Karen originally started out at our training facility in Reading, MA as a client, over 23 years ago, with her first working dog, her German Shepherd Nico. After spending 30 plus years in the world of banking and brokerage firms, she decided she needed a change and took early retirement to join our team in May of 2018, and never looked back. She is now our Operations Director, as well as the acting General Manager for Waggerz and one of our other locations. Besides keeping the businesses running smoothly and watching your dogs learn and grow, her favorite part of the day is greeting every dog as they come into our facility in the morning, and playing with the dogs either in the daycare or during outside playtime. She believes that all of the dogs that participate in our Daycare program are an integral part of our Family, and treats/ loves every dog as if they were her own. Karen is a certified AKC Evaluator and trainer for the Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen, AKC Family Dog Program, and the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. She has been a trainer and working dog handler for over 20 years. She would like to eventually become a certified dog behavioral consultant. When she’s not at work, she spends her free time with her Dutch Shepherd, CGC Rambo van Patriot PSA2, aka “Bambi” (also employed at Waggerz, as he’s usually keeping an eye on things from our lobby as well as participating in all new dog Meet n Greets) and they enjoy hiking, training in different environments, swimming and spending time at their other home near Acadia National Park.
Lauren’s journey in the animal care world began when she was just 14 years old. She started volunteering at her local animal shelter in 2011, and went there every day after school for almost 3 years. She then found a job at a local vet clinic for a short time, before starting to work at Waggerz in January of 2016.
After working at Waggerz for over nine years, Lauren has witnessed many of your pups grow from tiny puppies, to adults and even seniors. She strives to treat every dog as if they were her own, and truly enjoys being a part of your dog’s life.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her personal dog, Hobbs the Coonhound. Lauren and her fiancé are car enthusiasts, and they have a collection of 13 cars. She also enjoys house plants, art, and vacationing in Vermont.
Since she was little, Athene has always been around dogs. Taking care of her Great Grandmother’s Bichon, playing with the dogs at her friends house, or donating to the Worcester Animal Rescue League. She has always loved dogs.
At 14, she adopted her two boys, Chewie and Solo, who she trained herself, and had been going to Waggerz since they were only 2. At 19 Athene started working at Waggerz while still in college.
When not at work, Athene likes to cuddle with her boys and cat Kim Pawsible, and shop for them. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends.
Waggerz was designed for a dog’s comfort and safety, giving owners peace of mind when they leave their 4 legged family for a day of fun or an extended stay. Dogs in daycare are separated by temperament and size and have access to 2 large outdoor play areas. The outdoor play areas have artificial turf to keep dogs clean and prevent the spread of germs. All of the play areas are enclosed with 7ft high privacy fences to ensure the safety of all dogs attending services. The outdoor areas also have a water misting system spraying a light water mist to keep the outdoor area cool in the summer. The indoor facility includes over 5000 sqft of play area and a 2,200 sq ft area with 30 luxury boarding suites. The building is equipped with indoor and outdoor HD cameras with night vision. At Waggerz we ensure your dog’s safety and comfort are a priority. Most owners find the hardest part of bringing their dogs for daycare or boarding is getting their dogs to go home! Waggerz is located at 17 East Mountain Street, near West Boylston Street (Rte12) and across the street from Abbott VCA (across Burncoat St.). We are off exit 2 on 190 West, turn right at the end of the exit ramp and go to the 3rd light (West Boylston St / Rte 12), go thru the light and we are in the second plaza on the left.
