Kerry Mitchell has been a dog trainer since 1984. A Nurse Practitioner by profession, her passion has always been dogs, canine behavior in particular. In 2006, she and her husband adopted Vera, a German Shepherd, and when Vera’s behavior escalated into aggression toward people and dogs, Kerry became a student of aggression, reactivity, and how dogs think. Her novel, Finding Vera (pen name Kerry Claire), explores issues many pet parents face, especially in the post Covid era. 

Kerry has worked with behavior issues in dogs including aggression, taught beginning classes in agility, freestyle, and Treiball, and currently teaches Wag-it! Games enrichment classes at Tails-a-Wagging. She also volunteers as a trainer at Whatcom Humane Society where she teaches Canine Good Citizen classes, works with behavior issues, runs play groups, and teaches volunteers how to work with the more challenging dogs. 

Other books by Kerry Claire are The Orchid Mantis: a psychological thriller. The Pendant: Book 1: Up in the Mountains and Book 2: Under the Sea are soon to be published. Wonky Willy is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about Willy, a squirrel. 

Kerry lives in Bellingham, WA with her husband and their collie, Annie.