About Misty Downs

Misty has been an animal lover all her life.  Her Mother loved horses so much she named her after the book Misty of Chincoteague. She grew up with dogs, ponies, horses, chickens and cats for starters.  She joined 4H and then became a leader for several years working with children of all ages on primarily horse projects but we also had a few that pursued other passions in our group as all were welcome. 

In 1991 she and her husband started their farm in Midland Virginia putting her animal knowledge to work caring for horses and teaching horseback riding to all ages.  In 1996 she received her Horse Science Career Studies Certificate from Lord Fairfax Community College. 

In 2009 she attended her first of many Wendy Volhard’s Healthy Dog Conferences.  This was the beginning of a wonderful relationship and special friendship with Wendy.  Misty wanted to give her Rottweiler’s the best and longest life possible, and Wendy opened her eyes to many new and exciting studies.  In 2010 she went to the first of many Jack & Wendy Volhard’s Dog Training Camps learning the “Volhard Motivational Training Method”.  It was a game changer in her life pairing health, nutrition and training together for the perfect balance. 

In 2010 she began her journey providing Therapy Dog Visits to Assisted Living, Libraries, Parades and other events with her Rottweiler’s.  In 2018 she became a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs helping other teams become certified Therapy Dog Teams sharing smiles and joy.

In 2012 Misty received her certification in Animals & Oils Intensive Training in Animal Aromatherapy with Dr. Melissa Shelton, DVM. 

Continuing with the overall well-being of her dogs she became a Certified Canine Massage Therapist in 2017 through Massage Awareness by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt.

In 2018 Misty became a Reiki Master Teacher of the Usui Ryoho Reiki System of Natural Healing specializing as an Animal Practitioner.  Misty also uses healing crystals at her practice as they play an important role offering unique vibrations and are excellent paired with Reiki and Massage.

Misty met her longtime friend and mentor, Theresa Richmond, in 2010 at Volhard Training Camp where she continued to learn more about dog training.  She is an instructor at Mahogany Ridge KidsCamp! where kids bring their dogs and learn nutrition, care and training.

In 2018 she became an AKC Evaluator to include Canine Good Citizen (CGC) all levels, Tricks all levels and AKC Fit Dog.  In 2021 it was an honor to become a Certified Instructor of the Volhard Motivational Method and expand Misty Downs Farm to include Animal Wellness & Training. 

There is always more to learn to aid in the health of ourselves and our animals lead to becoming a Certified Herbalist in 2024.

The journey continues and each chapter brings her joy working with animals.

Of course, none of this would be possible without all the hard work and support of her Husband!