Its with a heavy heart that I'm posting this. What Larry has done is shocking! Below is what info I've been able to find.
Michelle Woerner has been dismissed from KSDS (1/3/2012) - effective immediately without any notice. She was told that KSDS is going in a different direction and she is not going with them.
Please!! Right letters and make phone calls right away! Anything would be helpful!
A letter from Larry:
After much consideration, it has been decided to move in a new direction to reorganize and revitalize aspects of our canine program. KSDS is proud of a tradition of providing well trained and well bred assistance dogs. In the best interest of that tradition and the desire to be able to breed and train even more canines for our program, we have made some changes.
Deb Tegethoff has been promoted to the position of Director of Canine Development and Training. With the plan to grow our program to place more teams, it was decided that one person should be in overall charge of canine breeding, care, and training at KSDS. Deb will continue to oversee the Guide Dog Program with the capable assistance of Letha Nelson.
Michelle Woerner is no longer with KSDS. We recognize her fourteen years of service to KSDS and the industry and wish her the best in her future endeavors.
Annette Metz has been building on her previous four years experience at KSDS and re-familiarizing herself with the canine care and training. We will be providing her the necessary resources to work with the Service Dog and Social Dog Programs.
A Breeding and Genetics Committee established by the Board of Directors will be overseeing our Breeding Program. For the time being, they will be working with Jenna Petesch, who will continue her work as the Canine Housing Unit Coordinator and oversee canine care, whelping, and breeding.
I understand that these may seem to be major changes at KSDS, but I truly believe that these adjustments in the longer term will make KSDS a stronger and even more vibrant organization. We want you to be proud of your association with KSDS.
Thank you for all you do for KSDS. You have such a key role in nurturing our KSDS pups at such an important stage in their lives. We want you have the best puppies that we can provide to take home with you and that when you return them to us we can give them excellent training to make them the perfect new partner for someone who desperately needs a KSDS assistance dog. Deb will continue to be the Puppy Raiser Coordinator so please continue to contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any concerns. If you have any concerns about KSDS and where we are moving with this new direction please contact me at 785-325-2256 ext. 224 or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Sincerely,
Larry Stigge CEO KSDS
Here is a list of the Board Members:
Roger Post, President
Glenda Keller, Vice President
Midge Miller Secretary
Lila Keesecker, Treasurer
Brent Boring, Member
Jack Haller, Member
Regina Linenberger, Member
Marilyn McGown, Member
Abby Murray, Member
CEO: Lawrence Stigge
208 Lamar Dr Washington, KS 66968
(785) 325-2762
Thanks, Danny Ayers, for helping get this list together!
