Mid-Michigan K9 Academy - Saginaw

In March 2023, we chose Mid-Michigan K9 Academy to establish a solid training foundation for our high-energy boxer, Whiskey, who was just five months old. What I initially believed to be a trustworthy partnership quickly unraveled into a nightmare. Over time, I endured verbal abuse, harassment, and manipulation at the hands of James (Jim) and his significant other, Darcy (Dee). Whiskey completed a 14-day board-and-train program at Mid-Michigan K9 Academy. However, soon after, I noticed a behavioral issue and reached out for guidance. Instead of receiving support and education, I was met with immediate dismissal. I later discovered the responses I believed were from James were actually from Darcy impersonating him. A few months later, I faced health challenges requiring routine medical treatment in Saginaw, which allowed me to drop Whiskey off for daycare on a regular schedule. When my treatment schedule changed, I informed the staff—two weeks in advance and again on the day of my last pickup. However, when I arrived on the revised day, I was met with an unsettling experience. I waited 20 minutes with no staff in sight, despite hearing them in the back. When I finally called out, Darcy stormed out, yelling that I had no appointment. James followed, demanding I leave. I stood my ground and insisted they check the cameras. After reviewing the footage, James admitted their mistake and offered a half-hearted apology. Sadly, this was only the beginning of continued mistreatment. Eventually, I stopped bringing Whiskey to daycare. A year later, once my health improved, I decided to give the academy another chance. It didn’t take long for the same pattern of abuse to resume. While trying to arrange an exit bath for Whiskey before vacation, I encountered endless delays, vague responses, and outright hostility from Darcy and James. After a week of back-and-forth messages, James told me his bath would be handled, only for staff to later say they no longer offered the service—despite recent emails outlining new pricing. The abuse continued. By then, I had lost all trust in the business and felt uneasy about Whiskey’s treatment in my absence. After two days without updates on Whiskey, I reached out to Darcy. Instead of a simple response, I was met with further mistreatment and bullying. James repeatedly called and messaged me, accusing me of being rude and saying, "If you don't like it, you can come pick up your dog"—three days before my vacation was set to end. When I chose not to engage while away, James terminated the relationship. When I requested a refund on remaining credits from my prepaid October 2023 daycare visits, James responded with hostility, aggression, and harassment, ultimately physically forcing my husband and me off the property. His behavior prompted us to dig deeper into his background. I was beyond disturbed to learn James is a convicted murderer, recently released from a life sentence due to a gubernatorial decision. Given his history and treatment of me, I no longer feel safe anywhere near him. I encourage everyone to look into his disturbing past. (His version of the story is NOT the story.) This entire experience has been nothing short of abusive. From impersonating staff to financial exploitation, bullying, and verbal harassment, Mid-Michigan K9 Academy operates with blatant disregard for basic human respect and integrity. Their actions reflect not only poor business ethics but also raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of both clients and their pets. I took legal steps to fight for the credit I was owed and won my case. I will continue warning others about the dangers of engaging with this business. No one should have to endure what I faced. James is not fit for society—he continues to manipulate, silence, and exploit others while refusing accountability. I hope my story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone seeking pet training services. Proceed with extreme caution.