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John Gagnon, known throughout the Northeast as
the Dogman®, has been training dogs full time since 1994. The inspiration
that started it all was his desire to reduce the number of healthy dogs
killed in Connecticut pounds, currently 15,000 annually. Finding dogs homes
is a great effort taken on by many, but does not begin to address two primary
root problems. Many people give up their dogs simply because they do not
know how to train them, and there are too many pets that are not spayed
or neutered, creating a gross over population. As long as pets are not
spayed or neutered, this will always be the case. Rescue organizations
and Veterinarians from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York,
Maine, and New Hampshire regularly call on John for his experience and
expertise.
By John educating people on how to better communicate
with their dogs to prevent unwanted behavior, he hoped to begin to reduce
the number of dogs in Connecticut pounds. Although his training approach
and philosophy are uniquely his, he has been influenced by many top dog
trainers including Jean Donaldson and Leslie Nelson, as well as marine
mammal trainer Pat Carraciolo. His efforts have also been featured over
the years on channel's 3 & 30 news.
John's obedience training classes and private lessons
soon showed a demand for grooming services. Doggie Daycare was added shortly
after, based on clients struggles to adequately exercise their rambunctious
dogs. Next, pet fencing was added, satisfying the same client's needs to
be able to properly exercise their dogs in the safety of their own yards.
Finally, in 2003, the ultimate Pet Resort was completed at 227 Upton Road
in Colchester. A 10,000 square foot facility offering the client everything
that their dogs could possibly need while their owners are away on vacation
or just at work. The new facility has also helped rescue organizations
rehab some of their homeless dogs with behavioral issues.
In addition to his passion for animals, John is
an avid practitioner of Brazilian jiu jitsu & other martial arts. Check
out Josh Hesser's new Colchester school at www.abdcolchester.com |
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MEET OUR STAFF!
Jessica Guilbeault
Jessica Guilbeault is usually the first one that
you'll see or talk to at the resort. As our senior receptionist, you will
often see one of her two boys behind the counter with her, a five year
old cocker-clumber mix named Max. Her other boy, a 3 year old cocker named
Tucker plays in daycare. Both of her dogs eat John Gagnon's Premium Chicken
and Rice dry food. She also has a cat at home that she rescued named Tillie
Bear. |
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Tom Sears
Tom Sears has been the Daycare Supervisor since
2003, immediately after the expansion of the resort, and heads up our team
of "aggressive dog" trainers. A lifetime resident of Colchester, he tried
several different fields after high school before landing here. Once exposed
to the world of pet care, he knows this is what he'll do for life. Tom
has rescued two dogs, Waldo & Gunny, both boxers, that were deemed
"unplaceable" by their respective rescue groups, due to their aggressive
natures. Tom, as he has done repeatedly with dogs in our care, has tamed
them to the point where they live together peacefully. Both of Tom's dogs
are eating Oma's Pride RAW diet. Along with others on staff, Tom also trains
martial arts with the Americas Best Defense team.
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| JoAnn Dooley
Prior to joining John Gagnon's staff in 2007, JoAnn
spent 6 years at the Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary technician.
She has also worked at two show kennels for Cavalier King Charles and English
Toy spaniels, and now is the resort's manager. JoAnn currently lives in
Colchester with her six dogs.
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Nichole Varriale
Nichole Varriale has been with the resort since
opening in 2003, and even worked out of John's house when the business
was run from there. She and John met when she was with a work study program
in the 8th grade, and volunteered one day each week. When the program ended,
she stayed on and has been with us since! Having finished her studies in
animal care in 2009, Nichole is now with us full time, working in the kennel
and
grooming. |
| Abbie Abbott iis now a full time member
of the resort now that she has finished school! We are thrilled to have
her, she provides constant top level personal care to all of your pets! |
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Mike O'Connor is also with us full time now that
school is finished, and is studying with John & Tom to become a dog
trainer |
Meghan Colletta
Meghan Coletta joined us in the summer of 2007,
and graduated Bacon Academy in 2009! We look forward to her helping out
when home from UConn around the holidays. She has two dogs of her own,
a crazy Brittany Spaniel named Boomer, and a spoiled Yorkie named Nikki! |
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Greg Gagnon
Greg Gagnon is off to the University of Vermont!
He has grown up with multiple dogs and cats, as well as other pets, and
has always shared in the responsibility of their care. While unsure at
this point exactly where this path will lead, he is sure that, like his
uncle, his future is with animals. |
| Darcy Meo
Darcy Meo has been with us since 2004, and was
originally the kennel manager. She now heads up the sales, installation,
and training of our pet fence division, as well as participating in marketing,
and other administrative responsibilities associated with the resort. Originally
from Harborside Maine, she has a background in counseling and psychology,
which helps when training dogs to use their pet fence! Darcy currently
has five animals. Her cats are O'Neill (Go Yankees!), Swagger, and IP.
She has two dogs, a dogue de bordeaux mix, Babycakes and a Pit Bull named
Mojave. All were rescued. Both Mo and Baby are eating John Gagnon's Premium
dry chicken and rice dog food. |
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Casper Meo
Saturday March 29, 2008 while training a new dog
to a fence, Casper passed away. As most of you knew, he had his share of
health issues. While Darcy and her husband alleviated any undue stress
after his diagnosis, we all vowed not to take away his freedom and place
him in a bubble.
His love was for life, and for his work. Darcy
tried to keep him home some days, but Casper would not hear of it, blocking
her exit until she relented and allowed him to do his job, which was to
help teach hundreds of dogs how to safely use their new pet fence.
Darcy allowed him to show everyone what he was
capable of. Three years ago Casper was a dog in need of a home. He had
been tossed around, as so many dogs are, living years of his life chained
to what others defined him as. He waited with zest, passion, determination,
and sheer will, that there was something better...someone better. Nobody
needs to be saved by another, but when there is someone who believes in
you, loves you for who you are, and supports you...you have found a soul
mate. Darcy & Casper? Two souls who recognized each other, and the
rest is history.
Few of us are lucky enough to have a nurturing,
loving, and supportive immediate family, let alone an extended family.
You are all part of that extended family. |
| Jimmy Hunt
Jimmy joined the staff in May 2008. He works in
the daycare yard and assists Tom with aggressive dogs, and attends Three
Rivers Community College working on a business degree. "It's a privilege
to work at the Resort, best job I've ever had" he says. Although he is
currently unable to provide the proper time and care for a dog of his own,
he plans on rescuing one as soon as he finishes college. Jimmy also trains
at America's Best Defense Martial Arts! |
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Kelly Fox- 2010 Top Dog Award Winner!!
Kelly joined the staff in April 2008, bringing
five years experience in the pet care industry. In addition to grooming
for three years, she also does some pet sitting on the side in the shoreline
area. She works in reception, greeting your dogs upon arrival, grooming
during the week, helping Tom in daycare, as well as caring for them in
the kennel during their stay. Undoubtedly one of our most well rounded
staff members! And she also trains at America's Best Defense Martial Arts! |
Pia Gagnon
Pia is in charge of quality control here.
Found on the side of the road by a client at four weeks old, she was brought
into us, and we in turn brought her to the Colchester Veterinary Hospital.
After three days in intensive care, she came back to us for an isolation
period until she became healthy enough to be exposed to other cats. Living
in John's office, she was more or less raised by Gunner, John's Rottweiler,
over the next two weeks. It was at this time she realized that she was
a dog in a cats body! Now you'll see her patrolling the building, making
sure all of our work is completed to her high standards. To the receptionist's
dismay, you may also find her editing some of their work on the computers.
Usually all you have to do is say "kitty", and she'll come running up to
greet you. Pia DOES NOT train at America's Best Defense! :) |
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Recommended by over 35 area veterinarians,and
many rescue organizations including Northeast Rottweiler Rescue, Protectors
of Animals, Connecticut Humane Society, Rescued Rottweilers United with
Friends and Family, Inc, REGAP Greyhound Rescue, Kodi's Club Rescue, Saint
Bernard Rescue of CT and RI, Our Companions, an organization developing
Connecticut's first animal sanctuary, and Wizard of Paws, an establishment
dedicated to physical rehabilitation for animals.
We boast one of the most dedicated and experienced
staffs in the industry, who receive rave reviews from our loyal clients
every day. Please stop by at any time during business hours to tour our
facility and meet our staff. No appointment is needed for a tour, we believe
that a kennel should be clean all the time, not just during scheduled visits.
You should know just how your dog is being cared for.
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Business Hours
Mon-Fri - 7:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday - 7:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday - 9:00am - 3:00pm
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