New Leash on Life

I grew up in Crown Point, Indiana, and attended Purdue University and Rochester Institute of Technology for my college education. From 1990 to 2021, I managed Pace Realty alongside my husband, Roger. Animals have always held a special place in my heart, and when my daughter, Danielle, expressed her dream of becoming a veterinarian, I decided to join her in volunteering at the Lake County Animal Shelter. It was during this time that the vision of establishing a no-kill animal shelter to serve Crown Point took root. While managing my business, I also founded Pace for Paws, a resale furniture shop dedicated to supporting the local shelter through its proceeds. After semi-retiring following the sale of our business, my husband and I made the decision in the summer of 2023 to bring this dream to life and began creating New Leash On Life, Pet Adoption & Resource Center.

I have attended Humane Society Conferences, taken ASPCA classes, and been appointed to the board and fundraising board of numerous animal and real estate organizations and causes. My daughter Danielle has fulfilled her dream and is now a veterinarian, and she, my husband, and my family fully support the mission of New Leash On Life.

My husband and I have been married for 45 years raising 3 beautiful daughters, all married, with two grandchildren all while building or restoring 12+ homes. I have owned and worked for my own company as a Certified Site Safety Engineer mostly on USACE sites with a stint on the first US offshore wind farm in the Atlantic off the coast of RI.

We have had several animals as part of our family: 6 rescue dogs, 2 foster dogs, 7 cats. We’ve also had rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, cockatiels and geese. All these precious beings lived wonderful, beloved lives until their passing. My husband, our rescue Kitty Walter, and I are enjoying retirement and working to restore a lake cottage in IN, and looking forward to this new chapter of our lives serving on the board and volunteering at the New Leash On Life.

Kim Schultz is a dedicated professional and an avid animal lover, sharing her home with a lively crew of dogs, cats, and outside ducks and chickens. With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage title industry, Kim has built a stellar reputation for her expertise and leadership. She currently serves as Closing Supervisor at Accurate Group, LLC.  

When she’s not working, Kim devotes her time to Supervising at the City’s Sportsplex concession stands working with Crown Point’s young adults developing work skills getting them ready to enter the work environment. She has two grown children Trevor and Kierra who keep her life full of energy and joy. Balancing her career, family, and passion for animals, Kim embodies hard work, compassion, and dedication in everything she does.

Doctor Kreis is originally from Crown Point, Indiana where she volunteered for the Lake County Animal Control since she was a child. She grew up with a menagerie of pets including a skunk who was rescued from a fur farm. She went on to attend Purdue University where she obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After graduating, she completed an internship at IndyVet Emergency and Specialty clinic followed by a specialty internship at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic both in Indianapolis, IN where she was able to work with an array of exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Doctor Kreis is passionate about non-profit work; she supported the Indiana House Rabbit Society by aiding their community rabbit spay/neuter and low-cost veterinary care programs. She also spent a year with the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in southwest Florida. It was these programs that inspired her to continue to improve animal welfare while supporting members of the community. Currently she and her husband have two, very bouncy, chinchillas and enjoy spending time exploring outdoors, traveling, and crafting.