Our Team
We are proud of the family orientated team we have formed here at Doggie Business in Holmen, WI. Our staff is dedicated, professional, and friendly with a passion and love for dogs!


Our Team's Mission
It's likely that you, the individual reading this, understand how fantastic it feels to experience and share the joy and happiness between you and your pet. Everyone on our team feels it too, that natural connection, is what truly fuels us! When you meet any of us, you will know that your best friend will be cared for as if they were ours too because we're family. Are you going out of town, maybe your dog needs a wash or trim, do you need help with nutritional questions or supplies, need some advice with some behaviors, or simply need help burning some energy off while you’re at work- just call your Doggie Business family and we can help! We are dedicated to the idea that this is ‘where they stay to play!’ in every service here.
Meet the Team
Meet our amazing team and one of your pets best friends! Click on each member to learn more.
Owners:
Karla Toppen & Abbi Gates (mother-daughter)
Business Manager:
Tracy
Invisible Fence Brand of the Tri-States, Rochester and Southern Minnesota
- Allen (Technician, Trainer)
Marketing:
Lily S
Kayleigh
Certified Professional Trainers:
Abbi
Jasmine
Concierge:
Francis
Daycare & Boarding Attendants:
- Addison
- Adi
- Chloe
- Cooper
- Corbin
- Jordan H
- Zach
- Jordan
- Ema
- Ori
Grooming:
Joy
Jess
Lily N
Austin

Owners & Management Doggie Business
Karla:
I grew up on a farm outside of Holmen, Wi and I am a lifelong lover of all animals. It started with cows and has evolved. I started with 30+ years of management and decided I needed something different. Hence I founded this crazy place I like to call the utopia. I started Doggie Business in 2006 with a large vision and a small budget (well none to be honest). So, I went to work scooping dog poop. After a few years I had the opportunity to become an Independent Invisible Fence Brand Dealer. This was a natural move for me and has been a very rewarding part of our business. Soon after we decided to offer daycare and boarding, and well- why not grooming too. My whole family is or has been involved in the business and my youngest daughter is a co-owner with me. Her passion for dogs and training was a natural fit to add a training service to our business. Her love for all things pet has added another branch as well- our Pet Boutique. My oldest son Allen is working as a technician with our Invisible Fence Brand Dealership and my son in law Kyle is our technician Manager with Invisible Fence. We have several staff that have been with us for a number of years and are now family too. This has been my mission to create a family business where your whole family is part of the DB family. My hobbies revolve around my business and family. I do enjoy kayaking, riding trails with our UTV, and laughing with my family and wonderful friends with my husband Peter.

Abbi:
Hello! My name is Abbi and I am one of the owners here at Doggie Business & Invisible Fence Brand. I grew up in this business since it started in 2006 back when we used to scoop dog poo with 5 kids in a van. I have traveled the country showing dogs in AKC since 2008. In 2010 I got the opportunity to travel and show at Crufts in London
(the world's largest dog show). In 2015, I went off to National K9 to get more certifications and experience under my belt and then came back and started the training branch here. I strive to help coach both the dogs and owners that dog training is a lifestyle and art. Outside of work- my hobbies include hiking, crafting and spending time with family. I have 3 dogs (Cujo-lab mix, Valor (lab), Skylar (Miniature Schnauzer), a cat named Kronk and a bunny named Camo. I also have 2 kids (Berkley & Bear) and a fun fact is that we all share a birthday! I am proud to keep my mothers dream growing and alive by helping aid the business with my creativity and keeping that family culture!

Business Manager:
Tracy:
Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Tracy Barrett and I am the Business Manager. I’ve been with Doggie Business since March of 2012. I have 25+ years in customer service and project management in various industries.
I am married to my husband Bruce. We currently have 2 dogs, Po and Bindi. I enjoy spending time with my family and fur babies; fishing, hiking and reading.
I was a client at Doggie Business for a few years prior to working here. My role has evolved with the business, allowing growth and opportunities. Things I love about my job are being around dogs and bringing my dogs to work with me. The flexibility of working here has allowed me many benefits over the years as you are treated like family.

Invisible Fence Brand of the Tri States, Rochester and Southern Minnesota
Allen:
Hello, my name is Allen and I am a Technician and trainer at Invisible Fence. I have a son named Thorin. I love science fiction and dislike onions. My cat Felix keeps me on my toes with his rambunctious personality. My favorite part of my job is working outdoors and knowing that I am a part of positively helping dogs quality of life. I am also Karla, the owner’s son.

Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Jasmine:
Hi everyone, my name is Jasmine. I am a certified professional dog trainer here at Doggie Business.
I love doing my job to help clients build stronger relationships with their fur babies. Of course, I love working with all the cute pups that participate in our training programs!
I have a black Labrador retriever named Loki, and he’s 2 years old.

Marketing:
Lily:
Hi! I’m Lily! I recently graduated from UWL in May of 2025 with an Organizational and Professional Communications degree. Doggie Business has provided me with the opportunity to get hands on marketing experience with something I am passionate about, dogs! Outside of work I am usually hanging out with my friends, working out, or waitressing at Big Al’s downtown La Crosse. I am typically sitting at the front desk, so don’t be afraid to say hi.
Kayleigh:
Hi! I’m Kayleigh, the marketing intern here at Doggie Business. Originally from southern Minnesota, I’ll be a junior this fall at UWL, majoring in International Business and marketing. When I’m not at work I’m usually hanging out with friends or spending time with family. Doggie Business has provided me with incredible hands on experience and I love that each day brings a new opportunity. I love meeting all the dogs in the Doggie Business family and can’t wait to continue growing in this role.
Concierge:
Frannie:
Hello Everyone! My name is Frances Lum and I am also called "Frannie the dog treat dealer" at Doggie Business because I give your fur baby a treat and I also visit with mom and dad.
It also will be 3 years on September 19th that I have been working at Doggie Business.
I also like to spend time with my family and friends. I also like to go sky diving and going for short walks with my dog Red. I hope to see you all soon!
Daycare Attendants:
Addison:
Hello, my name is Addison Connolly and I am a Daycare attendant here at Doggie Business! Dogs are my absolute passion and my future career. I currently have two border collies named cooper and quest! I also have a menagerie of other pets and livestock. I enjoy running dog agility and was on the American Kennel Club USA Junior Team for 2025! In addition, I help lead the Trempealeau County Dog Project’s Agility and I’m on the junior state 4h dog project board. I can’t wait to meet your dog!!

Chloe:
Hi! I’m Chloe and I’m a daycare attendant here at Doggie Business and I started in June 2025. I’m a junior at Holmen High School who loves playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and spending time with dogs. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel to Spain and explore new places this past year.

Corbin:
Hi! I am Corbin and I am a daycare attendant here at Doggie Business. I enjoy coming in every day and seeing all the new and returning dogs. It has been great to meet so many new people and dogs. I graduate from Holmen High School in 2027 and hope to go into photography.

Jordan:
Hi, my name is Jordan Harper, I’m one of the daycare coach’s and I have been at Doggie business for about a year. I have two dogs and three cats at home. I really enjoy working here at Doggie Business because I get to enjoy all types of dogs and their different personalities. I also get to meet their wonderful owners! I have always had a passion in learning and understanding all types of animals and their different behaviors.
Grooming:
Joy:
Hi, my name is Joy! I have just joined the Doggie Business family as their new groomer! I have been grooming
for 26 years. I have also shown dogs- mostly poodles and chihuahuas. Outside of work I like to play the flute and I am in school for Criminal Justice. My favorite part of grooming is the one on one time with each dog and how they become family. I cannot wait to meet everyone and their pets in the weeks to come!

Need to schedule a service or want more information? Call us today at (608) 399-1266.








