|
|
WAG-N-TRAIN takes great pride in employing caring, knowledgeable, and hardworking staff. Every employee combines real hands-on animal caretaking experience with a lifelong love of animals. Several employees bring their pets to work with them and go the extra mile by staying involved in animal welfare and rescue efforts in our community. If you are interested in joining the WAG-N-TRAIN team, please CLICK HERE for open employment opportunities. Dana F., kennel staff: Dana has been working at WAG-N-TRAIN since August 2010. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2010 with a degree in sociology and psychology. Dana competes in National Reining Horse Association shows all over the country and she has 4 horses, Bye, Cowgirl, Shiner, and Sparky. She also has 3 dogs: Shane, a lab mix from 4 Luv of Dog rescue of Fargo and two chihuahuas, Victoria and Rico. Steph A., daycare staff: Steph joined WAG-N-TRAIN in August 2011 and she is currently studying Nursing at NCTC-East Grand Forks with the goal of becoming an RN. She gained animal caretaking experience with her family's pets and she has a pet ferret named Aero. Her favorite part of working at the kennel is getting to know the dogs and their personalities. Sami S., daycare staff: Sami has been working at WAG-N-TRAIN since April 2011. She has been an "animal person" all of her life. Sami has one dog, a German shepherd cross named Harley who was adopted from the Circle of Friends Humane Society through WAG-N-TRAIN's Help for the Homeless program. Sami is a Radiology Tech student at NCTC-East Grand Forks. WAG-N-TRAIN is a business built the old-fashioned way - from the ground up, with lots of hard work and dedication. From humble beginnings to a thriving business, here is WAG-N-TRAIN's story, as told by founder Carlene King: "I graduated from Colorado Career Academy in 1991 and in 1997, I moved to Warroad, Minnesota where I opened my own pet store and grooming salon. Four years later I sold the business and moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota. While working at All Pets Hospital, I soon realized how many dogs were totally out of control and how many people were looking for training. Grand Forks had very little to offer, and in many cases family pets would end up at the Humane Society instead of getting the help they needed. In 2004, I attended Triple Crown Dog Academy in Hutto, Texas to become a certified trainer. I graduated in 2005 as a Certified Canine Behavior and Training Specialist with a goal of helping dogs and their owners in Grand Forks. Upon returning from Texas, I took over the boarding facility of All Pets Hospital, working extremely hard to build a good reputation. Working out of those two trailers was a constant struggle, but I am thankful for them today. I started this business the old-fashioned way. Out of every dime I made, about nine cents went back into the kennel. Along the way, I made as many changes as I could to improve the facility - not only to be more attractive from the outside, but also adding kennels to accommodate more pets. Due to the limited space indoors, I could only train during the spring and summer, weather permitting. This made is very difficult for me to make that huge difference in the canine population that I dreamed of. Still, I helped as many dogs and their owners as much as I could. It was a very frustrating time. I had the knowledge, the hard work, care, and commitment that I believe anyone would look for in a kennel -- but I lacked a spacious, professional facility. I needed a new location - one that is not only pleasing to look at on the outside, but also potential for new and spacious kennels with ample indoor and outdoor play areas. I knew I would realize this dream if I kept working hard and saving hard. In November 2008 I found the perfect property in a beautiful country location. The new building featured more than enough space for dog and cat boarding, daycare, grooming, and the largest indoor play and training area in town. With this impressive new building and the hard work I put into it, I knew that I could now realize my dream. I am very proud to be able to offer the knowledge and professionalism everyone encounters when they visit WAG-N-TRAIN. My passion is dogs, pure and simple. Caring for them, grooming, training, and loving them. When you visit my facility, you will see me and my staff working every day including holidays. I believe that even on a holiday, your pets deserve care and attention -- maybe even more so than on a normal day. For example, last Christmas the day started at 6:00 in the morning. I didn't stop until 8:00 at night, and spent only twenty minutes during the day to grab something to eat. This is a normal holiday schedule at my facility. I cannot impress upon you the love I have -- not only for my dogs, but yours as well. In order to make even more of a positive impact on pets in the region, I have decided to donate one or two kennels per month to the Circle of Friends Humane Society here in town. These kennels will be set aside for dogs from the shelter, especially ones that have been there a long time. During that month, they will be working on manners and social skills. This hopefully will give them some extra help to find their forever homes. It is my goal to help twelve to twenty four dogs a year. My extended family is your dogs, and I truly mean that. I treat all dogs that come to our facility with love and understanding. My staff and I pay close attention to each pet and try to notice if there are any concerns so that we can relay these to you. You are always welcome to call and we are happy to tell you how your family member is doing. It is my promise that your dogs and cats will be taken care of as well as if they were at home with you. I make sure this facility is always a place that I would feel comfortable boarding my own pets at, and I do. When I have to leave town, my dogs stay here. As the owner and founder of WAG-N-TRAIN, I give my promise that your pet will be in a clean and sanitized environment, will be fed, watered, and given more than enough exercise and attention regardless of whether they join the play group or not. You pet will enjoy a stay that we work hard to ensure is as stress-free as possible. I welcome anyone to tour the facility. Make an appointment to stop by and spend a little time getting to know me and my staff. I promise that it will be the best decision you have made to leave your loved one with us."  |
