About Us

About Karen and Rick

Karen has been involved with dogs, horses and other animals since she was a child. Her Grand-Uncle, Irving, bred German Shepherd Dogs with pure German lineage, and he was Karen's early mentor. Karen's parents are actively involved with a Humane Society/Animal Rescue and no-kill shelter in Florida. Most of her life, Karen has owned and shown horses...American Quarter Horses, and the occasional TB or Dutch Warmblood.

Karen worked in a small animal shelter during college, (Karen's major at NU was psychology, with a concentration in Animal Behavior.) where she met Dr. Amy Marder; a veterinarian and animal behaviorist. Karen went on to become assistant trainer to Dr. Marder, who taught obedience classes at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital/MSPCA. From there, Karen became the Head Trainer at Dr. Marder's practice, New England Veterinary Behavior Associates.

Another endeavor was the creation of The Dog's Dream Inn, where Karen boards dogs for vacationing clients, as well as offering services for daily play groups, dog walks, doggie day care, and training.

In 2001, Karen moved to Townsend, MA and established Dream Weaver Farm. The farm is home to The Dog's Dream Inn, and to Karen's own horses, sheep, Angora rabbits, and, of course, German Shepherd Dogs!

Rick is a State Trooper who shares Karen's love of GSDs, and also grew up around dogs and his sisters' horses. He helps Karen with everything from trimming sheep hooves to preparing horses for shows. In 2005, Rick was NSHA's High Point Champion in two separate divisions, with Karen's star AQHA/PHBA gelding, A Bid of Gold. Rick regularly handles our dogs in show practice and at events.

Tia, our 12 ½ year old long coat GSD with her sheep, Thelma

Our AQHA/PHBA gelding,
A Bid of Gold

Our sheep, Thelma and Louise

Rick and our Kiddie vom Kirschental

Karen's great-uncle Irving.

Karen and her Dutch Warmblood, Tolkien