Pat Whitacre, Certified Pet Dog Trainer
Pat Whitacre is a certified pet dog trainer at Best Friends Dogtown. Although he hasn't been working at the sanctuary very long, you wouldn't know it - all the dogs love Pat. His gentle and calm nature makes him a perfect fit with the Dogtown staff.
After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in biophysics and genetics, Pat spent 30 years working in behavioral programs for humans in a variety of in-patient and community-based settings. Pat later turned to animals and for two years worked with aggressive and behaviorally challenged dogs in an animal rescue environment.
Pat has always loved animals and has enjoyed training his own dogs, horses and cats - that's right, cats. A visit to Best Friends three years ago inspired him to use his training to help homeless pets become more adoptable and to improve their chances of remaining in their adoptive homes. Pat feels the Best Friends mission and environment provide an incredible opportunity for learning and growth for both homeless animals and those of us who seek to improve the quality of their lives.
Pat's current brood of animals includes two dogs, two cats, two horses and a third dog being fostered from Best Friends. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, jogging, photography, and restoring old cars and motorcycles. And, of course, his best vacations are those when his dogs can come along.
