Logan Nelson
Groomer / Daycare / Kennel Attendant

Logan grew up in Connecticut, before moving to attend the University of Maine. He graduated with a degree
in Wildlife Ecology, and took on various field jobs- mostly involving amphibian research.
Logan’s first pet, the lab mutt Echo, was adopted from a rescue organization in Connecticut. Soon after, he
adopted another mix- Digby- from the Bangor Humane Society. Ellis is last (or most recent) but certainly not least. Even though Echo’s Lyme disease often
limits his activity, he, Digby & Ellis are great friends who enjoy romping in the outdoors. The pet trio was
rounded off when Logan took in an orphaned kitten- the perpetually displeased ‘Battle’.
Currently residing in Bangor, Logan spends his free time doing various outdoor activities.

Rachel Keating
Daycare/Kennel Attendant

I grew up in Massachusetts but am now a third year at the University of Maine. I hope to graduate in May 2012 with a degree in Animal and Veterinary Science and a minor in equine studies. This summer I will be applying to veterinary schools and
holding my breath to hear back. If I am not accepted I am forming many backup plans which include working as a Vet tech, taking additional classes or working on a ranch out west - we'll have to see where life takes me. At home in MA I love spending
time with my crazy 2 year old yellow lab Toby, however I can't have pets in my apartment in Maine so I really enjoy my time at Carden Kennels, it totally helps with my animal fix. Before working at Carden Kennels I worked for my aunt who owns a
private grooming shop in Quincy, MA. Between her and my father, they taught me everything I know about dogs. I am a member of six different clubs at UMaine which keep my extremely busy, but in my spare time I volunteer at the Bangor Humane Society,
volunteer at the University's barn and enjoy photography.

Alyssa Paige Budden
Daycare/Kennel Attendant & Weekend Office

Alyssa grew up right here in Bangor and has been surrounded by dogs for her whole life.  Her parents used to foster retired racing greyhounds, eventually adopting two: Topper and Sidney.  The family also made to decision to rescue a third dog (a rottweiler named Malachi) from a college student that didn't realize what kind of dog she was getting.  While in high school, she used to help her father raise Bergamasco Sheepdog puppies, having as many as 11 adult dogs in the house at one time.       
More recently, Alyssa went to the University of Vermont to study Animal Science for two years, eventually transferring to the University of Maine for the same major and will graduate in December 2013.  She currently shares her home with a beautiful 9 month old pit bull mix named Leah that she adopted from the Bangor Humane Society and a hamster named Bailey. 
Alyssa loves working with animals and hopes to be a Veterinary Technician in the future.  She has been working at Carden Kennels since July 2010 and has loved learning all she can about dogs in general, and discovering the unique personality traits of all the dogs that come to visit Carden Kennels. 

Claire Bickmore
Daycare/Kennel Attendant

While you mostly only get the chance to talk to the office and daycare staff, there is always a dedicated kennel attendant out back that you may not see. Claire has been reliably taking care of the boarding dogs and cats here since November 2010. Claire works here while attending the University of Maine full-time, majoring in Mass Communications and Journalism with a minor in Animal Science. She has been riding horses her whole life, and is on the UMaine dressage team. Claire has her own horse, Elisha, and a deaf yellow lab named Nellie. A hard worker who always has a smile on her face, she is a valued member of our team and we’re lucky to have her!


Ashley Gonyo
Office and Kennel Attendant

Ashley grew up in Sunapee, NH and moved to Maine for school in 2007. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Veterinary Science with an equine minor in May 2011. Ashley currently lives in Holden with her cat- Sophie, 4 leopard geckos, and Australian Shepherd-Mia, who you often see lounging behind the front desk.

Kimberly Patterson
Kennel Attendant

You might also see Kimberly at the Bangor Humane Society as she is a foster care coordinator for them as well as a full time animal care technician. Kimberly comes to us with years of experience in animal care and a great love for the pets.

Cora Aaronson
Trainer and Groomer

I started out as a junior handler at the age of 10, mostly training and showing Labrador Retrievers for Ocean Spray Labradors in Massachusetts. I then attended Bristol County Agricultural High School where I majored in small animal science. After high school I went to the University of New Hampshire where I received my Associates degree in applied animal science with a focus in small animals. I also have been grooming for about 5 years, first at a shop in Massachusetts, and then I started my own little grooming business on the side. For the past few years I have been training and showing Australian Shepherds for conformation, agility, obedience, rally, disc dog, tracking, and treibball. I am also involved in Australian Shepherd rescue where I train problem Aussies and help them find new homes. My true passion is training, and there is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a dog learns a new behavior that I have taught it. I now live in Lincoln Maine with my boyfriend and my Aussie Teka. Teka competes in conformation, agility, disc dog, and tracking and I am hoping to put a few titles oh her by next year.