Kent Meyer - "Lead Dog"

Meyer’s Kennel, Animal House, Canine Colony
Aggression and conflict specialist, behavior, obedience, conformation trainer, professional dog handler, groomer.  A third generation dog person, Kent has shown some high ranking dogs: for 2009, three of them finished in the top ten in the country.  With an innate understanding of dogs, Kent is widely known as one of the top trainers in the Northern Illinois area; he continues his education in canine behavior, working with his mentors, Lee Mannix, and the world-renowned John Rogerson, of Great Britain.  Kent’s teaching philosophy focuses on strengthening and improving the relationships between people and their canine companions.  And there’s not much he likes better than whelping a litter of pups.  Kent's new joy comes from spending time with his son, Luke.  

Gwen Meyer, CPCT- "Wife of Lead Dog"

Meyer’s Kennel, Animal House, Canine Colony
Behavior, obedience, conformation trainer, professional dog handler, groomer.  Her mom made the mistake of taking Gwen to a dog show when she was nine years old.  That was it.  Gwen volunteered at a local veterinary for three years before acquiring her first show dog, an Irish Setter, which she showed to his championship.  She competed in junior showmanship where she met Kent, and for ten years she apprenticed under some of the top handlers in the country.  After their marriage, she and Kent began showing professionally, together.  Along with the Number 4 Wheaten Terrier in 2004 (click on Bred in the Bone for more about her love of this breed), Gwen handled the country’s Number 5 Irish Setter in 2009, along with a lengthy list of other champions.  This year she handled Ch. Maxwell's Mr. Cruise, better known as "Tom" Kent's Norfolk Terrier, to Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club show  in New York City.  Gwen is also currently one Of Rockford's Top 40 Leaders Under 40.  Education—for herself, her staff and customers—is Gwen’s first love.  The new love in her life is her son, Luke.

Kathleen Carlson, CPCT
Meyer’s Kennel, Animal House, Canine Colony
Operations Manager.  You name it, Kathleen does it: she picks up and delivers pets, works the office, helps with training coordination, and pretty much keeps things running smoothly for Meyer's.  Her first love is her seven-toed cat, Fisher (named for the potato chips).  But Gwen Meyer has introduced her to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, so now Kathleen owns Lucy and has recently added another cat, Ethel, to the family.  Other interests include frogs, photography, gardening and her human family. 

More of our great staff by location:

Meyer's Kennel | Animal House | Canine Colony

Meyer's Kennel

OFFICE

Jordan Molenda

Office Manager. Jor, as we have come to know her, joined the Meyer's team this summer.  She has been a welcome addition filled with creativity and ideas.  Jor welcomes every client and makes our guests feel right at home.  She loves traveling, reading and spending time with husband Paul, friends and family.  She developed an early interest in animals growing up with her cats and spoodle (poodle/spitz mix) Mitzi.

Jordan Peterson

Customer Service Specialist, Transportation, Shift Leader. Jordan started working in the kennel in 2003 and quickly became involved in other areas at Meyer's.  She is currently working in our office.  Her sense of order and great ideas has been an asset to everyone.  Jordan loves spending time with her family and cat.  She loves the outdoors and plans to someday have a dog that will share her passion.

Char Johnston

Customer Service Specialist.  You could say for Char, Meyer's Kennel is all in the family.  After hearing about the wonderful time her husband, Al, was having she just had to be a part of things at Meyer's.  Char's happy face graced our doors in December of 2007.  She came in and hit the ground running.  Loving all dogs comes naturally to Char, but Golden Retrievers hold a special place in her heart.  Walking dogs, gardening and reading are just a few of her interests.  Char's best moments are spent with husband Al and their children.

   Amy Henry

Web site Coordinator, Shift Leader. Amy joined the gang at Meyer's in the spring of 2002.  Before coming to Meyer’s, Amy worked at a veterinary in Wisconsin for three years. In addition, she has a degree in sociology, which, she points out, has proven useful to her work with her two rescue dogs.  Along with canines, Amy enjoys movies, yoga and traveling.  She spends her time off with her husband, Sean, daughter, Morgan and son, Declan.

LODGING

Barb McIntosh
Playtime Provider, Canine Swim Coach.  Barb's is every dogs favorite staff member.  She makes sure the dogs get their time to play, run and walk while they lodge with us.  Her breed is Boxer, and if she ever has time, she’s going to take her own dog through obedience and agility.

Hannah Cornelius

Kennel Technician, Show Assistant.  Hannah has been working with our staff since the fall of 2007.  She has a calm way about her that the animals respond to.  The kennel was her starting place, but when Kent and Gwen needed help with their dog shows, Hannah hit the road.  A Jack Russell Terrier mix is Hannah's current companion, but she has an interest in Greyhounds.  She spends her time reading and watching movies.

Stephanie Book

Kennel Technician Stephanie started working in the kennel in the Summer of 2008.  She began training dogs in obedience and that interest grew into wanting to work with the dogs at Meyer's Kennel.  The time spent taking care of the guests has instilled a love of all breeds, but her favorites are Labs and German Shepherds.  Stephanie plans to train narcotics or search and rescue dogs, in the future.  Spending time outdoors with friends and family brings her great joy.

Scott Johnston

Kennel Maintenance Scott is known as the man who can fix anything.  Whenever we need a project done or something breaks, Scott is our man.  He joined our team in the summer of 2009.  He comes from a family of dog lovers.  Even though he may be known for his handy side, he always has a moment to give a dog a kind word and a pat on the head as he walks through.  Scott enjoys watching the Chicago Bears play or a scary movie.  Not only can he fix things, but he also loves to cook for family and friends.

TRANSPORTATION/TRAINING

Marilyn Johnson
Marilyn Johnson, Meyer’s Kennel
Training Coordinator, Training Instructor.  In 1996 Marilyn and her Old English Sheepdog enrolled in a pet store’s obedience class.  She liked it.  The next year she began working at a veterinary, where she learned a good deal about canine health care.  During that time she got her first AKC registered Sheltie, a rescue dog.  China was considered unfit to compete, but in 1999 Marilyn showed her to her Companion Dog title in only three trials.  A year later, aiming to get more training experience, she came to work for Meyer’s.  In addition to coordinating our training classes, Marilyn teaches puppy classes, year round.  She, her Sheltie, Skittles, and her new companion, a Papillon, are currently working on obedience, agility and tracking titles.  By the way, if you phone Meyer’s and a pretty voice answers, that’s Marilyn.

Bob Czarnowski
Trainer, Canine Swim Coach.  A retired computer systems manager, Bob wanted a part time job, to keep busy.  Since his wife, Sandy, works at the kennel and Meyer’s had an opening, Bob was ready and willing to help.  He currently teaches the Rally class at Meyer's and swim lessons in the warm months.   His breed is Labs, with whom he participates in obedience competition, hunt tests and dock diving.  Bob likes computers, music and travel—especially travel involving camping and fishing.

Al Johnston

Pet Transportation.  Al is a retired sheriff with a passion for dogs.  In the summer of 2007, he came to Meyer's and quickly became a part of the family.  It wasn't long before his wife, Char, decided to join in on the fun.  He has a genuine love for all dogs and takes great care in delivering them.  He has a great love for Collies, but has an open heart for all dogs.   Al stays active by walking, swimming and working out at Bally's.  Watching sports is a favorite past time, as well.   He has plenty of hobbies including fishing, working on cars and spending time up north around the campfire.

DAYCARE

Brittany Wiegert

Daycare Coordinator. Brittany is a new member to our team at Meyer's.  She began in the kennel and learned about dog behavior.  Doggie Daycare soon became an interest for her and she is bringing fresh ideas to the position.  She is a certified massage therapist and is interested in using her skills to improve services at Meyer's.   The Shetland Sheepdog is her breed of choice, but it is her love of all dogs that brought her to Meyer's.  In her free time she enjoys camping, canoeing and reading. 

Kathy Harmer
Daycare Instructor.  The dogs love her, and she loves them.  Kathy started out showing Alaskan Malamutes.  Then she discovered the Hungarian Vizsla.  For 30 years she has competed with her Vizslas in conformation and obedience, and as a sideline, she’s a dog photographer.

Sandy Czarnowski
Daycare Instructor.  Sandy has been with Meyer's for over ten years.  With four CDs and two CDXs, Sandy is a qualified trainer and, with her Labrador Retrievers, a respected contender in the field of obedience.  She also trains in flyball and agility.  A former special ed. teacher, she has a master’s degree in education, likes to read, garden and travel, and she’s married to Bob.

GROOMING

  Dianna Recoy

Grooming Manager.  With a Miniature Poodle and Rough Collies as her breeds of choice, Dianna must enjoy grooming, and indeed she does.  In fact, she takes part in grooming competitions. With the help of her assistant stylists, she makes the pets look their best. Not only does Dianna make pets look beautiful; she’s also Meyer’s retail display goddess.  

April Ritter

Grooming Assistant.  April joined the crew in the summer of 2008.  In her early childhood, April had been injured by a dog.  Working with dogs did not always seem like the ideal career, but she soon grew to love all dogs.  The joy she finds in her work isn't her only passion, she has two young sons and a rescue cat Noel.  April keeps busy knitting in the winter months and enjoys the outdoors when it warms up.

Meyer's Animal House

Christie Lacewell

Kennel Manager.  Before coming to work at Animal House, Christie worked for the humane society in Walworth, Wisconsin.  Christie doesn't’t focus on a particular breed; she loves ‘em all and says everybody ought to experience a canine’s friendship. 

Sue Ritter

Groomer. Sue has been a dedicated member of the Animal House crew since 2005.  She began as a kennel technician, by making all the pets feel at home.  In 2008, Sue decided to make them beautiful and became a groomer.  Life at home keeps her busy with a German Shepherd, Newfoundland and three cats.

Meyer's Canine Colony

Sandee Lewis

Receptionist and Bookkeeping.  Although she loves her two Border Collie dogs best, Sandee likes all breeds.  She is the backbone of operations at the Roscoe office.  The day to day operations are kept on track by her constant diligence.  She makes things run smoothly and always has time for a friendly exchange with callers.

Kay Baird

Accounting.  Kay has been breeding Wheaten Terriers for twenty years.  She joined Kent and Gwen in their breeding efforts eight years ago.  They continue to breed dogs, but now Kay assists with the inner workings of the dog shows.  She retired from social work in 2001 and has enjoyed being a part of the Meyer's team.

Michelle Straka

Grooming Assistant. Michelle began to work at Canine Colony in the Fall of 2007.  Michelle's genuine love of animals was evident right away and she quickly became a integral part of the grooming team.  Two cats, two dogs and a foster dog, named Apollo, greet her at home, each day, after work.  She enjoys spending her free time with her children and watching movies.

Audra Walsh

Receptionist. Audra has been answering calls and greeting clients since the Fall of 2007.  She is a helpful member of the staff and enjoys the furry visitors that grace the doors of Canine Colony.  She is a very active mom of three children and two Siberian Huskies.  It is hard to say who keeps her more busy.  Audra and her husband, Bruce, spend time boating and motorcycling.

Sherry Lund
Groomer. Sherry began trimming dogs, at Canine Colony, in the summer of 2005.  She has a great love for German Shepherds, but every dog is welcome on her table.  Time off with her two sons, Masen and Alex, is what she enjoys the most.  Sherry also loves the great outdoors.  She spends her free time outside with her hands in the dirt, gardening or riding her bike.

Sarah Teague

Grooming Assistant. Sarah brought her skills to Canine Colony in 2007.  The days spent making dogs pretty has given Sarah a chance to love all dogs, but Buddy her Maltese is near and dear to her heart.  Sarah is the mother of twin daughters, that are her true joy.  She is active in Girl Scouts and is studying communications.

Sue Wingfield

Personal Assistant Sue's warm and welcoming personality was an instant fit with the Canine Colony staff.  She began working in the spring of 2008.  Sue helps with all the little details.  A Shih Poo is her favorite dog.  She enjoys gardening and spending time with family.

Kent and Gwen have a wonderful staff who are here to serve your pets.  Most staff members  listed above have been with Meyer's two years or more.  Meyer's employees 35-40 people in total to make sure your pet's individual needs are being met.  If a career in the pet care field is something that may interest you, see employment opportunities for current positions available.  We look forward to meeting you!