Hidden Gems: Meet Christine Gordon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Gordon.

Hi Christine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
We are originally from Kansas. We fled the state for the opportunity to utilize medical cannabis for our youngest daughter with Dravet syndrome epilepsy and level 3 autism.

I used to be a cosmetologist. I went back to school to change my career field. I went into nursing to care for her and make a living in Colorado. While being here, I have volunteered as a patient advocate. I quickly learned that parent CNA recipients were having a difficult time keeping their credentials to work so I created an in-home CPR BLS class that goes to them.

Again, I went back to school to be certified and teach them in THEIR home. I also own an animal training business that I’ve been involved in for 20 years and am working on becoming certified to be a service animal trainer. I’m working hard to be a good resource for the special needs community.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been difficult, especially in the beginning. I’ve never owned a business before. There was a lot to learn. Building my clients and getting my name out there started slow.

In year two, there are times I struggle to keep up with business. I’m good at what I do! So I get a lot of word-of-mouth advertising. I’m still learning the background stuff.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about I own two. Jackpot animal training, and pixie home health services.?
Pixie home health: I specialize in my mobile classroom. There are families with very medically fragile children who find it difficult to get out. I’m located in the springs but, I’ll travel. From Denver to Pueblo.

From calhan to florissant. If they need my service I make it work. I’ve even worked with employers to cover the fees so these families in need can keep working. I have an amazing passing rate. My class is informative, thorough, and FUN! JACKPOT: I specialize in force-free positive reinforcement training and rehabilitation. I don’t use adversives so I’ll never ask you to bring harm to your animal. I don’t have a blanket program. Each client gets a free consultation for training. I use that consultation to create a program specifically designed for that animal and family.

I can train any species, not just dogs. I also go to them! I go where the issues are or where we want to work on behavior. If my client wants leash work, that’s what we do. I’m often in the home working on basic manners, puppy programs, and triggers. I’m also in the field working on socialization, reactiveness, and public manners. I often have clients that reach out with unusual behaviors. I address them! I have a lot of experience with anxiety and aggression cases. I take on the cases nobody else will!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I care a great deal about everyone I work with. I know everyone’s name and specifics about them. “This animal has a specific diet. This animal needs extra patience, this family just had a tragic event. This owner has physical limitations.” They are all unique! I started this program to keep pets in the home and out of the shelter. I go above and beyond for my clients. To the point I’ve house-sat, taken in, sent groceries, and helped get a utility covered.

This holiday EVERYONE got a homemade treat. Humans and animals. I often answer questions in the middle of the night and make a special trip because… Something isn’t right. I recently had a client’s dog suddenly pass away. I took the photos I had and made her a special keepsake. This is my passion and I appreciate each client I have.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jackpotanimaltraining.org