About Us
A love of dogs, a converted country home, and twenty years of community
Welcome to Dogdom
My husband and I are lucky enough to have shared our home all of these years we've been together with 7 amazing dogs over time — 6 golden retrievers and 1 English springer spaniel. Our dogs are not our pets, they are family.
Me & Jackson Godfrey, our 1st O.G., who crossed Rainbow Bridge January 2010 and is sadly missed by all. He loved being at Godfrey's and greeting every one of you. I love you JG.
My journey into the world of dogdom seriously began in 1998 when my husband and I brought our first golden retriever puppy into our life and home. I fell hopelessly in love with this adorable creature and I wanted to know everything I could about raising a healthy, happy, well-adjusted dog. I approach all things with an intellectual curiosity so I immersed myself in learning all about nutrition, wellness, exercise, vaccination protocols, best products on the market and on and on. My dog-themed book collection and pile of research materials grew and it continues to do so to this day!
I also realized early on that having a safe, off-leash place for him to run and socialize was key to keeping our sanity! "A tired dog is a happy dog" became our mantra. I worked for one full year in 1998 to research off-leash dog parks throughout the country, even visiting one in California. I had testimonials from national, well-respected trainers and animal behaviorists, legal issues ironed out, and about 15 fellow dog lovers willing to serve as volunteer board members. We presented to the Berks County Parks Department and County Commissioners — the idea was ahead of its time in 1998. So I channeled my energies into breed rescue.
Our love of the golden retriever breed led us to learn about the plight of homeless goldens. We became volunteers for Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR). My husband served as Capital Campaign Chairman to help purchase the 4-acre facility DVGRR sits on today, and I served as adoption team leader for a few years. I also designed and installed the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden at the rescue facility. And yes — we adopted golden souls from the rescue over these many years, each one unique, special, and truly amazing.
As I saw my life change immeasurably by loving and being loved by my dogs, I recognized the power of dogs to truly change lives. On my life's journey, I obtained a Teaching Degree and a Computer Science Degree, and I worked in Information Technology as a programmer, software project manager, quality assurance specialist, and web content manager. But by my mid to late 40's, I knew I wanted to work and be around dogs. They are true. They are grounded in the here and now. Their souls are pure.
My vision was to make Godfrey's the place for all of us who love dogs to celebrate the dogs in our lives. To create a beautiful, yet comfortable environment where fellow dog lovers could shop for high-quality, unique dog-themed items — to make them smile and to make their dogs smile, too. To be a place where dog parents could buy super premium dog foods, holistic supplements and healthy treats, share stories with others, attend events with their dogs, and have fun!
My vision became reality when I opened the doors to Godfrey's in July 2004.
Godfrey's is truly a special place for me and the dogs we have loved over these years. In 2021 we brought home Keeper, a golden retriever who is now our Greeter in Training at Godfrey's. And in the Fall of 2023, we brought home Adelaide (Addie), another golden retriever, to join in the fun with Keeper! We hope that Godfrey's becomes that special place for you and your dogs, too!
Meet Our Staff
A small, passionate team — certified, experienced, and genuinely dog-obsessed
Nicole Weersing
Hello, my name is Nicole. I am very excited to be a part of the play park, and hopefully seeing you and your dog here as our conditioning and wellness program comes together at Godfrey's.
I have had a lot of experience working with animals. I worked as an equine technician at Willow Creek Vet Center, assisting in animal physical therapy using laser, underwater treadmill, and ultrasound. I have also worked as an assistant barn manager, in canine boarding facilities, and in retail and customer service.
I was a stay at home mom for many years. Currently, along with working at Godfrey's, I groom King Charles Cavaliers. I attended a canine Reiki class here at Godfrey's — since then I knew I wanted to be a part of the team. I am fascinated by dogs communicating with us and themselves, and I look forward to helping our customers make good choices in their dog care. I also am a firm believer that Dog is Family.
My love for dogs started with a black lab named Taj who taught me about unconditional love. I have had many dogs throughout the years — Labs, Rottweilers, a Shetland sheepdog, an English mastiff, and boxers. My husband and I fell in love with boxers when we saw one on a jet ski with his life jacket on at the Sassafras River! We said "We need one of those!" My boxers now are Layla Lou and Jasper. I have been married for 22+ years and have three children: Riley, Isabella, and Everett.
Lisa Metzger
Hello Pet Peeps — the people who truly believe pets are family!
Although I have always had an abounding love for animals, I have been passionate and dedicated to pet nutrition since I first started my career at Pet Valu in October 2011. I've experienced a diversity among locations, working my way to managing my own store. I've worked with and met many great people — co-workers, trainers, rescue groups I've participated with through fostering, doggy daycare, and doggy sitting. I have also attended different conferences on nutrition and taken courses through UC Davis for a certificate in pet nutrition.
Some fun facts: I'm absolutely nuts about animals. A big motto of mine is, "Even if you can't change the world, you should change the world for all you can." My love of animals drives my desire to truly help as many as possible. I love jewelry, both for myself and my dogs (there's no such thing as too many collars). My favorite color is bright/shiny, and I have a severe addiction to ranch — but it's only a problem if you can't admit it, right?
Karen Gerth
Hi, I'm Karen and I'm very excited to be joining the Godfrey's Dogdom family! It's the perfect job — helping others who share our passion for our canine buddies.
I'm enjoying being retired from my former position as Executive Director and Founder of KPETS — Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services. KPETS was my calling in life. It took a half a century to figure it out, but it was worth the journey.
Once my son was grown and I married my soul mate, I wanted to give back to the community. I began volunteering for a service dog organization, then learned about pet therapy — a win-win-win situation: my dog got the attention she loved, I got to spend time with my dog, AND we helped people. We volunteered for two different national therapy dog organizations but neither could keep up with demand. After hearing my pastor speak on "Vision" every January for several years, I began pursuing my dream. In 2002 I set out to found what is now called KPETS. Twenty years later, I retired and handed over the reins.
I've now had seven goldens over the years: Cinda, Sammy, Podley (our first tripod), and Max are all in Heaven. Currently I have Zeke, Kody, and Kylee (our second tripod). When Barb mentioned she was looking for help, I thought — another win-win-win situation. I don't have all the nutrition knowledge as the others but I'm excited to learn and will always get you to someone who can help.
You may also be interested in Dewey's Golden Jubilee — something else close to my heart!
Mary Plummer
Hello, my name is Mary. I am so happy to be a part of Godfrey's team. I was here when Godfrey's first opened its doors in 2004, joining in celebrating Barb and Pat's dream of opening a store that would focus on the best items for our beloved fur babies!
Through the years, I have watched it grow into a place that not only offers the highest quality food and supplies for our pets, but a place where when people walk in, they know someone here is always willing to help you learn what's best for your pet or enjoy hearing about your fur family members. Their motto "Dog is Family" is evident in all that we do at Godfrey's.
My love for dogs goes all the way back to my childhood when I finally convinced my parents to let us get a dog — just one. But I promised myself when I grew up I would have more than one. Thank goodness my husband was a dog lover too! Along with being a dog mom I am a mother to two sons, Tony and Adam.
For many years I was a board member and volunteer for Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue Inc. I am also a recently retired elementary school teacher. Now that I am retired, I am looking forward to spending more time with my own 2 rescue goldens (Lincoln and Lucy) and a golden mix (Hunter), and pursuing the idea of volunteering with therapy dog organizations to get more therapy dogs into schools — so that children can feel the impact that animals can have on their social emotional wellness.
I look forward to growing and learning more from Barb, Pat, and the rest of the family at Godfrey's as I begin this next chapter of my life.
Pat Emmett
Pat is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior and is a Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP). Retired as President of his company after 37+ years in food production and distribution services, Pat began taking a more active role at Godfrey's, working alongside his wife Barb. He immediately saw a need to assist families assimilate a new dog as a valuable member of the family unit — his passion for helping them took off.
A love of dogs goes way back for Pat. He was raised in a home where dachshunds ruled — both his parents and grandparents cherished the breed. In 1998, their first golden retriever, Tucker, came into their lives. Training classes, hikes, tons of walks, park runs. Their love of the breed led them to become involved with Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR), where Pat took a position on the Board for over 7 years and co-chaired the capital campaign to purchase a permanent shelter facility on Vera Cruz Road in Reinholds. DVGRR met their goal in 9 months!
In 2012, Pat enrolled in a therapy dog orientation session run by KPETS, and in no time he and Lake were certified as a Therapy Dog Team. They made monthly visits to a local adult community center and helped out at other KPETS events.
Pat and his wife Barb reside with two English Cream Golden Retrievers, Keeper and Addie, as of 2024. Pat is a graduate of Wilson High School and Shippensburg State College, and is an active Private Pilot. He also enjoys playing racquetball.