About

Our dogs: Daisy, Beth, and Motley. (Photos courtesy of Fred Levy Art Photography) ; Harper (below)

Kelly Drescher Johnson, B.A., M.Div.

I believe there is great power in the human-animal bond; and, once the bond is formed, it is never broken.

My approach to client care follows a continuing bonds, chaplaincy model. I will sit with you and listen to the stories of you and your pet, and I will be a witness to what makes it a unique and important connection. I sincerely believe there is value in telling our story to another person. It allows the speaker to be heard while receiving comfort they are not alone. I have heard many stories in my tenure, and the concerns that come up most frequently are being alone in their loss and feeling like they are the only one with this level of intensity in the loss – you are not alone.

While I do not provide clinical therapy, I do have a referral list when this type of care is required and/or desired.

My husband and I are parents to a dog Harper. Harper is currently involved in Nosework through the NACSW model and is a homebody, except when she’s hanging out with her friends at doggie day care.

We also honor our angel dogs, Beth, who left us in 2020; Motley, 2023; and Daisy, 2024. They all passed from different forms of cancer. They are honored in every interaction I have with others who are also experiencing loss.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading fiction novels from authors around the world, traveling, hydroponic gardening, painting, and participating in 5k run/walks. I recently picked up leathercrafting.

I can be reached at kelly@veterinarychaplaincy.com

Credentials:

Bachelor of Arts – Music Education
Carroll University, Waukesha, WI

Master of Divinity – Practical Theology
Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA

Member: Association for Veterinary Pastoral Education (Certified Pet Chaplain)

In progress: Associate Chaplain through the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP)

Certifications: Suicide Gatekeeper – QPR Institute;
Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and
Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) through PESI.