New owner but the same great care and passion. Sam is Lisa’s oldest daughter and with her background, education and love for dogs it just made sense for her to take the reins and continue the family business. Sam earned her Veterinary Technician degree from UW Madison in 2010 and she continues to use it in the kennel and at her other Veterinary clinic job. She is also earning her Canine Nutrition certificate online from the Academy of Natural Health and Sciences. She hopes to incorporate nutrition counseling as a future kennel service. To Sam, each day never feels like “work” since animals are her true passion.

In 2001, Lisa was working as a Veterinary Assistant at a local Veterinary clinic and she realized that there was a need in the area for a dog boarding facility. A great, clean, friendly facility to take your dog to while you go away on vacation. A small dream turned into a reality as a wonderful, fulfilling life-long family business. Recently, Lisa’s oldest daughter, Sam, has taken the torch and will continue the family business. Lisa is still involved in the kennel but doing different roles and tasks! She has started a new business, The Boho Blender, a food trailer serving healthy smoothies, dirty sodas, refreshers and ice cream. Along with starting her next dream, she also enjoys her Volkswagen buses and renovating campers.

TJ has grown up with dogs his whole life. As the oldest of Lisa’s 4 children, he has been surrounded by the care for dogs and other animals longer than he can remember. That passion has been passed down and our four-legged visitors easily connect with him. Pairing his love of the outdoors and photography, TJ has done several canine photo-shoots to capture the pure joy that fur-babies can bring.

Mckena has been with the kennel, going on 4 years now. She has a true animal sense and it shows when she is with the dogs. She has 1 dog of her own, Waffles, and she has 5 horses that she has raised and trained on her own as well. Mckena attended the Butler Professional Farrier school in Crawford, Nebraska this past fall and hopes to continue this business route in the future. Her passion is training horses and selling them, her four wheeler and of course, dogs!

Brooke has been a member of the kennel team since May 2023 and truly enjoys working hands-on with the dogs each day. She has a strong background in animal care and experience with many different species. At home, Brooke cares for 1 guinea pig, 3 chinchillas, 2 dogs, 1 hedgehog and 2 tortoises. She is currently attending Bay College and plans to continue her education at Saginaw Valley State University in the fall, where she hopes to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. Brooke’s caring, responsibility, and love for animals makes her a great addition to the team.

Anna was born and raised in Escanaba, MI. She has 1 dog named Ricky and a guinea pig named Gus. Anna joined Golden Acre Kennels in May of 2025 with limited experience working with dogs beyond her own, but since becoming part of such an amazing team, she has learned so much from everyone and gained valuable hands-on experience. Anna is currently attending Northern Michigan University, where she is studying elementary education and considering a minor in business to help grow her photography business.

Paw Enforcement Agent, Security and Alarm Specialist. Edwin is in charge of handling mailmen, squirrels, bunnies, and delivery drivers. He is also the muscle because it can get a little hairy in there sometimes!

Activities Coordinator and Director of Playtime and Merriment. Eugene oversees all the fun kennel activities and makes sure every fur friend is having a pawsome time.

Puplic Relations and Furry Therapist. Estelle offers listening ears and comforting licks to every furry vacationer and co-worker.

Chief Napping Officer and Morality Operations. Ethel sets the standard for afternoon snoozes and keeping business morality at its highest.

Creative Barker and Barketing Manager. Ella promotes the business through enthusiastic barking and reports on all happenings in the facility.

Furry Friend Fitness Instructor. Annabelle is in charge of keeping everyone on their toes and in shape for the busy activities throughout the day.

Squeaky Toy Analyst. Neville tests the durability and squeakiness of all the toys prior to being placed in the play yards for the group activities.