Renée Cawley, operator of KineticK9, has a diverse background in the arts, equestrian, dog training, animal rescue, professional fitness and business fields. (She likes to say she's lived many lives and many existences in just over 50 years.) She grew up on a ranch where her family bred Collies. She began her equestrian career at the age of 9, and became the youngest member of the Santa Fe Hunt Club in San Diego. As a teenager, Renée trained for the 1984 Olympics in the 3-Day Equestrian Event. Due to a personal family tragedy, Renee was unable to continue to devote the time it takes to make the team. However, she feels her experience there contributes to her personal work ethic and love for animals now. Her business experience includes assisting CEO's and Government officials in start-up ventures and public service terms.
From 1998 through 2004, Renée also worked in the professional fitness industry as a personal trainer, and both a print and spokes-model, representing a variety of companies in the nutritional supplement and fitness clothing industries. Throughout her life, she has kept her ties to animals by working with rescue agencies in several states, including California, Utah ,Colorado and Idaho, adopting, fostering, rehabilitating, training and placing dogs, cats and horses. In 2007, Renee served on the Board of Directors for Northwest Animal Companions, a Boise, Idaho animal welfare organization. Renée wrote a monthly column (Petty Issues) for Pet Friendly Magazine on animal behavior, training and socialization. She also had a popular lecture series in Idaho, titled “How to Avoid Dog Bites”, in addition to owning and operating Kinetic K9 (at that time known as Reigning Cats & Dogs). During this entire time, Renee created many different sorts of art projects to raise money for animal rescue and welfare awareness.
Renee's professional affiliations have included the International Association of Canine Professionals, the Pet Care Services Association and the American Kennel Club as both a registered owner/member and a certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator. In 2008, Renée was recognized for her efforts by the Humane Society of the United States, being invited to represent the state of Idaho at the 2008 Taking Action for Animals Conference in Washington, DC. In 2009, she was honored to receive the "American Red Cross True Hero Award" for her efforts in Animal Rescue.
On December 5th, 2008, Renée contracted a near-fatal blood infection (sepsis) from bacteria she was exposed to after a dog bite. Given only a 10% chance of survival and being told she would lose both hands and feet, Renée remained hospitalized for weeks while she underwent surgeries and intense rehabilitation. Miraculously, she only lost 2 fingers on her right hand.
This major life changing event gave her the opportunity to re-define her goals and to focus her efforts on issues that are important in her life. Supporting the rights of the Disabled with Service Dogs & educating the public on animal welfare issues and sepsis are among these goals.
By selling her artwork, Renee is able to continue her education campaigns.
