Hi! My name is Karen Halstead Dorn. I have 2 grown children, Steven 30 and Abigail 25. Both are musicians and animal lovers.
Where to begin? Well, I was born and raised on a 600 plus acre dairy farm in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the 1960s and 1970s., which makes me the "senior" member of the Wishbones team!
Growing up I had many chores on the farm and helped with a great deal of animal care. Assisting cows in giving birth and bottle feeding many types of babies from kittens to calves was an absolutely wonderful experience. We had cows, horses, chickens, pigs, cats, and dogs. I had a pet chicken named Matilda, when I was around 5. I carried her everywhere!
As a child, adult, and parent, I have had the privilege and responsibility of having dogs, cats, snakes, lizards, turtles, geckos, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, fish and many birds, small and large, in my life. I never told my 2 children, "no" to pets. In fact, it was a good excuse to say,"Well, the kids wanted another bird!".
My daughter, Abigail, is named after one of my favorite childhood dogs. If that doesn't speak to how much animals are a part of my life, I don't know what would. Some people have said, "You named your daughter after a dog?" I think it's the highest form of flattery, don't you!!
I left the farm for college in 1981 and married and settled in Pittsburgh after college. I have degrees in education, music therapy and a Masters degree in counseling. I worked in the mental health and disability field for 30 years. I was involved in music therapy and pet therapy.
I have been so fortunate to find Jamie and Wishbone's!!. Jamie and my daughter went to school together. Finding and working for Wishbone's has brought the child within me out to play again. I use all my farm experience, therapy and disability work experience, pet owner, parent, and all life experiences to my job with Wishbone's. I get to be goofy, laugh, have fun, cry sometimes and just be there for your pets physical and emotional needs.
I take the privilege of being invited into your home to share in your pets care and life as a very special and important responsibility.
I currently have 3 dogs, 2 birds, 1 hamster, and fish in my life. My dad had a favorite saying . He would say, "You can take a girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl". So true!!
I am proud to work with Jamie and her team. Jamie runs a wonderful and caring business!! I love my job!!