meet Kori Keene
If you would have asked Kori, as a young child, what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have answered without hesitation, “someone who works with animals.”
Animals, of various species, have been part of her entire life and they have undoubtedly become her passion. She grew up on a horse farm in a small town in WI. She spent her days riding/training/showing horses, and attending to the variety of other animals on the farm that included dogs, cats, bunnies, exotic chickens, birds and a couple of Texas Longhorn calves. She also had a unique opportunity throughout high school and college to work on a Texas Longhorn ranch, where she was one of the three “trainers” of the cattle. They spent long summer days on tractors, driving trucks & trailers, 4-wheelers, baling hay, landscaping, and tending to the 100+ calves born! They also spent time traveling around the United States to exclusive Texas Longhorn shows, where they would individually handle and show the animals. From an early age, Kori has learned what it means to have a long and full hard day at work, and she wouldn’t want it any other way! She has built a strong work ethic and learned invaluable skills from the ranch that she still carries with her today. Being outside and with the animals is where she belongs and where she thrives.
Growing up in the country and working with horses, and on a cattle ranch, gave her the foundation and love of having a very physical and active lifestyle. That experience is what paved the way for her college career at UW-Stevens Point, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion/Wellness, and a minor in Personal Training and Facility Management. Post college, she worked in the health and fitness industry for a few years in hospital and clinical settings, and also did personal training and taught group fitness classes. She loved the relationships she built with her clients during this time, but ultimately she was called back to the animal world in 2006 where she became part of the management team at a premier dog day care and boarding facility that continuously wins Best of Madison. She has been working with dogs and their owners ever since and has loved every minute of it. It was through this experience that solidified what she truly wanted to do, which was to work in this environment, and have her own dog day care business. Partnering with Lynn Wunderli to open Zen Dogs Center is truly a dream come true for her, and something she has been working towards since she was a child.
Working with dogs professionally, specifically with their behavior in a pack environment, has prepared Kori to effectively manage many breeds and personalities as they relate to group play. Reading dog body language, evaluating temperaments, and determining play styles is a specialty of hers. Because of these skills, she is able to effectively “group dogs” in a dog day care environment that will set them up for success and give them the ultimate experience of positive socialization. She will continue to evaluate the dogs as they grow and learn, and make the proper changes as needed. Ensuring that the dogs have a “fun” day, but also that they are learning great socialization skills and manners throughout the day, is very important to her.
Kori is active in continuously learning and developing her dog knowledge and handling skills. She enjoys group training lessons (both attending and assisting), attending dog related conferences, reading dog behavior books, and even dabbling in the dog confirmation show circuit. When you meet Kori, you will also be greeted by her Keeshond, Ilah, and her Pomeranian, Issa. Ilah is full of energy and always ready to play—she has grown up in the dog day care environment, and will love to help your dog feel right at home! Issa, who is 100% blind, won’t be able to see you coming, but she will give you all her love and snuggles as soon as she hears your friendly voice. Kori is rarely caught with out these two sidekicks, and they are the loves of her life.
Her passion and love for dogs encompasses all aspects of her life, and she is so excited to share it with all of you who wish to become part of the Zen Dogs Center family.