Jill Holm earned her Psychology degree from Purdue University in 1984. While she initially planned to pursue a career in child development, her passion for animal behavior quickly took center stage.

From a young age, Jill had a natural instinct for helping animals in need – treating health issues, training them, and finding them loving homes. That passion evolved into a lifelong commitment: she ran a rescue for 25 years and now operates a small sanctuary.

Over the years, Jill has worked with countless dogs and cats, gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of behavioral challenges in both foster and personal pets.

In 2009, Jill became a certified dog trainer under the guidance of Sam Malatesta, a well-known Canadian trainer. As part of the intensive, year-long program, each trainee adopted and rehabilitated a shelter dog with behavioral issues. Jill chose Sophie, a six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who was dog-aggressive and fearful of men. Within three months, Sophie was successfully integrated into Jill’s home – living peacefully with four other dogs, two cats, and her husband. Sophie’s transformation was so profound that she came to eagerly welcome Jill’s five-year-old granddaughter’s affectionate visits. 

Her training focused on understanding the alpha relationship with dogs, their food, prey, pack, defense drives and the whelping box theory.  Jill is also a certified Pet Care Specialist.