Our Story
Our Story
Meet Addison! She is the sole owner and operator of Kona's K9 Academy. While attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, in between her freshman and sophomore year, Addi found someone in her hometown that had a litter of chocolate lab pups. She names her pup Kona and she quickly became her entire world. Struggling to bond with her at first, Addi researched how to bond, best methods to train, and became obsessed with giving her pup the best life possible. As Kona grew up, Addi realized how obsessed and intrigued she was in training dogs. After graduating a year early from SIUC with a degree in English, minor in Psychology and a certification in Companion Animal Nutrition, she packed up her things and moved her and her pup to Saint Charles, MO where she attended The Academy of Pet Careers.
As of October 2022, Addi and Kona completed their Specialized Dog Training program and becoming a APC-SDT and Behavior Certified.
Kona has been my inspiration for finding my dream career and something I love to do. Without her, it would have taken me a lot longer to find something I love.
In memory of my sweet Sadie Belle. She passed in August 2022, after we spent almost 14 years together. The sweetest girl there ever was, she was a mother to all of the animals that passed through our household, whether it be other pups, kitties, and even a bunny. An inspiration for my training, before it was ever a thought. She was there for me through elementary, middle, high school, and even college. I would have loved for her to be able to see my business take off.
I will miss you forever sweet girl.