About Wags

Meet Our Staff

Kaleena, Owner and Lead Dog Trainer

Kaleena has been with Wags since 2008, and recently became owner in June of 2022.   In addition to graduating from NSCC’s Animal Care Specialist program, she also completed the Dog Trainer program at Gail Fischer’s All Dog’s Gym, has certifications in training from Ian Dunbar’s Training Academy, and a completion in Aggression Dogs Master Course.  Kaleena is also a member of  the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)  and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).  Titan, her first dog, rescued from a local shelter in 2010,  recently crossed the rainbow bridge in June of 2022, and will forever be a cherished part of the Wags Family. Kaleena also has a 4 year old GSD, named Akela and 2 adorable children.

Taegon, Manager

Taegon joined the Wags pack in August 2018 and was quickly promoted to Manager. She found her true passion for working with animals after growing up with 3 of her families rescue coonhounds and previously working at another daycare. Her dream is to own her own doggie daycare in the future.  She has 2 dogs of her own, pictured,  Maxxy, an American Bulldog, and Daisy, a Pitbull/ Cattle dog mix.

Jordan

Jordan, Assistant Manager

Jordan joined us in November of 2017 when she was a senior at Essex Tech/Aggie High School.  After gaining great hands-on experience here, she continued her education and is a graduate of the Animal Care Program at NSCC.  She is certified in Pet First Aid and has a 5-year-old Yorkie named Fletcher.

Colleen, Dog Handler

Colleen joined our pack in August of 2020. Colleen had worked at several daycares previously, where she really found her passion for working with dogs. She has a dog of her own, a Leonberger named Sampson who she loves and takes pride in training every day!

Pat, Dog Handler

Welcome back Pat! Pat used to work for Wags years ago, he took some time off to work as a lobsterman but found his way back to his true passion- working with dogs!  Pat has taken animal science classes at NSCC and has two dogs- a 1 and half year-old black lab named Baloo (pictured) and a 6 year old chihuahua mix named Stella.

Josh, Dog Handler

Josh joined us in the Spring of 2023 when he was finishing up his senior year of high school and looking for his next chapter. Josh grew up with cats and has always had a huge love for all animals. Although he didn’t have much dog experience, he was truly dedicated to learning about dogs, their behavior and body language. Josh’s love for the dogs is so genuine, he has made the perfect addition to our pack!

Ryan, Dog Handler

Ryan joined us in 2015 as an Intern though NSCC’s College and Career Access Program (CCAP).  He was offered a Dog Handler position with us after he completed that program in May of 2016. He continues to take classes at NSCC and works with us part time while in school.