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.
Dara realized her intense affection toward canines great and small at an early age, as she grew up in a 4-5 dog household. She now spoils 2 pups of her own as well as all of her furry Leader of the Pack friends. Any client she serves comes to appreciate the extraordinary care she provides. She has even helped deliver a litter of puppies while on the job!
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.
John is a writer with an Eglish-Writing Intensive degree from Marquette University. Having grown up with dogs and cats, he has great love and concern for the proper treatment and care of all animals. When not out walking pups, he can frequently be spotted at Peet’s Coffee and Tea.
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.
Nicholas is a recent graduate of Columbia with a degree in Fine Arts Photography. A fascinating individual, he enjoys cooking and making bread, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and birds.
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.
