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Meet Our Pawesome Team
Our dedicated team at Heidanes Hidden Timbers is passionate about providing top-quality care for your pets. With years of experience and a genuine love for animals, our staff ensures every pet feels safe, comfortable, and loved during their time with us.
Betty Heiden
Betty Heiden is the founder and heart behind Heidanes Hidden Timbers, a business built on her lifelong passion for animals and dedication to compassionate pet care. Nearly three decades ago, Betty and her husband combined their love for Great Danes and their family name to create “Heidanes” and established what began as a pet cemetery. Over the years, Betty’s vision grew Heidanes Hidden Timbers into a trusted full-service pet care provider, offering boarding, grooming, and a loving environment for pets in Altamont, Illinois.
Tayli Wharton
Hi, my name is Tayli and I’m so excited to be working with y’all and your pups! I grew up in Springfield, Illinois and went to school at Glenwood High School where I found a love for dogs outside of the classroom. While living in the city, I worked as an In-Kennel manager and Trainer for Joe Blankenship for about 7 years. Though I love the training aspect of animals, I’ve been excited to learn how to groom, and have always had a passion for working with boarded dogs. I have 3 pets of my own, Mischa, my sassy Yorkie-Poo, Rowan, the sweetest long-haired German Shepherd, and Fiver, my most recent German Shepherd addition that is too smart for his own good. Outside of my work with animals, I love being outdoors fishing or mudding, going thrifting with my friends, or listening to music and writing at home.
Tara Slifer
Meet Tara Slifer, a.k.a “Momma T”, a professional laborer of love. “I live in Watson with my husband where we share a total of 6 daughters; Lindsey, Morgan, Lexi, Emily, Anna, and Brynttlee. We have also welcomed our very first grandsons into the family. I enjoy spending time with my 2 corgis, Kit and Bonnie, while also tending to my goats, chickens and 9 bloodhounds. I have worked at Heidanes for 3 years and I’m truly living my dream job of caring for all family, fur, & feather.”
Kristin Heiden, DVM
I have had the pleasure of being around dogs since I was born. Growing up with dogs brought my family into the world of dog sports, and at the age of 10 I started showing in conformation and junior showmanship. With great mentors and hard work I am proud to say won Best Junior Handler at not only the inaugural AKC National Championship but again at the second one. Additionally, I handled the dog that won Best of Breed at the Bloodhound National Specialty in 2009 and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who won Best of Breed at the AKC National Championship in 2011. Since then, I have continued to show limitedly in conformation when my schedule allows.
After Graduating from the University of Missouri with my DVM, I pursued advanced training in veterinary chiropractic care. I became certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2014. I have a passion for sports medicine which I find greatly aligns with my history in the sport of dogs. I love working with canine athletes and their teammates.
In my down time I have picked up in training and competing in the performance world of dogs. I currently am competing at the elite level in Nose Work, the elite level in Rally, the novice levels of obedience and shed hunting. I am having a great time becoming a better trainer and learning from my dogs through this journey.
I am a certified CWAGS Scent Work and CPE Scent Sport Judge, CGC Evaluator and working toward becoming an AKC Junior Showmanship Judge. I look forward to meeting everyone and working with your pets.
After Graduating from the University of Missouri with my DVM, I pursued advanced training in veterinary chiropractic care. I became certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2014. I have a passion for sports medicine which I find greatly aligns with my history in the sport of dogs. I love working with canine athletes and their teammates.
In my down time I have picked up in training and competing in the performance world of dogs. I currently am competing at the elite level in Nose Work, the elite level in Rally, the novice levels of obedience and shed hunting. I am having a great time becoming a better trainer and learning from my dogs through this journey.
I am a certified CWAGS Scent Work and CPE Scent Sport Judge, CGC Evaluator and working toward becoming an AKC Junior Showmanship Judge. I look forward to meeting everyone and working with your pets.
Anna Koberlein
Hi! I'm Anna, a graduate of Altamont High School. I am a dental assistant but I work at Heidanes as frequently as I can. We look forward to taking care of your pets.
Heather Percival
Heather Percival, pictured with her German Shepherds, Rumely and Titan, has been a valued part of the Heidanes family since 2004. While working full-time as a paralegal at Taylor Law Offices, she still enjoys spending occasional Saturdays at Heidanes, staying connected and caring for our furry guests. Heather lives south of Effingham with her husband, Darren.
Dave Heiden
Dave is our go-to "fix-it-all" guy, always ready to lend a hand and help with the heavy lifting. A retired phone company professional, Dave has been taking great care of the Heidanes team ever since. An avid bowler and former softball player and coach, Dave’s passion for teamwork and community shines through in everything he does. A die-hard Cardinals fan, Dave is also the reason Betty ended up in Altamont, as the two met while attending Concordia College in Chicago. We’re grateful for all the heart and hard work he brings to Heidanes Hidden Timbers!
Charlie Marker
Charlie recently retired after 30+ years in the swine industry and is now enjoying a slower pace of life. Charlie and her husband of 36 years live just outside of Altamont with their senior horse, Diamond, and their three-legged senior cat, Smokey. They have two daughters and three grandchildren, along with three granddogs. While they don’t currently have any dogs of their own, Charlie is very excited to spoil your dogs (and cats) while they are in her care!
Sophia Long
I am Sophia Long. I am a student at Altamont Community High School where I play softball and basketball and am active on the Student Council, FCA, FCCLA, and Pep Club. My hobbies include: swimming, traveling, watching movies, travel softball, baking, and hanging out with my cats. I am looking forward to this summer job and can't wait to help all of the dogs feel right at home at Heidanes!
Wade Jones
Hello my name is Nicholas (Wade) Jones, I am 17 years old, and I am a senior at Altamont Community High School. I have two dogs, who are like my children, Beast and Riley. When I graduate highschool I would like to go to college to become an animal care taker or veterinarian. Starting this summer, and following, I would be honored to take care of your pets like I would my own. They will be in the best of care at Heidanes Hidden Timbers.
About Heidanes Hidden Timbers
Founded 28 years ago by Betty Heiden and her husband, Heidanes Hidden Timbers was named out of their love for Great Danes, combining "Heiden" with "Dane" to create "Heidanes." Originally established as a pet cemetery, we have since grown into a full-service pet care company offering trusted boarding and grooming services. Located in Altamont, Illinois, Heidanes has built a legacy of compassion and quality care, becoming a cornerstone of the community and a place where pets feel truly at home.
Pictured above is our beautiful property in Altamont.
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