Dog Harmony Always In Tune

Dog-Harmony is one of SoWal's more unique nonprofits and Founder Nancy Bown is definitely the leader of the pack. Bown, along with a great board of directors and dedicated team of volunteers make up Dog-Harmony.

This organization is so much more than a rescue operation. Bown is one of only a handful of certified dog trainers in the SoWal area. She graduated with a BA from the University of West Florida and from the Animal Behavior College in Southern California with a certification in dog training. This makes her supremely qualified for her passion: building healthy relationships between humans and dogs.

To achieve their goal of matching the right home with the right dog, Dog-Harmony first focuses on a commitment to dog training and people education. They know that when a pet is adopted it isn't the end of the process – it is just the beginning. Sure, Dog-Harmony helps folks find the best dog for them, but they also help with the transition period. Once adopted, every dog first spends 2-3 weeks under Nancy's guidance before going home to their new humans.

Dog-Harmony is an all-volunteer 501C3 non-profit organization. They rely on the generous support of the SoWal community. Donations go toward their signature programming including free micro-chipping clinics and bite-prevention seminars.

Dog-Harmony visits area schools like Butler Elementary and through age-appropriate instruction teaches kids how best to approach dogs. Bites are rarely a result of aggression, they are more typically a reaction to teasing and taunting. This mean many can be easily avoided! Dog-Harmony is also committed to providing free micro-chipping clinics. Vet techs are on site getting your pup chipped and registered as well as checking to make sure existing chips are active.

You can always support Dog-Harmony with monetary donations, but they are also looking for time and talent. If you can assist with specials events or have experience in areas like Marketing, they would love to hear from you.

In addition to leading Dog-Harmony, Nancy runs the K9 to 5 Doggie Daycare in Santa Rosa Beach and offers Canine Consulting – specializing in obedience and behavioral training. These businesses further fund Dog-Harmony and its many community services.

So how can you get involved? There are several fun, upcoming events this fall to support the programs that make this organization possible. Racquets & Rescues is a round robin being held on September 17 from 12 to 2:30pm at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort. The Halloween Pet Parade will start at Brookdale in Destin on October 28 at 3:30, and be on the lookout for more information on the Howl-o-Ween Doggie Social on October 29 at Furry Fanatics in Gulf Place. Be sure to follow Dog-Harmony on Facebook to stay in the know and learn more.

Generosity is what the SoWal community is all about and Dog-Harmony's most recent “Yappy Hour” raised $4000. The proceeds were sent to animal rescue operations in flood-devastated Louisiana. It isn't hard to see Nancy Bown's vision at work. Through guiding principles like paying it forward and a dedicated group of volunteers, Dog-Harmony lovingly helps dogs and their humans every day.