About the Owner

I am so excited to introduce myself as the new owner of Sonja’s Karing Kennels! My name is Kayla Butterfield and I come from a background in animal rescue and elementary education. I grew up in Dousman, Wisconsin with my mom, dad, and sister. We ALWAYS had animals inside and out of the house, primarily dogs and a horse. My sister and I spent after-school and school break times with our grandmother, a rescuer, and rehabilitator for the local Wildlife in Need center. We rehabilitated and released everything you can think of; skunks, snakes, deer, squirrels, birds, chipmunks, opossums, and my personal favorite, raccoons. As we grew older, she would take us on weekly, if not daily, trips to the animal shelters to play with the dogs, cats, and small animals that didn't get much attention. We had many interesting pets like iguanas, snakes, frogs, cats, dogs, parrots, turtles, fish, etc. She is the reason my sister and I are so passionate about animals.

Fast forward years and years, I moved out on my own into Union Grove, Wisconsin after accepting a teaching position in Racine and found a local rescue to work with on the weekends. We would drive to Batavia, IL and pick up strays that were transported from Kentucky. We’d bring them back to our building to get them the help they needed. That same day they were put in a foster home until they found a new home.

I moved to Wheatfield to be with my significant other in the summer of 2021. You may recognize him as the local, traveling Matco tool man! Very soon you will see his logo for “Leprechaun Trucking” on some semis as well. He is my partner in every way and I look forward to having his customer-focused business expertise to help me in this new adventure. 

In my short two years here, Patrick and I have rescued and re-homed two cats and two dogs. We have five permanent fur-children that are also all rescues. Two cats, Oliver and Twist, as well as three dogs, Roxxy, Molly, and Winnie.

As a pet owner, I would never trust my loved ones to “just anyone”. I have been in your shoes and it’s difficult enough to drop them off, let alone with someone you don’t know, for any length of time. I promise to provide you with the same compassion, care, and communication that Sonja is well known for. It is my hope to eventually add to the services currently offered. I plan on looking into training options, bathing, and cat, reptile, and small animal care for clients as soon as I am able.

I am so very excited and honored to be a part of your pets’ lives and hope to build lasting relationships with each of you, your families, and your fur-children. I look forward to meeting you soon!