Kim Wilson

Full Time Groomer

14 years Grooming Experience and Competition Experience in Confirmation and Grooming Rings

Grooming Certifications:

• Long Leg Terriers,

• Hand Stripping

• Spaniels

Certified in K9 CPR

Joanna Flaherty

Part Time Groomer

I have been competing in the All American Grooming Show competitions since 2011. I have won 1st place with my Cocker Spaniel, 2nd and 3rd places with a Standard Poodle and 2nd and 3rd places with an Airedale. Recently in August, I’ve started competing with a Giant Schnauzer, though I haven’t placed with him yet.

My education started off at Paragon School of Pet Grooming and graduated in August 2004 with 600 hours in the program. From there, I went straight to a vet clinic for 2 year and then worked with Pet Smart for 2 months. While there, I found the Gold Clipper, which was then my home for 11 ½ years.

I personally own 3 dogs—a Labrador, Cocker Spaniel and a Great Pyranese/St. Bernard Mix along with 6 cats and 52 chickens.

Dr. Chris Keeley

Christopher J. Keeley DVM
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT)   

Dr. Keeley directs the physical rehabilitation and fitness services at the Southlane Veterinary Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana. He received his CCRT training through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Coral Springs, Florida, and completed his internship training through the Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, Texas.

Dr. Keeley works with pets that are recovering from surgery or injury, have neurologic conditions, and those struggling with obesity or symptoms of old age. He and the entire staff will work together closely with you and your regular veterinarian to ensure the best chance of returning your pet to his/her full health and function.

Dr. Keeley can be reached at Southlane Veterinary Clinic 219.462.4114 to discuss diagnosis and treatment options for your pet.  

Christine Waters

Christine Waters, Veterinary Assistant, Certified Canine Fitness Trainer

Christine Waters has been with us since November 2014. She is a veterinary assistant at Southlane Veterinary Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana and has worked for Dr. Rachael Jones and Dr. Christopher Keeley at their practice since 2011.  Her passion for helping animals has been lifelong, but it wasn't until Dr. Keeley became certified and began offering canine rehabilitation services that she discovered her niche.  She assists Dr. Keeley with all his rehab patients, implementing land therapy programs to help them regain strength and mobility. As these patients progress, she begins providing therapeutic swim sessions to further their recovery while incorporating targeted exercises to keep it fun and effective.

Seeing one-on-one how beneficial rehab can be for dogs recovering from orthopedic injuries and neurological conditions inspired her to research the importance of injury prevention and fitness in our canine companions. She earned her CCFT (Certified Canine Fitness Trainer) through the University of Tennessee/FitPAWS Master Trainer program in 2016. She hopes to reach out to the pet-owner community and help people better understand why a good weight, proper nutrition, and a well-conditioned body and mind are crucial to a dog's longevity and are integral parts of a happy healthy life.  

Christine currently resides in Portage, Indiana with her husband, Brandon, their two dogs Janna and Nessa, their cats Wonton and Kirby, and Stanley, their hedgehog.  She enjoys long leash-walks on the beach and singing in the pool.

Knowing Dogs 101: Dog Language

• Body Language Basics

• Human & Dog Greetings

• Dog Emotional States

• Dogs in Stress

• Dog Aggression

• Leadership

• Human & Dog Social Interactions

Knowing Dogs provides you with: 

• Consistent technical dog knowledge and handling skills training for Pet Care Provider new hires

• Timely self-study training for one new hire or a small group

• Valuable time saving delivery using self-study narrated DVDs

• Minimize staff injuries and accidents as providers learn safe handling and dog language basics

• Healthier and happier dog guests as staff recognize early warnings of dog discomfort

• Safer and more easily managed dog social play groups by trained leaders that understand play behaviors and use proactive management skills

• Confirmation of learning comprehension with program assessment and module evaluations

• Hands-on activities and shift tips that transfer skills learned to the job

• Standardized training for your staff

Knowing Dogs 201: Group Play

Knowing Dogs 201 (Group Play) builds upon the foundation of knowledge introduced in 101.   201 provides dog daycare employees with a deeper understanding of canine body language when dogs are in group play, how human leadership impacts dogs, dog aggression, and greetings.  Group Play addresses:

• Play Behaviors

• Leadership Part 1

• Leadership Part 2

• Leading Playgroups

• Dogs in Stress

• Dog-to-Dog Aggression

• Dog-to-Dog Greetings

Group Play was developed to keep dogs safe while playing together and provide knowledge to develop skills for pet care providers to properly supervise play.  Dogs have a language that they use to communicate with each other, with humans and with other animals.  When you learn and understand their language you’ll recognize warning signs and signals that the dog is not comfortable and how to safely respond.

We want dogs that attend group play to be physically safe and leave the group as emotionally sound as when they arrived to play.  Group Play helps pet care providers recognize the early warning signs of inappropriate play behaviors and how to take action to keep play fun and safe for each dog.  This will result in happier and healthier dogs that make your job easier, and satisfied clients that keep coming back.

We are passionate about providing the information pet care providers need to be successful.  Knowing Dogs 201: Group Play, is a key foundation for further study.  Dogs have a lot to teach us and we invite you to join us in learning and understanding their behaviors.