Makaela

Makaela graduated in 2016 from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. After graduation she returned to the area to play a more interactive role in her family’s grain and livestock farm. In addition to the livestock she cares for, she has two Labrador Retrievers, Ruger and Marley, a Labrador Retriever mix, Oakley, a cat, Ralphie, and a Lionhead Rabbit, Mr. Nibbles.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Bryson, have a young son, Harrison. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

Hannah
Veterinary Assistant

Hannah started with Wags in October of 2022 bringing with her 5 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant and 5 years as an accredited dog trainer. In her spare time, you can find her driving around the countryside jammin to pop punk music or hanging out with her four amazing doggos (Lunah Byrd, Skeletor, Neelix and Samson). Hannah is currently in school to become a Certified Technician to be able to bring another level of expertise to our practice. Hannah loves helping our clients with their health and behavior needs!

Abbie

Abbie is originally from Kewanee, IL where she began her career in veterinary medicine. Abbie has completed half of her studies to become a certified veterinary technician and plans to return in the fall of 2025. However, Abbie has 3 years of experience as a veterinary assistant! Abbie currently resides in La Fayette, IL with her boyfriend, Ty, and her two dogs, Athena (husky) and Thor (lab/husky), and her black DLH Gotham. She also has a very spoiled pet pot bellied pig named Rose, who is not so small. She plans to add chickens and goats and all sorts of other friends to the family in the future! Abbie absolutely adores animals of all kinds! In her free time, Abbie enjoys cooking, decorating, and spending time outdoors with her fur babies.

Kim

Kim lives in Elmwood with her husband Bob, their dog Willow, and their two kittens, Lucy and Ethel. She has two grown children Nicholas (Brenda) and Elizabeth. Kim likes to garden, both flowers and fruits/ vegetables. She does a lot of canning (salsa, jams/jellies etc.). She and Bob take care of the landscaping and flowers for the city of Elmwood parks and streetscape. She loves to bake (especially cheesecakes), sew and read. Kim also really likes photography and drawing as well.

Lily

Lily is a student at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. She began working at Wags and Whiskers in October 2024. After college she hopes to move to Montana and work at Glacier National Park as a park ranger. One of her favorite things to do is watch the tv series Yellowstone. She has two dogs named Oakley and Murphy. Oakley is a sheepadoodle and Murphy is a goldendoodle.

Katie

Katie is a student at Carl Sandburg and Farmington Central, she plans to get her associates in animal science along with her high school diploma. After high school she is going to attend U of I to get her bachelor’s in animal science then her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She lives outside of Yates City with her two beloved pups, Tucker and Marley, and three kittens Elsa, Blue, and Whinney. Outside of work Katie loves to spend time in the pool or out on the river kayaking with friends and family. She also loves to bake and teach her dogs new tricks!

Sierra