About Gem Crest Kennels

Meet Our Staff

Mona Allison, Kennel Owner

Mona was born and raised in Baker City, OR. She graduated high school at the top of her class with 2 full–tuition scholarships. She had received numerous business student awards, and was known as the school artist as well. 

She chose Eastern Oregon College in LaGrande and later also completed an accounting course at Links Business College in Boise. She worked as a secretary at Anderson, Kaufman, and Anderson Law Firm and Provident Federal Savings before joining Intermountain Gas Co. in April 1957 for an 18 year career as Executive Secretary and Group Benefits Administrator.  Mona and her late husband Lee turned their lifelong love of dogs into a business when they built and opened Gem Crest Kennels July 1, 1973.

Mona had always had dogs while growing up; a smooth fox terrier, cocker spaniel, collie, and a Pekinese. Her first German Shepherd Dog, Zack, was acquired in 1964 and excelled in obedience trials. This later led to a 30 year career in obedience training for Mona. Her devotion to this outstanding breed has continued all her life. 

She has bred and shown German Shepherd Dogs through the years, attaining championships and obedience titles. Ch. Gem Crest King Kamehameha C.D. (Kameha) received a dual title award from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America for getting his championship and obedience CD title in 1 year. 

Her breeding program has provided hundreds of people with cherished German Shepherd Dogs and that is her greatest joy.

Mona is a charter member of the Pet Care Services Association (formerly the American Boarding Kennels Association), the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, and the Better Business Bureau. She has 2 grandsons by her late son Steve. 

Her hobbies include dog shows, world travel, art in all its forms, music, and spending time with her family. She currently owns a German shepherd: Ch. Woodsides CK Kid (KC). Gem Crest Kennels has been the most satisfying endeavor of her life.

Spencer Haren, Kennel Manager

Spencer grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a 2004 graduate of Cottonwood High School. In the fall of 2006 he moved to Boise, Idaho, where he immediately became employed at Pet City. He worked his way up to head kennel tech before joining the Gem Crest staff in July of 2008. 

Spencer received level one certification for pet care through the Pet Care Services Association (formerly the American Boarding Kennels Association) in June of 2009, and in September of 2012 was certified in Pet First Aid through the American Red Cross.

Spencer and his family share their home with their 2 dogs: a Jack Russel Terrier mix named Taz, a Labrador Retriever named Lola. In his free time, Spencer enjoys family time with his wife and son's, playing with his dogs, and being outside hiking and biking.

Katelyn Transtrum, Lead Attendant

Katelyn has worked here at Gem Crest off and on since 2007. She is a BYU grad with a B.A. in History, but she has decided she would rather continue taking care of the furry and four-legged than become a stodgy old history teacher. 

Katelyn grew up in a home with no shortage of animals, from dogs and cats to horses, goats, and chickens. She has taken courses in animal restraint and handling and spent a year working as a veterinary assistant at a local vet hospital. 

When she’s not here at the kennel Katelyn likes to spend time baking, reading, watching nature documentaries, gardening, or going on hiking adventures with her husband, Taylor, their son and 2 dogs Lucy and Fly.

Deana Johnston, Groomer

Deana was born and raised in the Seattle area and is a graduate of Lynnwood High School in Washington. She relocated to Boise with her family in the early 80’s.

Deana began her grooming career when she started at Gem Crest Kennels in December of 1985. She had been introduced to grooming the prior year and chose to make a career of it. She learned on the job by apprenticing and eventually was employed as a full–time groomer.

Deana has 2 dogs, Kacey and Dottie. In her free time, she enjoys bowling on several leagues, cooking, reading, and crocheting.