12/03/2025
Hi K9K Friends,
This is a message I’ve been putting off for a long time mostly because I never wanted to write it. It is with a very heavy heart, I need to share that The K9Konnection is coming to an end. Even now, it doesn’t quite feel real to say those words.
Over the years, we’ve weathered so many storms together: the Great Recession, the pandemic, and now the challenges of this inflationary economy. We’ve pushed through every hurdle we possibly could, but the rising costs of keeping the doors open have finally become more than we can manage. I never thought we’d reach this point, and it breaks my heart that we have.
So what happens now?
✅If you’re currently enrolled in a group class, you’ll be able to complete the class and graduate!
✅If you’ve trained with me privately—whether recently or years ago—you will always have access to me. Please keep reaching out and I truly mean that. I want to be there for you and your dogs as always. If you can’t find it, my email is [email protected] and my cell is 914-588-9670 (call or text).
✅To all my veterinarian friends who continue to refer your clients, please continue to do so, particularly the behavior cases. I do want to make sure we help these families and dogs stay together. I do have a network of trainers that I can refer to or I can handle some cases on my own.
To our incredible trainers—Lindsay, Rebecca, Jared, and Christina—thank you. Thank you for your hard work, your kindness, your humor, your patience, and the love you’ve shown to every dog and human who walked through our doors. You helped create the heart and soul of this place. A special thank you to Lindsay who’s been with The K9Konnection for years and has approached her craft with intelligence, kindness, grace and the professionalism every dog and their human deserves. She’s one heck of a trainer and it’s been an absolute privilege watching her work her magic!
As for me, after a couple of decades of working two jobs, I’m giving myself permission to take a breath. I’m stepping back from the dog training world for a little while to rest, reset, and figure out what comes next. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I do know that it’ll be difficult for me to stay away from dogs for too long. I just don’t know what that looks like right now. As soon as I know, you’ll know!
To all of you—those who trained with us, supported us, celebrated new puppies, and mourned beloved old friends—thank you. Truly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your trust, your kindness, and your wonderful dogs made The K9Konnection into a place I loved more than I can ever explain. So, for now, this is goodbye. But not forever. I hope I’ll see many of you—and many familiar wagging tails—around town.
Happy Holidays – I wish you joy.
With Gratitude,
Nil
