Mary Lee R. Nitschke Ph.D.

Mary Lee had a huge impact on my life by accepting me to work at Animal School almost 30 years ago. I have had my own dog training business now since that time and fondly remember my time at Animal School. She was at the forefront of modern, positive training methods so her influence has had a positive impact on the many dogs I have had the joy of working with over the years.

Professor Nitschke made an indelibly positive impression on me as a mentor and instructor. She helped me develop my writer's voice and public speaking skills at Linfield. I remain incredibly grateful for her wise advice about dogs, women and life and will always remember her laugh.

I first met Mary at a regional conference where she was making a presentation that was utterly splendid. Afterwards, we struck up a conversation, where we discovered that we'd both gone through MSU and had contended with the same major professor--she, a few years after me so we hadn't overlapped. We shared many interests, including music. We're rarely corresponded, but last week I e-mailed a little gag I'd written, associated with Covid, sending it as an excuse to just say, Hi. Was...

Mary Lee was a colleague and friend. I consider myself a very fortunate individual, benefiting from her world view wisdom and loyal friendship for 30 years. I will forever retain moments of memories of her steadfast kindness, wit, and commitment in her attempts to explain behaviors of all in the animal kingdom. She was an amazing woman, who exemplified, in many, many ways what a competent human being is.

After retirement, I returned to my native Florida, after living in Portland for...

So sorry to hear of the passing of this remarkable woman who had such an impact on my life. I took an Animal School class over 26 years ago with my Basenji puppy, Amy, and fell in love with training. I was fortunate after that to join the staff at Mary Lee's Animal School. She made it possible for me to grow as a trainer and a person. I owe my past 25 year career as a trainer to the great start and influences I received from Mary Lee. You are missed by many!

Mary Lee -- So glad I ran in to you late July 2017 and let you know, even 20 years later, how much I enjoyed your Psych classes at Linfield Nursing and how much I use the things I learned from you. "If it eats you can train it." I was shocked and saddened to read your notice this last Sunday, as you passed only 5 weeks after we chatted. You did good work, for humans and animals, and I will remember your braids, leather cap, and full laugh. I hope you are surrounded by your loving and loved...