Local dog makes movie debut Oct. 29 with release of Paranormal Activity

Karma, a German Shepherd, is the family dog in horror film

Karma, a German Shepherd owned and trained by Dawn Spencer of Kent, will be in the upcoming movie, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin. It will be released Oct. 29 by Paramount Plus.

KENT – Karma, a local German Shepherd owned and trained by Dawn Spencer, will be appearing in an upcoming horror movie, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin.

The film will be released by Paramount Plus on Oct. 29. Karma and Spancer were in Allegany County for three days in late March for filming. Karma had a day on the set and the director often remarked the dog was “on point” for her scenes.

A role in a scary movie is fitting for Karma, a “Halloween baby” born on Oct. 31, Spencer said.

She has been training dogs for 30 years. She owns the Eye of Oden K9 Training on Sawyer Road. Karma has earned many training titles including Star Puppy, CGC, CGCA, CGCU, RN, TKN, TKI, TKA, THD, SD, NACSW ORT, CPE NW1, BH.

Spencer said Karma can adapt to many situations. Spencer worked with an agent hoping to land an opportunity for Karma to be in commercials. Instead, the agent connected her to Buffalo Film Works & Paramount Pictures for the role of the family dog in Paranormal Activity.

Spencer and Karma stayed at a hotel in Cuba NY for the filming in Allegany County.

In Paranormal Activity, a documentary filmmaker follows the main character Margot, who is played by Emily Bader. She goes to a secluded Amish community in the hopes of meeting and learning about her long-lost mother and extended family. Strange occurrences and discoveries follow, and Margot realizes this community might be hiding something sinister. Click here to see a trailer of the film.

Spencer said she and Karma enjoyed meeting the cast. The dog worked closely with Emily Bader, Tom Nowicki and Colin Keane.

Spencer expects Karma may have more acting opportunities in the future. Her primary role, however, is assisting Spencer.

“Karma is known through our community as my Service Dog and has made many friends through Orleans County,” Spencer said.

The film is set at this farm in Allegany County.