kennel club. Whether I’m maintaining websites or volunteering at events, I’m always finding ways to support the dogs and the people who love them.

I’m committed to learning and growing in my knowledge of dog behavior and training. I’ve attended numerous seminars and completed specialized courses to ensure I’m always equipped to help dogs live their best lives. My passion for dogs isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifelong commitment.

Training and Qualifications (click to expand)

  • 2023 – The Natural Pet Doctor Healthy Holistic Pet For Life Blueprint Lifetime Member
  • 2022 – Completed The Dog Calming Code Course by The Online Dog Trainer
  • 2021 – Spirit Dog Masterclass Lifetime Member
  • 2020 – Continual dog agility training with all three of our dogs. Classes were taken in-person and virtually.
  • 2019-2020 – Completed Susan Garrett's Recallers online training program.
  • September 2019 – Completed 2.5-hour video training for Defensive Handling with Canine Behavior Specialist Bridget Pieper.
  • September 2019 – Completed 2.5-hour video training for Canine Body Language with Canine Behavior Specialist Bridget Pieper.
  • April 2019 – Started volunteering for Dane County Humane Society. Going through continuous training.
  • December 2018 – Attended dog behavior and training seminar with Majors Dog Academy, hosted by Fetch WI.
  • January 2018 – Attended dog behavior and training seminar with Majors Dog Academy, hosted by Fetch WI.
  • October 2017– Attended 2-day (12 total hours) seminar on dog behavior and training with Sit Means Sit Dog Training, hosted by Fetch WI.
  • March 2017 – Attended seminar on dog behavior and training with Majors Dog Academy, hosted by Fetch WI.
  • January 2017 – Started dog agility training with our dog Ginger. Currently attending training classes every week.
  • November 2016 – Attended a seminar on Managing Multi-Dog Interactions and Play hosted by Fetch WI.
  • March 2016 – Attended a 6-week training session at The Dog Den in Madison, WI with our adopted German Shepard Mix, Ginger.
  • July 2015 – Attended seminar on dog behavior and training with Majors Dog Academy, hosted by Fetch WI.
  • March 2015 – Attended seminar on dog behavior and training with Majors Dog Academy, hosted by Fetch WI.
  • February 2015 – Attended seminar on dog play and behavior at Charlie's Bark Park, hosted by Fetch WI. Learned about strategies for working with dogs with different behavior issues.
  • January 2015 – Attended seminar on dog behavior and training with Majors Dog Academy, hosted by Fetch WI.
  • November 2014 – Current – Foster home for rescue dogs in need.
  • 2006 – Completed 8-week dog training class with our adopted yellow lab, Abby.
  • 1996 – Completed 8-week dog training class with our black lab mix, Nala, after adopting her from the trainer we used for Symba. Nala "graduated" top of her class.
  • 1995 – Completed 8-week dog training class with our black lab/golden retriever mix, Symba, in McHenry, IL. Symba "graduated" second in his class.

    • Read more about our Rescue Dogs 101 Story