Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs
Our Commitment
At Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs, we breed for health, structure, temperament, and breed diversity. Our mission is not only to place puppies in loving homes but to ensure those homes share our core values of inclusivity, respect, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
We believe that breeding exceptional puppies means more than genetics and health screenings—it means forging lifelong partnerships with families who share our deepest convictions. Our puppies are born into a community, not just a transaction, and we take seriously the promise to remain engaged with each owner for the dog’s entire life.
Because we stay involved as mentors, resources, and—even years later—part of our puppy owners’ extended family, misaligned core values can compromise both the human–animal bond and the ongoing support we provide. For this reason, placing a puppy in a home whose guardians actively support the actions and policies of the 47th president’s and his administration—whose second term has seen an alarming escalation of policies at odds with compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship—is simply not an option for us.
These policies run counter to the values we cherish—empathy, equity, and stewardship of our world. And because our commitment to each puppy extends far beyond adoption day, we cannot entrust our dogs to homes led by supporters of this agenda.
For us, this isn’t about politics—it’s about core values. We have a moral and ethical obligation to entrust our puppies only to guardians whose beliefs reflect a genuine commitment to unity, diversity, and mutual respect. If these values of empathy, inclusivity, responsible citizenship, trust in evidence and expertise, and environmental awareness resonate with you, we would love to connect and explore how a Lukehaven puppy can become a cherished part of your family.
By centering kindness, inclusivity, and responsible citizenship in every decision we make, Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs ensures that each puppy enters not just a house, but a home where both dog and family thrive together—bound by shared respect for one another, for our communities, and for the environment.
Loren
It was serendipity that I discovered Icelandic sheepdogs in 2007, and that year we added Betsy, who was 1 year old at that time, to our household. She became the arbiter of all things dog in the household. I still feel her presence even after her death at age 18 in February 2025.
In 2008, we imported Bjarkarkots Hroi Hottur from Iceland and he turned out to be a beautiful boy, who was very biddable and produced puppies beloved by their families. Tragically, he died at age 7 because of a brain tumor, but he was my heart dog and is in my thoughts on a daily basis, so I named my breeding program after him – Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs.
In 2009 I founded the rescue organization for the breed, National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance (NISRA) , and remain on the Board of Directors as a consultant. Icelandic Sheepdogs became my passion, and introduced me to people in Canada, Iceland, and Europe. These connections have enriched my life immensely.
I currently share my home with 4 adult Icelandic sheepdogs, ranging in age from 8 to 13 years old. When I walk my dogs in Lexington, there isn’t a day that people don’t stop to tell me how beautiful and friendly my dogs are. I was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America for several years.
I did have a professional life as a practicing Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, Chief of the Section of Child Psychiatry at Lahey Clinic, President of the New England Council of Child Psychiatry, Acting Chairman of the Dept. of Psychiatry at Lahey that was equally rewarding, but now in retirement, I am comforted by the Icelandic Sheepdogs who keep me company, and gaze straight into my eyes with such love.
Paula
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ― Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall’s lifelong devotion to wildlife conservation and her deep appreciation for the bonds that unite all living things have profoundly shaped my own philosophy. Her words remind me each morning that every choice we make—whether in business, in our communities, or in our homes—ripples outward. It’s this conviction that fuels my commitment to sustainability, ethical stewardship, and, most recently, to preserving the Icelandic Sheepdog breed for generations to come.
My professional background spans over thirty years, from leadership roles at global healthcare companies to owner and president of a digital marketing agency in CT; specializing in SEO, website development, conversion optimization, and AI‑driven marketing. I hold an MBA, an MS, and an EdS in Computers and Education.
My passion for the Icelandic Sheepdog began on my first visit to Iceland in 2017. Captivated by their joyful spirit and herding instincts, I vowed that my next dog would be an “Icie.” In December 2019, I brought home Raina, followed a year later by Freyja—both from renowned breeder Loren. Today, my household includes three Icelandic Sheepdogs, a Shih Tzu, and three rescue horses on our small farm. I’m a proud steward of Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs and I have the honor of carrying forward her legacy in CT —she remains actively involved in every aspect of our program.
Beyond the joy they bring, I view my role as a breeder and steward of this rare Nordic breed as a sacred responsibility. As an Approved Good Dog breeder, I health‑test my dams, prioritize genetic diversity, and champion best practices in breeding for temperament and structure. Through Lukehaven, I aim to preserve the breed’s unique heritage and ensure that each puppy placed in a forever home thrives both physically and emotionally. I’m also co-president of the National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance (NISRA).
When I’m not guiding businesses through digital transformation, you’ll find me on my farm caring for 3 rescue horses or training my Icelandic Sheepdogs for agility trials. There’s something deeply rewarding about preparing my dogs (and myself!) to navigate challenging obstacle courses—each tunnel, weave pole, and teeter board showcases their intelligence, athleticism, and eagerness to please. These moments reinforce my belief that dedicated training and a strong human–canine bond are vital to the well‑being of this spirited breed.
Whether crafting a new marketing campaign, bonding over barn chores, or navigating my “Icies” through a complicated agility course, I strive every day to honor Jane Goodall’s legacy by making a positive, lasting impact—on my clients, on my community, and on the precious breed I am fortunate to help preserve.
Cari
Horses and dogs have consistently woven through the fabric of my life and professional career. As the owner, producer, and horse trainer for Swanson Productions LLC, and the founder of Red Horse Rescue, I have spent decades training horses in diverse disciplines such as dressage, eventing, jumping, and liberty, always prioritizing intuition and kindness. My expertise has provided horses and dogs for high-profile film, television, music videos, and print campaigns for clients including HBO, Apple TV, Paramount, Warner Bros., Ralph Lauren, Beyoncé, and Bad Bunny.
My introduction to Icelandic Sheepdogs began in 1996 with Dash, from a litter of imported dogs owned by a close friend. Dash’s character, athletic prowess, and charisma quickly captivated me, soon welcoming Blitzen, Comet, and Cupid to my farm family. I have since successfully bred multiple litters and maintain lifelong connections with their adopted families.
Today, I am honored to collaborate with Loren Dribinsky and Paula Sanderson as we preserve the Icelandic Sheepdog breed through a thoughtful and responsible breeding program. My role as a board member of the National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance (NISRA) reinforces my deep commitment to the breed’s future.
I firmly believe that nature possesses immense healing potential, enhancing lives through the unique bond humans share with animals. It is my passion to educate others about these profound therapeutic benefits, drawing upon the invaluable lessons animals continually offer in patience, presence, and adaptability. Each animal in my care is a source of joy, inspiration, and illumination, enriching not only my life but the lives of everyone they meet.