Biography
Kara has always had a passion for animals, growing up in South Carolina surrounded by German Shepherds, Dobermans, and rescue dogs. Despite her brother’s allergy preventing her from having a dog at home, she cared for a wide variety of pets, including iguanas, turtles, bearded dragons, rabbits, and guinea pigs. She also gained unique experience working on a farm, participating in “traveling farms” to teach children about animals.
Kara’s journey into dog training began in 2013 when she started fostering dogs, eventually working with hundreds of pups across different breeds and temperaments. She has a special love for nervous and shy dogs, mother dogs with their litters, and high-energy dogs. In 2015, her dog Ozzy, an Australian Shepherd/Cattle Dog mix with reactivity issues, introduced her to the world of behavior modification. With guidance from Philly Unleashed’s Nicole, Kara transformed Ozzy into a well-mannered, if still spirited, companion, inspiring her deeper involvement in training.
Since joining Philly Unleashed, Kara has enjoyed helping dogs progress through obedience classes, strengthening the bond between pets and their owners. Her creativity and enthusiasm shine when working with high-energy dogs, using games and trick training to channel their zest for life.
Kara became an AKC CGC/Puppy STAR evaluator in 2024. She lives with her wife, their new baby girl, five dogs (Wesley, Ozzy, Mila, Dodger, and Quinn), two guinea pigs, and a fish. Outside of training, she enjoys camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures, though she harbors an amusing fear of cats despite her desire to own one someday.
