Devon MacDonald Shares Her Story About Being A Dog Trainer And What Being The Best Is All About

Women's Journal Staff on July 3, 2025

When it comes to dog training, Devon MacDonald, a professional with 10 years of experience, stands out as a leader in the dog training industry. Specializing in Australian Shepherds, Collies, and German Shepherds, Devon has achieved remarkable success in the dog training industry while managing the demands of motherhood. Her dedication, love for dogs, and commitment to providing the best possible experience for dogs and their owners have made her a prominent figure in Northern California’s dog training community.

Devon’s journey in the dog training world began with a deep passion for animals and an unwavering commitment to offer something extraordinary. She was the driving force behind Next Gen ACS, the largest dog training facility in Northern California, situated outside the Bay Area, which earned a reputation for its all-inclusive vacation vibe. The facility set a new standard with a vast 4-acres of land, complete with an Agility Course, Hiking Trail, and Off-Leash Area, offering a Summer Camp experience that kept dogs out of their kennels more than any other company in the industry.

Devon’s dedication doesn’t stop at her professional life; she’s also a new mother of a beautiful baby girl. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she demonstrates that women can pursue their dreams while raising a family. Her remarkable ability to juggle motherhood, dog training, customer service, and business expansion is truly inspiring. Devon MacDonald is a role model not only for her daughter but also for other female entrepreneurs.

“Having a baby girl made me want to show her that you never have to give up on your dreams and that women can accomplish anything they put their mind to,” says Devon. Her ambition and achievements have placed her in the top percentile of dog trainers her age, and at the young age of 29, she has accomplished more in the dog training industry than many do in their entire careers. What sets her apart is her unwavering focus on ethical practices and providing a service that goes above and beyond the normal industry standards.

Devon’s dog training programs offered an all-inclusive approach, with benefits such as weekend group classes year-round, pack walks, yoga with dogs, movie nights with dogs, special agility training events, community thank-you BBQs, seminars, obedience tests, and much more. Her vision has always been to provide dog owners with everything they need to succeed in maintaining the results of her dog training programs as well as to provide fun activities for dogs year round.

While building the largest dog training facility in Northern California, Devon faced numerous challenges and hurdles that come with rapid growth. She knows firsthand the struggle of managing a business while dealing with haters, cancel culture, unethical competition, employees who steal clients when they leave to start their own business and even a few conspiracies. Despite these obstacles that so many successful dog training business owners deal with, Devon’s commitment to offering the best experience for dogs and her clients remains unwavering.

Learning from her experience building one of the largest dog training facilities in the USA, has given Devon valuable insight and perspectives on the truth about the dog training industry. Devon points out that many dog trainers operate illegal businesses without the necessary permits and insurance, often utilizing apartments, houses, or warehouses as makeshift kennels. Devon Macdonald however, stands out for being transparent with their process of becoming a fully permitted commercial kennel and dog training business, while raising the standards for quality animal care at the same time.

In early 2024, a cropped video, leaked by someone inside her team, circulated on social media. What followed was a storm of online harassment: anonymous accusations, aggressive reposts, fake reviews, death threats, and comment sections filled with people eager to assign blame continuing to blindly support a false narrative.

MacDonald was investigated by local agencies. No charges were filed. No findings of abuse were reported. But by then, the internet had decided its version of the story. “People I’d never met felt entitled to destroy what I built,” MacDonald says. “And it didn’t matter what was true.” She was a new mother, navigating postpartum hormones, running a business full-time, and simultaneously trying to hold her world together while strangers slandered her name online.

MacDonald’s story echoes a growing crisis of online bullying and cancel culture, particularly against successful women in leadership. In recent news the suicide of The Fox Whisperer, a beloved wildlife educator and trainer, shook the animal behavior world. Like MacDonald, she was targeted online. She was harassed. She was misunderstood. Today more than even mental health concerns grow as negative effects of social media are still being studied. As a new mother Devon, as well as all new parents, are challenged with the tough question about how they will raise their kids in a world with such a toxic online environment.

But unlike Devon MacDonald, she didn’t survive it. Online bullying and constant conspiracies and lies being spread led her to take her own life. “That moment changed everything for me,” MacDonald says. “Because I knew what it felt like to be buried by the weight of everyone else’s version of your life.” So Devon began speaking publicly and privately to other women, trainers, entrepreneurs and single mothers who had been bullied, burned out, or betrayed. Devon is a true inspirational story who is using this as an opportunity to help other victims of online harassment. If you need any dog training help Devon is still a highly recommended dog trainer currently still based in the California Bay area.

Menopause Isn’t the End—It’s the Awakening We’re Not Prepared For

Women's Journal Staff on July 3, 2025

By: Chelsea Robinson

Puberty is discussed. Pregnancy is celebrated. Midlife crises are joked about.
But menopause?

Still taboo. Still misunderstood. Still, something expected to be endured quietly—even as it rewires the brain, reshapes the body, and redefines relationships.

The truth: menopause isn’t just a gradual decline. It’s a neurological, emotional, and hormonal shift—one that affects not only women but their partners, families, and futures. And many are not as prepared as they could be.

When Words Disappear, Confidence Often Follows

Estrogen is not only a reproductive hormone—it is also a brain hormone. It improves memory, improves focus, and supports emotional regulation. It stabilizes mood and supplies neurons with glucose, helping the brain to operate, process information, and connect.

As estrogen begins to decline—often starting in the late 30s or early 40s—the brain tries to adapt. But these shifts can be significant. Many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, and a mental exhaustion that may feel more intense than what they’ve encountered before. Sleep disruptions become more frequent, often caused by hormonal changes, which may further impact cognitive and emotional resilience.

These symptoms are not uncommon. They are neurological, hormonal, and physical. And in many cases, women may not receive enough information or preparation about these changes. Instead, they are often told to push through or offered generalized treatments without considering individual needs.

Let’s Talk About “It” (Because No One Else Does)

During this transition, many women quietly fear that they will stop being desired—or lose desire themselves. Vaginal dryness, lowered libido, and emotional disconnection often emerge without clear explanation. Intimacy, once a source of connection, can become challenging.

These are not trivial effects. They influence identity, partnership, and self-worth. Yet, discussions around these issues are often limited. Many women remain silent, and partners—especially men—may struggle to understand what’s happening or how to provide support.

Breaking this silence is important. What’s needed is not a quick fix, but a deeper understanding and a shared language of empathy that includes both partners in the conversation.

Menopause Is a Relationship Reckoning

Menopause does not happen in isolation. It changes the individual, yes—but it also affects relationships, roles, and emotional environments. These shifts often go unspoken. Partners might misinterpret withdrawal as rejection. Women can feel unseen or unsupported. Emotional distance can grow without proper understanding.

This is why the cultural silence around menopause is more than just inconvenient—it can lead to misunderstandings. It can affect intimacy, communication, and connection. Bringing this conversation back is one of the important changes we can make in our relationships.

The Real Starting Line: Perimenopause

Contrary to popular belief, menopause doesn’t start at 50. In fact, many symptoms occur years earlier during a transition called perimenopause—a phase that often begins in the mid-30s or early 40s.

During this time, many women experience anxiety, mood swings, sleep disruptions, brain fog, and fluctuations in libido. These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed, dismissed as stress, or simply not acknowledged. However, perimenopause is not the end of something—it’s the beginning of a window of opportunity: a time to understand the changes and approach this transition with awareness.

It is a chance to address the changes early, gain insight into what’s happening, and make informed decisions about how to approach this phase with agency.

A New Approach: Integrative, Honest, and Backed by Emerging Science

Recent research has begun to redefine menopause as a multidimensional transformation involving hormonal, neurological, and emotional systems. In response, both scientists and integrative practitioners are exploring plant-based solutions that support the entire experience—not just isolated symptoms.

Botanical compounds play a significant role in this movement. Aguaje fruit, one of nature’s richest sources of phytoestrogens, may help mimic estrogen activity and support hormonal balance. Genistein, derived from Sophora japonica, has been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes. Red clover extract has been linked to benefits for vascular health and vasomotor symptoms. Chasteberry may aid in mood regulation and hormonal balance. Additionally, sage extract, which has been validated in clinical trials, appears to effectively reduce night sweats and hot flashes.

Together, these compounds create the foundation of a science-supported, natural toolkit for supporting women cognitively, hormonally, and emotionally throughout the menopause journey.

Expanding Support Beyond Hormones

The physiological effects of menopause go far beyond just estrogen. Cognitive abilities, emotional strength, skin health, and sexual well-being are all impacted. As a result, broader support systems are being developed to help support hormonal balance with targeted approaches.

Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea are gaining attention for their ability to regulate cortisol and assist the body in managing stress. These compounds may help boost mood, reduce fatigue, and support internal balance.

Formulations designed to improve intimacy are also evolving. Ingredients traditionally used to increase blood flow and sensual vitality are being re-examined and adapted to help women reconnect with their libido in ways that feel natural and empowering.

Meanwhile, skin health—a commonly overlooked aspect of menopause—is being targeted through plant-based ingredients that help boost collagen production, hydration, and elasticity from within.

A Comprehensive Menopause Support Model Emerges

Reflecting this broader understanding, one company has emerged with a uniquely integrative approach. NØØT, a US-based premium supplement brand rooted in biohacking, longevity science, and integrative medicine, is redefining what support for midlife women can look like. Known for clean formulations and a brain-forward philosophy, the brand develops products that blend neuroscience, plant medicine, and functional nutrition.

At the core of its menopause support strategy is Menopause Harmony, a formula that combines all of the key botanicals discussed above—including aguaje, genistein, red clover, chasteberry, and sage. Created to address the cognitive, hormonal, and emotional aspects of menopause, it provides a holistic natural solution for women seeking clarity and balance during this transition.

Beyond this core formula, NØØT has developed a suite of complementary products that address the wider challenges women face during this phase. Stress Less focuses on cortisol regulation and emotional stability through adaptogenic support. VeCoGlow, a vegetarian collagen-activating skin complex, tackles the loss of skin elasticity and glow that often accompanies hormonal shifts.

These offerings collectively indicate a significant shift in how menopause is supported. Instead of addressing symptoms separately, NØØT’s approach emphasizes the connection between brain, body, and identity. As women increasingly seek science-based alternatives to traditional hormone therapy, models like this could help reshape society’s understanding of the second half of a woman’s life—not as a decline, but as a vibrant reemergence.

“Menopause is not a crisis. It is a beautiful awakening and transformation. It is time we began treating it that way—with science, with empathy, and with the honesty it has always deserved,” says NØØT’s founder, Dia Schwarz.

For more information, please visit: www.noot.us

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed by the author, Chelsea Robinson, are based on personal insights and available research. Readers are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals or specialists before making decisions regarding menopause or any related treatments. The article does not endorse any specific products or services and is intended to offer a broad understanding of menopause and its potential impacts.