About Us

Karen Spaulding

Favorite quote

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

Education

Karen Spaulding is a proud Colorado native who earned her Bachelor's degree in Equine Science at Colorado State University. Later, she attended Red Rocks Community College receiving her Peace Officer Standards and Training certification. She rounded out her education by attending CoachU, where she learned to be a professional life and business coach.

Animal care and training

Karen began her pet career bathing and grooming dogs in a grooming shop. When she was sixteen, she traded out cleaning dog kennels for learning how to train dogs. She has trained dogs professionally for 30 years. Her style of training has evolved with the improvement of humane scientific training methods.

Animal welfare

While attending college, Karen began working at a local humane society and animal control organization which launched her careers in animal welfare and law enforcement. She has diverse experience working in the animal welfare industry ranging from kennel attendant, to shelter management, to animal control officer, to project manager at American Humane Association, a national animal welfare organization.

Law enforcement

Karen worked for Fort Collins Police Services for ten years. During her time there, she served as a Community Servicer Officer and a Police Officer. She was a technical accident investigator, field training officer and was chosen to be a K9 decoy and handler. She was honored with the Distinguished Service Award in 2004 for her work as a Police Officer.

Pet business ownership

Karen has owned three successful pet businesses; a pet sitting business, a boarding kennel and now, Humane Connections. She sold the first two businesses to her business partners. She was involved with all aspects of each business and the kennel continues to operate very successfully today.

Training for people

Karen has been a trainer, educator, mentor and coach throughout her career. She began her formal training in coaching in 2004 at CoachU. She spent five years designing training programs, teaching classes and delivering speeches nationally while with American Humane. Her easy-going manner, good sense of humor and positive attitude, combined with her passion and expertise, makes Karen a dynamic speaker and excellent coach.

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