Meet The Team!

Larry founded this kennel in 1980 following a very unfortunate passing of his dog, Jimmy, after he ran into the road. “After the pain of losing my dog, I told myself that I would never have another dog that was not trained.” And he held true to his word! Even taking in clients’ dogs to train! “That year, I bought a Labrador and named him Hunter. I trained him for duck hunting and that summer I received 2 other gun dogs to train for clients. I knew I always had to work with dogs after that.”

Larry and his wife, Jeanie, currently have a wonderful lab/boxer mix named Fletcher, and a deaf cat, Bootsie, who wanders the property at her will. Both animals reflecting the full extent of kindness and love within their owners’ hearts. Although Larry has entered into retirement, he can still be seen around the kennel from time to time working on maintenance projects and assisting the staff however he can. Fly fishing is one of Larry’s favorite hobbies and he is hoping to get back into pursuing it. Larry is also a very proud caretaker of his garden and utilizes a “Back to Eden” method to do so, always generously offering up extra yield to those who are wanting to take some vegetables home.

​Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Originally from Minnesota, Abby moved to the Ludington area in 2020 after meeting her husband.

Larry and Jeanie (ACK's founders) were friends of her husband's family so she was introduced and started working at the kennel shortly after! Before working at the kennel she partook in a year and a half of overseas missions work and training, doing volunteer ministry in various countries throughout Europe, South America, and Asia. Following this, she received a bachelors degree at Colorado Christian University for psychology and clinical counseling. Throughout her time in Minnesota and Colorado she had worked a total of 5 years at various dog-daycare facilities and humane societies in cities ranging from Minneapolis, MN to Denver, CO. She and her husband have a very sweet and playful corgi named Winnie (who loves tagging along with mom at work where she can run around and play with friends), and a cat named Roo. They love to go on family fishing, hiking, kayaking, and camping trips. She also loves taking care of her chickens and vegetable garden at home. The kennel holds a very special place in her heart and she is honored to be a part of the lives of all the customers and pups she has the pleasure of meeting and caring for here!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Lydia has worked with us at ACK for nearly 4 years! She’s a very passionate and caring person who strives to put her best foot forward. She was motivated to begin working with us due to her immense love for dogs. She shows this love day in and day out, treating every pet that walks through our doors as if they were her own. For pets, she has a very cute 6 year old African Sideneck Turtle named Bert. In her free time, Lydia enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, crocheting & embroidery. One of Lydia’s favorite parts of the work we do is helping both the animals and their owners feel at ease and find comfort during their first stays with us. She is someone who is always quick to encourage any nervous pups to come out of their shell with treats, cuddles, kind words and fun moments. She highly values the trust, respectfulness and care that exists within ACK and finds joy in every day working here!

Liv began working at ACK in 2020 after a friend of hers, who had worked with us at the time, mentioned that there’d be a position available. She had always had a special place in her heart for animals, so when she heard that she could be doing just that for her job. she happily jumped at the opportunity! Outside of work, Liv loves to spend time with her dog, Tank. Taking time to train, play and have fun with photoshoots. She loves the outdoors and enjoys fishing, hiking, and traveling. She also enjoys painting, crocheting and photography from time to time.

Liv values the connections she gets to make with the pets, their owners and her coworkers. She loves making the pup's faces light up and creating a fun and safe environment for them. She has also lent a big hand in rehoming pets when we have been able to help assist different families in that process. One dog that truly holds a special place in her heart is Rex (pictured above). It was a difficult situation but she was happy to learn his story and help him find a loving home that was a good fit for him. Some of Liv’s future plans involve going to school to earn a certification as a dog trainer & nutritionist. Her dream is to help animals in shelters across the country unlearn unwanted behaviors that aren’t ideal for adopting families. All of her pets have been rescues and she truly values the connections she's been able to form with them.

Julie began working with us in 2022 after her sister sent her a post on Facebook saying we were looking to hire on a few more helpful hands. She never let up until she proved she could handle such a physical job! She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and grandkids, whether it's for special holidays or to share other fun moments and memories. Her dog Jazmen is another highlight of her home life. For hobbies, she enjoys building miniature models, gardening, and exploring the outdoors. Julie adores all of the pets that stay with us here at ACK, but she thrives on being able to help and comfort the pups who are a little more on the nervous side. She is always full of smiles and laughter while at the kennel and brings joy to everyone she meets!

JoyEllen started working with us in 2023 after Larry (ACK's founder) reached out to her to extend an employment opportunity years prior. She’d had the kennel in the back of her mind for quite some time so once her life allowed for her to pursue working with us, she jumped at the chance! She and her husband love to indulge in nature through hiking, traveling and ice fishing, or the occasional sports including ultimate frisbee, volleyball, or her favorite: cross country!

At home, they have 2 adorable orange cats: Nala and Surabi. JoyEllen loves the work we do here at ACK, and she especially enjoys walking and running with the dogs.

JoyEllen looks forward to continuing to grow and improve her Organic Vegetable business during the summers. She is committed to her garden in the warmer months and returns to the kennel during the winter season.

Corinthians 10:31: "Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God."

Alyssa started working with us in 2024 when she was looking for a weekend job. She grew up surrounded by animals and has always had an extreme love for them.

Alyssa and her boyfriend have an adorable little family of pets, consisting of one lovely goldfish named Cleo, and two cats named Grimm and Ghost who are the best of friends and keep her on her toes with their shenanigans! Alyssa truly values her work here and when the animals grow to love and trust us for their care. She is always one to brighten a dog or cat's day while they are staying with us. Her favorite hobby is curling up and reading a good book, or finding a good tv show or movie to pass the time. Alyssa is attending MSU right now, working towards her bachelors of Zoology with a concentration of Zoo & Aquarium Science! Her goal is to become an aquarist- which is a fish and marine mammal caretaker. 

About info coming soon!

About info coming soon!

About info coming soon!