Meet Janna Dewey | Licensed Therapist and Animal Behavior Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janna Dewey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janna, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My business is a unique one in multiple realms. I am a licensed therapist, focused on humans, as well as a behavior consultant, focused on animals. I have combined my life experiences and passions to be able to provide therapy services focused on the human animal bond. Within my career as a trainer, I have always been drawn to and then later focused on animals with behavioral sensitives such as fear, aggression, anxiety, etc. and I have also experienced that hardships that come with living and working with this population of animals. I also always loved working with people as much as I did with animals, which is why as a zookeeper I was in show and education roles where a large part of my day was interacting with the public. I loved hearing their stories, their passions, and their hardships as animals would trigger memories in people. I pursued my master’s in counseling to learn more about human behavior, but to really be able to provide counseling focused on the complexities of the human animal bond. Most of the therapists I would work with when I experienced my own difficulties had a hard time understanding why the animals I worked with, or my personal animals had such a major impact on me and my decisions. They did nothing wrong; it is just a sociaetal norm to overlook the deep relationships that occur and impact people with their animals, which luckily is shifting. I am proud and excited to be able to provide a service for those who might not feel comfortable speaking openly about their experiences and feelings surrounding their animals, and from somebody who has knowledge and expertise on both the human and animal behavior side. Especially being here in Denver where we love our dogs, cats, horses, and everything in between, this will help those who have been impacted by their animals and looking for some extra support by a professional who understands.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started working with animals at a very young age. I grew up in a rural area and starting riding horses when I was 5 years old and since then, I’ve been obsessed. I worked at barns in the morning before school, and then as soon as school was done, I was back at the barn, sometimes different ones. I was lucky enough to have my own horses and loved training and observing behavior. Growing up in Florida, I was also able to go to SeaWorld and this is where I really connected the dots and realized I wanted to train animals, in particular I became obsessed with whales and becoming a marine mammal trainer. From that point where I saw the relationship between a whale and their trainer, my goal was to do that. i just thought it was the most beautiful thing. With horses, there were tools like halter and lines that made that connection feel forced. There was nothing stopping that whale from leaving or doing anything else but what was asked that I could see. Since that moment, my career started and was focused on becoming a marine mammal trainer. However, as I stayed in the field and continued working towards that goal, I realized there were limitations that would make this extremely challenging and I let go of that goal and thought about what my next goal would be. I reflected on why I wanted to do that, and realized it was all about communication and empathy. I wanted to connect with another being on a deep level, while going at their pace and understanding them as individuals. I also wanted to continue this connection with other animals and people, as all the people I met along the way in my career were just as amazing as the animals. That combination led me to become a therapist focusing on the human animal bond.

This path was not easy. It was filled with challenges, setbacks, and disappointment. I dedicated myself since high school to getting to that goal, despite all those challenges. I lost time with friends and family, and as an adult I am continuously working on my work life balance. I realized that my job is very important to me, but is not my life. It leads and facilitates a life I want with my family and helps me feel fulfilled in my passions. I learned I put too much emphasis on my job and career, where looking back I wish I had slowed down a little bit. That is something today I have a lot of self awareness around and contiuously check in with myself about.

A major challenge I faced, especially in the animal world, was finances and time. When applying for jobs in the animal field, experience is a major component. Without experience, there is little chance of getting a job. To get that experience, it’s typical for people to volunteer or take unpaid internships. I was supporting myself financially and all my free time was spent working so I could have enough to drive to my jobs and buy food. One time, I had enough to get to work but not enough to get back and some people at work were kind enough to give me a few bucks to get back home. To be able to have my needs met, while gaining experience, I worked at Naples Zoo starting in college in the gift shop to be able to connect with people and learn what I needed to do to become a trainer. Through meeting people and showing my dedication, I was able to move to a position being a tour guide which led me closer to the animal side. I was also able to connect with the zookeepers there more. Once graduating from college, I was able to find a paying internship at Seaworld and found a college student in the area needing to sublease their place for a low price. These things led me to learn to do what you need to do and continue to remind yourself of what you want and who you are. Due to not being able to take unpaid internships, it led to the loss of my dream as a marine mammal trainer since it’s almost always a requirement. And unfortunately, working in the animal field does not pay what is needed to save up for 3 months with no job. I wasn’t willing to leave the field for a job I wasn’t passionate but paid better, just to come back to working with animals. I learned it’s okay to realize that we do have limitations, some of which are out of our control. But if you think of alternatives that could work for your life and values, that could lead somewhere else you never thought of!

I want those reading this to know that is okay to be realistic about what you can and cannot do. There are many things that make us all unique and have different capabilities and talents to contribute. There will be difficulty and heartbreak when you are passionate and dedicated about anything, and take time to be sad/angry/frustrated/etc. when you need to. But then remember there are options and you can always innovate something new. My way of being in the world is that, to face the world and be aware of who I am and what I can bring to the world. I know I bring resilience, adaptability, kindness, and a passion for listening and understanding each individual for who they are. Through doing this, I did something I never thought was possible which was to be a therapist who might be facing these same types of difficulties.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first thing that would be scheduled is a horseback trail in the mountains, preferably at least one overnight. I grew up trail riding, but it’s so much more challenging and fun out here in Colorado due to the different terrain and elevation. Plus, the sights you can see traveling by horseback is just amazing! It makes me feel like it’s a place that has been untouched by people and the I am alone in nature with friends and horses.

The other place we would have to go to is Glenwood Springs and go to the hot springs. The hot springs are my favorite place and when I get really stressed or need a break, I try to go there to relax. The springs with the views there are so unique, and I always leave feeling refreshed. Plus, the town is so accessible and has great places for food and drinks. My best friend and I would definitely spend some time exploring bars and the different local beers that are offered.

If there was any more time, we would go camping in Crested Butte. I love waking in the woods, having some coffee, and then exploring some trails. Time camping is also a time where my dog gets to run wild and explore…..she loves it! And I also love exploring in nature and having time to disconnect from technology around good friends. My happy place is being in nature with my friends and animals, and being disconnected from technology.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and animals who have taught me and supported me throughout my process in getting where I am and continue to grow. First are my parents who let bring home all the animals I found (there were a lot) and encouraged my love of behavior through working with horses at a very young age. I believe without having the experience with equines that I did, I would not be as devoted to behavior as I am today. I also need to give a major shoutout to one of my first mentors, Julie Bragovich, who is the Behavior Manager at a small zoo called Naples Zoo in Naples, Fl. She gave me my first zoo keeper position and taught me so much about choice-based animal training and not being afraid to speak up to what you feel is right, even if it might anger some people along the way. She changed the way the zoo was training their animals, and allowed more choice and freedom in their lives which showed me the power of this type of working with animals. She also gave me a chance to build my skills with a little scared Red Fox named Chaz, who to do this day I owe my passion to working with behaviorally sensitive animals. He taught me the bond that can grow from going slow and building a trusting relationship and he is an animal who will always stay with me. I also need to thank Jamie Flanagan, the owner of Training Wheels in Broomfield, CO for allowing me to dive into the world of dogs and teaching too many things to name about dog behavior, as well as helping me hone my skills as a trainer. I also need to thank Ursa Acree of Behavior Vets for hiring me on as a consultant, and for encouraging innovation. There are also my wonderful friends Lindsey Bohland and Stefanie Keshock who were extremely supportive of everything I did and were there for me when I went through difficulties. I will also just name some of the animals who have made lasting and forever impression on me and teaching me their own individual lessons: Chaz, Taz, Olive, Bluebell, Strawberry, Fernando, Odin, Rafa.

Last but not least, I need to thank my wonderful family – Erik, Cora, Alia, and Bryce. They have understood my passion for helping others, and the sacrifices that can take. I have missed dinners, bedtimes, and events to be there for others when needed and have encouraged me when I’m in doubt. They remind me every day why I do, which is to bring kindness and empathy to animals and people in the world. And thank you to my colleagues along the years who have been wonderful teachers and friends and encouraged this work I am doing today.

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