Dawn Olson
Dawn Olson brings over 30 years of professional pet industry experience.
Dawn grew up in Alaska and spent her young years with her pet ducks, rabbits, dogs, and cats. She also adopted her first Siamese cat while working at her first job in the local humane society. She headed to Colorado in 1997 to attend Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology, graduated, passed the state board exam, and worked as a Certified Vet Tech before starting a pet sitting business in 1995.
Over the years, she has helped people find their passion for working with pets through Distinctive Pet Care, The Ken Caryl Pet Spa, and Creating Forever Dogs.
“Having our own facility is a luxury and a game changer! I know how hard it is for pet professionals to be able to afford a place to practice, teach or provide their services and so I wanted to create a pet industry alliance of sorts by giving others a place to reach the public about pet-related services that they might not otherwise be able to offer without a facility.
We offer offices, clinic rooms, conference areas, and a large event room to offer any type of space that they may need.
Creating Forever Dogs
Creating Forever Dogs holds training & education classes and private sessions on a regular basis at the Colorado Pet Education facility. To see her class calendar and to learn more, click here! Read all about Fran & the mission of Creating Forever Dogs
Fran has over 30 years of professional training, behavior modification & evaluating dogs. Fran believes that training should be fun for everyone, enhancing the human-animal bond through positive reinforcement training.
Fran moved to Denver. CO in 2009 and began giving private session dog training. Soon afterward she met Dawn Olson of Ken Caryl Pet Spa & Pet Supplies & Distinctive Pet Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking and put on some training classes at the shop.
In 2004 Fran built and managed her own boarding and training facility near Fayetteville, Arkansas. Fran got her professional start in dog training at 17 years old, preparing, training, and evaluating the young dogs for the competition ring for a large show kennel. She studied Agri-Business at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, TX. Later she spent over 3 years as a veterinary lab tech and surgical assistant. She has over 30 years of being an owner-manager of a 200 acre, 70 cow/calf unit ranch in Texas and later in Arkansas with her husband. During this time Fran trained dogs and horses for competition on a national level in AKC dog shows and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.
Fran “officially” joined our pet sitting team in January 2019 after working with Freedom Service Dogs as a Service Dog Trainer since August 2012 becoming the Foundation Training and Intake Manager in January 2017. She has traveled to shelters all over the US and met over 200 dogs to see if they would be good candidates for the service dog program. She has had extensive experience with many behavior issues frequently seen by shelter & adopted dogs.
Fran and Dawn have a passion for helping pets, especially adopted pets that need to have a forever home. Through a few breakfasts & some time in Estes Park, the concept of Creating Forever Dogs was born.
Fran cannot wait to meet your dog and team up with you to create the best 4-legged family member possible!
Zen Doggie Training
Zen Doggie Training holds group training classes at our facility! Read all about what Sandra with ZenDoggie has to offer!
RMSAAM-Rocky Mountain School of Acupressure and Massage
Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage offers top-rated Canine and Equine Massage, Acupressure, and Craniosacral Therapy Certification courses that will prepare you for a successful career. For information about their courses, please visit their website.
