Karen Gerbig, Founder & Co-owner
First and foremost, Karen is the proud owner/guardian of two gorgeous dogs and three wonderful cats. Her love for dogs motivated her to found Leader of the Pack fourteen years ago. Since then, Karen has had the honor of meeting hundreds of dogs and cats and their proud guardians, which has made being owner of Leader of the Pack the most rewarding career she has ever had. Karen brings a varied professional background that includes the arts, not-for-profit administration, and financial services. Her hobbies include digital film making and theatre.
Walter Thon, Co-owner
Walter has been with Leader of the Pack for over seven years, lovingly studying canine behavior from the other end of the leash. From his own dog Franklin and the many four-legged companions with whom he has been blessed through Leader of the Pack, he has learned much about compassion, friendship, and loyalty. He has recently joined passions with Karen to maintain Leader of the Pack’s uncompromising standards of service. Walter is also an accomplished actor and is, at almost any given time, working in projects on stage or screen.
Lena, a retired Chemist, came from Moscow to the States about ten years ago. Leader of the Pack has fulfilled her dream to work with dogs, and her passion is evident in the meticulous, unsurpassable care she provides for her treasured, tail-wagging friends. She has recently celebrated her 73rd birthday, and her vibrancy and compassion astounds all who know her.
Chris has been with Leader of the Pack since 1999 and has the model after whom all other pet care providers have aspired to match. She is a published poet and a certified practitioner of
energy healing. With owner, Karen Gerbig, Chris is the proud co-parent of dogs Honey and Raggedy Andy, and cats Peter, Liza, and Sally. She serves as manager of our pet sitting services.
Denisa is a Chicago-born and-bred professional singer whose powerful voice is unforgettable. She is also the director of her church choir and a personal care assistant for people with disabilities. All dogs seem to love her and the feeling is certainly mutual.
Kevin has proven himself time and again a trustworthy and compassionate guardian for all his fortunate puppy pals. His gentle, unassuming demeanor puts both pups and people instantly at ease.
Bob is a friendlier guy than anyone could hope to meet. He considers himself a major White Sox fan, but also roots for the Cubbies. He loves jazz music and mystery novels.
Cheyenne is a professional actress and singer with a degree from Michigan State University. She grew up with pups and has been coined a dog whisperer by dogsit clients. She’ll take it; she’s just happy to spend some quality time with them! You can see her around Chicago singing with her 1940’s-style band, The Pin-Ups.
James is a student at Columbia College, majoring in Advertising Art Directing. He is also an Eagle Scout, a U.S. Army Paratrooper Veteran, and a talented, published, and award winning writer and poet. He has a kind and gentle soul and simply adores his furry friends. For him it is truly a labor of love.