Dalana worked as a certified veterinary technician and left the veterinary field after 15 yrs to begin her journey building and operating the kennel. Dalana and her husband Tanner built the kennel on their property in rural Viola, IL and opened for business in May 2010.

Dalana and Tanner have 3 children, Payton, Bennett and Braxten. The kennel is situated on their 20 acre property next to their home. Operating the kennel is Dalana's full time position. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her family and their 4 dogs, camping, boating, shopping and being outdoors on their farm.

Payton is the daughter of owner, Dalana Schmidt, and has been working/helping in the kennel since she was 12 years old. Payton graduated from Carl Sandburg College in July of 2020 with a degree in dental hygiene. She works full time as a dental hygienist in Muscatine at Alan B. Evans Family Dentistry and manages the kennel on the weekend. Payton is married to Wyatt Kellogg and they have three dogs of their own: Target (pitbull), Gypsy (mountain cur), and Delilah (cur/border collie mix). Payton's favorite part of working at the kennel is loving on all of the dogs and taking their pictures for the kennel page. In her spare time Payton enjoys hunting, painting, and doing anything outdoors.

Addi has been working at the kennel for over a year. She is one of our main animal caretakers but you'll be seeing more of her up front in the office! Addi is from Viola IL and will be a senior this year at Sherrard High School. One of her favorite hobbies to do in her free time is dog training. Her favorite part of working here at the kennel is spending quality time with each dog and taking their pictures for the Facebook page!

Amanda is one of the newer faces that you'll see around here. She will be up front in the office checking dogs in/out and working behind the scenes taking care of the dogs. Amanda is from Aledo IL and her hobbies include: dog training, writing/reading books, competing in herding trials, and riding horses in various disciplines. Her favorite part of working here at the kennel is seeing all of the various dog breeds and spending quality time with each dog.

Cora has been working at the kennel for over two years. She is part of our animal care team and spends quality time with each dog. Cora is from Aledo IL and will be a senior this year at Mercer County High School. Some of her hobbies include spending time with friends/family and playing with her dogs at home. Her favorite part of working here at the kennel is spending quality time with each dog and making them feel comfortable for their stay here with us.

Morgan has been working at the kennel for almost five months. She is part of our animal care team and you can also find her greeting clients in the office when checking in/out. Morgan is from Joy IL and will be a senior this year at Mercer County High School. Some of her hobbies include: cooking, baking, and playing with her dogs at home. Her favorite part of working here at the kennel is playing with all of the different dogs and getting to know their unique personalities.

Olivia is the newest member of the kennel and started earlier this month! She is a part of our behind the scene crew making sure that each dog gets the proper care and attention. Olivia is from Aledo IL and will be a senior this year at Mercer County High School. Some of her hobbies include: cross country, fishing, and reading. Her favorite part of working here at the kennel is meeting all of the new dogs and creating a bond with each one.

Hannah is the niece of owner Dalana Schmidt, and has been working at the kennel since early March. She is part of our behind the scene crew making sure that each dog gets the proper care. Hannah is from Viola IL and will be a freshman this year at Sherrard High School. Some of her hobbies include: hunting, spending time outdoors, dance, and spending time with her dogs/sheep/cows. Her favorite part of working here at the kennel is meeting all of the new dogs and getting to know their unique personalities.