About Us

Shannon’s heart has always belonged to Labrador Retrievers. Some of her earliest memories are of her family's black Lab running beside her as she rode her Big Wheel or resting nearby while she pulled carrots from the garden with her mom. This deep love and devotion to the breed is woven into every dog she trains, every litter she nurtures, and every life she touches. Since her first litter in 1992, Shannon has continually sought to learn and grow, striving to raise not just better puppies, but dogs that change lives. Labs are special — their empathy, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty make them not only beloved companions

 but exceptional service and therapy dogs. Shannon’s connection to service dogs became even more personal through her own struggles with mental health. After enduring a toxic work environment, she experienced a severe depressive episode in 2018, leading to time in an outpatient program where she was diagnosed with Severe Depressive Disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorder. During her darkest moments, her yellow Lab, in training to become a service dog, became her lifeline — 

a presence that quite literally helped save her life. Throughout her life, Shannon has poured herself into serving her community, giving countless hours to her children’s schools, 4-H, and Campfire. As she looked ahead to life after raising her children, she felt a deep calling to help others facing mental health challenges. She saw firsthand the lack of accessible options beyond medication and the heartbreaking reality that service dogs, often costing tens of thousands of dollars, were out of reach for many who desperately needed them. Shannon envisioned an organization where everyone, regardless of financial means, could access the life-changing support of a service or facility dog.

Shannon’s personal experiences continued to shape her mission. In 2020, her oldest son, an Air Force veteran, survived a life-threatening assault during his service. She walked alongside him through the long, painful process of medical retirement, witnessing the transformative bond between him and his in-training service dog. This further solidified her determination to build a place where veterans, first responders, and anyone living with mental health disabilities could

 find hope and healing through canine companionship.

In 2022, she founded Willow Kane Farm Labrador Retriever 501(c)(3), donating puppies to service dog organizations. Her dream grew, and in 2023, over shared stories and a plate of tater tots, she and Amy Wolfe, a kindred spirit who shared her passion, decided to embark on a new journey to help their community. 

Together, they transformed Willow Kane Farm Labrador Retrievers into Althea Canines. 

Amy dedicated her career to EMS services, first as an EMT and later as a 911 dispatcher for 20 years. She trained her own service dog, Sailor, a red Golden Retriever rescued from the Beijing meat trade. Sailor’s love and intuition solidified Amy’s belief in the healing power of service dogs. With her husband’s background as a Navy veteran and sheriff’s deputy, Amy brought valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by veterans and first responders. After 2-years as the Managing Director, Amy left Althea Canines, but what she helped to build for the community will continue to grow in strength. 

Althea Canines grew from their shared vision: a compassionate, inclusive space where service and facility dogs are not just a privilege for a few but a lifeline for anyone in need. The mission of Althea Canines is to break down barriers, offering these life-changing companions at little to no cost — so every person has the chance to find healing, hope, and a loyal friend to walk with them on their journey.