K9 Cuisine:

Allyson: I began bringing stray dogs home as a kid.  After high school, I became a vet tech, a dog trainer, managed a boarding kennel, was an Animal Control Officer for 12 years, and I am now in charge of Adopt-A-Dog.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Allyson: My sense of integrity & dedication to doing what I love.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Allyson: I tell it the way it is…I don’t sugar coat things.  I also reach out to children and teach them about dogs.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Allyson: I love their loyalty… no matter how bad people can be to a dog, the dog always forgives. I admire their senses, and the way they communicate with each other and with us.

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Allyson: Educating children about the responsibility and lifetime ownership of a dog.

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet adoption industry going?

Allyson: I have been around for 30 years, and not much has changed. We need neuter legislation nationwide and licensing for breeders…that’s something I would like to see changed.

K9 Cuisine: How does your company fit into this, what are your future plans?

Allyson: We will continue to invite kids to the shelter and go into the classrooms. We teach children that pets are not disposable…a life should not have a price tag.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and Adopt-A-Dog?

Allyson: Visit our website, attend local pet related events, even volunteer at the shelter!

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Allyson: I am 53 and the mother of two girls.  Devoted dog lover.  Feel free to Google Allyson Halm for more info.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

K9 Cuisine:

Jessica: I knew from the time that I was a young child and was performing routine physical “exams” on our family cats that I would be in the animal field. I had always planned on being a veterinarian, however, and even started volunteering my weekends at a veterinary hospital while in high school. Once out of high school, though, I got my first job in advocacy, working at a Humane Society, and I was hooked.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Jessica: I was never afraid to take a step-up into a position that seemed beyond my abilities and area of expertise. If you have the fundamental context of the job down, you can learn anything new within it. I always say: as much as you advocate for the animals, advocate for yourself.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Jessica: My approach to advocacy. I firmly believe that animal-rights groups, and even rescue groups, can be somewhat militant in their beliefs and approach. I find that this tends to turn-off members of the public who may have otherwise been willing to step-in and volunteer. So what if a volunteer isn’t a vegetarian or a vegan? They are there to save a life; let’s not make them feel badly for not believing everything in which we believe. Ironically, this gives us less volunteers which in turn actually causes us to save *less* lives.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Jessica: Dogs do not have complex, over thought, emotions. They pretty much either love and/or fear. There are obviously other traits that we can see in them, but it is all very basic. How many humans, children aside, have that kind of emotional simplicity? I think there is a lot to be learned there!

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Jessica: That moment when I have educated someone to an issue and you see that “light bulb” go off in their head that shows that they really get what you are saying. It’s an amazing feeling to share that knowledge with someone else!

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see pet advocacy going?

Jessica: Pets are quickly taking on a whole new role in society. Whereas when I was younger and dogs were provided with basic needs: food, shelter, and water, dogs today are treated like actual family-members. Especially as young couples are opting to hold-off on having children to focus on their careers; their dogs really do become their “children”. As the emotional ties to dogs grow strong in society, it’s fair to say that our desire to protect our furry family-members will only get stronger.

K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?

Jessica: I am currently working on a business metric, The Stout Change-Profit Formula, which is aimed at changing the strategies behind animal advocacy to offer less antiquated techniques. Through my 12 years in the industry, I have seen many people not get involved out of frustration over extreme strategies and view-points. It will be rethinking traditional advocacy strategies that may have worked well in the past when people were less aware of animal issues, but are now dated in a society where people are talking about these issues more, and wanting to get involved on a grassroots level. My plan is to unveil a strategy that allows for the most efficient means of advocacy, and to include a broader range of people. In this way, we have more people involved, and more lives are saved. I am currently working with a data-collection firm for further insight into this issue, and plan to launch it by June of 2010.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your organization?

Jessica: You can visit my website, www.animaladvocating.com, or email me directly at, animaladvocating@gmail.com.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Jessica: I am the founder of www.animaladvocating.com. I have been in the animal care profession for over 12 years, with an emphasis on animal rescue and advocacy. I began my career at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, before becoming a veterinary technician and staying in emergency medicine for 5 years with several organizations, including the San Francisco SPCA. After several years as Animal Care Manager for Solano County Animal Control, I went on to manage a veterinary hospital, before becoming General Manager for Wag Hotels, a start-up chain of luxury pet hotels.

I have always been an avid rescuer/foster-Mom; mostly focusing on Chihuahuas, rabbits, and Pit Bulls.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet photography and pet rescue?

Marta: I’ve been heavily involved in commercial photography for 5 years. One of the things that attracted me to HealeyGrisham Studio is their reputation for helping the community – specifically in animal rescue for companion animals. My husband and my daughter are both passionate about working with animals, of all kinds. (We’ve also rescued and rehabilitated opossums, birds, turtles, reptiles.) It has always been a part of our lives. My first rescue was a poodle that found me in 2nd grade – at school.

Hooray for the Underdog! was created by the owners of HealeyGrisham Studio. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham have been lifelong animal lovers and rescue advocates. About 10 years ago, the couple began creating portraits of rescue animals to motivate others to open their eyes and their hearts to animal rescue. In 2006, they took their efforts one step further and created a stationery/gift line, aptly named Hooray For The Underdog!. 10% percent of all proceeds from “Hooray For The Underdog!” sales is given to a national charity that distributes funds to provide spay/neuter, adoption and emergency relief services to animals across the country. Last year alone, the charity contributed 24 million dollars to more than 3400 grassroots animal welfare agencies.

Janet and Joe’s animal rescue efforts have been recognized locally on Good Morning Texas, Channel 5 news, Larry Powell.com, the Daily Candy and in The Dallas Business Journal, as well as nationally on Oprah.com and CNN.com, The Haystack Needle and in Redbook magazine.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Marta: Hooray for the Underdog! is successful and growing because of the genuine desire to help grassroots rescue organizations. Along the way, there has been much support from friends and strangers who believe in the cause. When you combine something that you are good at (photography in this case) with something you care deeply about (giving rescue animals the homes they deserve), the only way you can fail is to do nothing with it. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham put a tremendous amount of time, energy, money, and belief in their idea. When they didn’t know what to do next, or how to take the next step, they did extensive research, sought out professionals, and they did it to the best of their ability. Doing their personal best – that’s really the secret.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Marta: There are several things:

1) Janet and Joe don’t just rescue pets that they get to enjoy, (these days, they have 2 rescues that come to the studio every day), they also use their talents to make a difference for hundreds, maybe thousands, of companion animals across the country.

2) In raising awareness, rather than focusing on the abuse and neglect these animals suffer, their products showcase the beauty and charm of underdogs (and cats). The backs of these clever cards spotlight the animals’ personalities with each pet’s rescue story and their unique traits, their “special power.” In addition to greeting cards, there are also journals, notepads, folders, buttons, and pet id tags. You can purchase these items at the following websites: HoorayfortheUnderdog.com and Cardstore.com, at The Petropolitan in Dallas as well as in pet boutiques across the country.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Marta: It sounds cliche, but dogs love unconditionally. They are always happy to see you no matter how hard their day has been!

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Marta: Wow – you know, it doesn’t really seem like “work” at all… I think knowing that I am working with other people who have the same philosophies about the day to day – that our work and our personal lives really do have to blend in order to be truly successful on all fronts. I love what I do and so do the owners of the studio, so it is not like a typical “job”. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham found a way to integrate their passion for animal rescue and commercial photography into a business model, one that also gives back. I’m fortunate to be a part of it.

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet photography industry going?

Marta: Up! There are several directions pet photography will grow. We are seeing in our portrait area that because pets are part of the family, and the emphasis on family has risen because of the economy, owners want professional, fine art portraits of their animals. A couple of candid shots at the holidays isn’t enough. In advertising, I’ve seen an increase in including pets in shots, not just for pet products, but across several consumer product lines. As consumers today, we are more emotional about the purchases we make, and whether consciously or not, we want to buy from companies that we feel a connection to. Animals, especially dogs and cats, provide a common ground for everyone. I’d venture to guess that almost every American today can tell you what type of dog, and probably his name, that President Obama has. Not because he/she voted for him, but because they relate on an emotional level. I don’t think that can be said of the past administrations pets. I believe this is due to the fact that literally everyone has been affected by the financial crisis and is more sensitive, more appreciative, of relationships – even with our pets.

K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?

Marta: We are gearing up for growth. Our stationery business has increased 200% over this time last year. Because the demand for pet photography has risen, we are brain-storming ideas that will facilitate efficiencies in locating the animals we want to shoot, both commercially and for our stationery line. As a result of attending the NY stationery show in May, we now have 30 reps across the US for Hooray for the Underdog! We expect big things in the years to come. Joe made a comment recently that he would like to see our cards become a household brand name – not unlike Hallmark. Imagine the difference it would make to the 5 million animals that are euthanized every year.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your organization?

Marta: The best way is through our website – www.HoorayfortheUnderdog.com

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Marta: My job title is Artist Representative – I represent HealeyGrisham – a successful commercial photography studio in Dallas, Texas. I’ve been working for over 20 years in commercial advertising services: design, photography, high end retouching and pre-media support. My strength and passion is in building teams and cultures – putting the right people with the right projects, and in providing over the top customer service. I have an adorable Yorkie, Sophie, who models professionally, so I get to see that side of the business as well. She is represented by an animal talent agency in Dallas, AgentBeast. They are also very involved in animal rescue. Every day I’m surrounded by people and companies who champion rescue animals. It doesn’t get any better than that!

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into walking dogs?

Brian: I have been caring for pets, on and off, for over 7 years. I started my first pet care business in Berkeley, CA in 2002 and have been going strong since. In 2007, my family moved to New Jersey where I started working with animals again part time until this past January when I launched my new business here in Jersey. I began in this line of work after becoming a product of the dot-com bust in San Francisco. I was working freelance and comtemplating my career plans. I realized how much I loved walking my dog every day and began researching what it would take to do it for a living. Soon afterwards, I became a full-time dog walker.

K9 Cuisine: What is your secret to success?

Brian: Easy…treat every animal as if they were your own. This way, you know you are providing the best care possible for each of your clients. Being flexible with clients helps also. Let them know you are working for them and not the other way around. Always remember that you are providing a service, one which can be easily taken away from you if you do not do the best job.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Brian: My personal touch and attention sets me apart from other walkers and pet care professionals. I prefer to go above and beyond my particular call of duty. Not only does this please my clients, it also makes my clients talk to others about me and I get more clients to please!

K9 Cuisine: What is it you love about dogs?

Brian: Dogs don’t judge. They don’t argue (with me). They are always so happy to go out with me and love getting the chance to run and play. It makes me happy to see how happy they can be.

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

"Brian's dog, Bodhi"

Brian: Being my own boss (except for all of my clients which are my bosses). I love working for myself. I feel like I have more control over my career and my success and failures.  And being around dogs, I just love them!

K9 Cuisine: What are your future plans?

Brian: I can see my company becoming the best pet care service offered this side of the Hudson. I was voted Best of the Bay Dog Walker in SF in 2005. There is no reason I can’t do that again and more. I plan on growing more and more, but constantly maintaining the personal touch that has made me so successful.

K9 Cuisine: How can people contact you?

Brian: At my website, 24/7!

K9 Cuisine: Tell us more about you!

Brian: I am a guy that has had a variety of careers. It’s not so much that I can’t settle on anything, but I get bored after a couple of years. But now, I have found something I love to do and I know I am good at. I am a pretty fun guy that is always looking at life thru fun-colored glasses. I see the funny in everything. I am light-hearted and goofy…which makes things more difficult for my wife! Corie is a wonderfully patient woman that understands my quirks and celebrates my weirdness…thankfully! I probably relate better to our 2 kids, Kelsie (5) and Dylan (2). Kids make more sense to me than adults! They are our whole lives and we love how silly and goofy they can be too. I am originally from Shreveport, LA and am a graduate of LSU.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into helping animals?

Christine: Since the day I was born, I have always had a dog. As an only child, I counted my dogs as my best friends. My dog passed when I got divorced, and I was on my own with no animals. About 5 yrs ago, I received a surprise Christmas gift…a kitty, which was my first cat and a total surprise to me. I immediately loved her. She was a rescue and had been living as a stray at the animal shelter. She had been picked up off the street , homeless and pregnant at only 1 yr old. At the shelter, they gave her an abortion. When she was brought to me, she put her head on my chest and fell asleep. She slept for almost 3 days straight, walking only to eat and visit the litter box. She seemed emotionally and physically exhausted.

Having this close relationship and basically nursing a grieving mother back to emotional mental health made a huge impact on me and my understanding of animals and their feelings. Soon thereafter, I decided to go to a volunteer orientation at the San Francisco animal care and control where I found a tremendous need. I started working with Give a Dog a Bone, which is a quality of life program for long term, legal custody dogs. These are the forgotten dogs, the neglected, abused, brutalized, forced to fight and breed. Many people do not know about them, however anytime someone is hurt, dies, is arrested, jailed, cited for cruelty – we take these dogs. While its the most heartbreaking thing I have ever done, it is also the most important thing in my life. Many have to be euthanized, but i give them endless love as long as they are with us (and beyond – I never forget any of these dogs). This morphed into working with Grateful Dogs Rescue, a group of angels who rescue dogs slated for euthanasia. Many of the dogs in Give a Dog a Bone are rescued by GDR, and I have been able to continue my socialization and healing work that starts in the SF ACC and then ongoing after they make it out of the shelter. It’s wonderful to see the dogs outside in the real world!

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your business-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Christine: I am a Reiki specialist and perform energy healing for people and animals. My secret? I found my passion. My calling is to be a friend to the animals. I volunteer, take classes, and I have become a Reiki Master and a Spiritual Animal Healer.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Christine: I will never stop trying to make a difference in the lives of all animals and of all the people who have a connection with an animal. It could be as simple as talking with someone on the street and telling them that they are a wonderful guardian to their animal – this causes a mental shift for many who see animals as possessions and people as owners. I take every opportunity to better the lives of animals. I am also a licensed psychotherapist and have helped people deal with their issues for years. I believe that my background as a mental health clinician and my current spiritual practice of Reiki allows me to help people and animals from both a scientific and spiritual perspective. I am always seeking additional ways to help. I incorporate Tellington T Touch with the Reiki I do on animals, which is slightly different from what others do.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Christine: Dogs are so zen – right here, right now. I admire their ability to forgive and trust, and find this to be the most incredible quality any being can carry. People hold grudges- dogs are the embodiment of love, compassion, joy, lightheartedness, and simplicity. Even if they have been abused, starved, or beaten, when you come to them with a loving kindness and a soft voice, their little tails start thumping.

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Christine: Helping people and animals open the only thing that really matters – love. It’s so rich to bring animals and their guardians to a place of understanding one another and respecting one another. Animals and people can have amazing experiences of the simplest, purest nature, and it is astounding. This is something I love to see: joy. Playing in the shelter park with a dog who never learned to play and seeing them bounce and chase after a ball is an uplifting feeling. Another very important part of this work is helping animals cross over. This is an indescribable experience and I am always deeply honored to be part of the transition from this life to the next realm.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your work?

Christine: I have a new website featuring my reiki practice and also my reiki products: www.SassyMonkeyReiki.com. You can also visit the sites of Give a Dog a Bone http://www.gadab.org and Grateful Dogs Rescue http://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Christine: I am Christine Barnett, MFT and DD, and a working and licensed psychotherapist for the past 10 years in SF, CA.  My love for animals has been lifelong and my current focus is on spiritual animal healing (both in person and distant) and in co creating more effective human/animal relationships. I am an Usui Reiki Master who has received approximately 200 attunements to date. I am an avid animal rights advocate on many fronts from local city government to national and international issues. My specialty is in energetic healing of emotional and physical traumas and with animals crossing over. I am currently studying for my Doctorate in Metaphysics. I also a vegan chef and am more than happy to share my recipes to save more animals!

There are many reasons a family might be moving into a rental home.

Canine Good Citizen

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen® program is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Mixed breed and purebred dogs are eligible. Visit website here http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm.

S.T.A.R. Puppy

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy(sm) is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class. Mixed breed and purebred puppies are eligible.  Visit website here http://www.akc.org/starpuppy/about_the_program.cfm.

How Pets Can Be a Landlord’s Best Friend

“In what may be the only published research on the subject, a 2003 survey (.PDF file) by FIREPAW found that apartments that accepted pets not only didn’t lose money, they actually gained more, to the tune of nearly $3,000 per apartment, per year.” Visit article here.

10 Tips Every Tenant Needs to Know

Whether you own a pet or not.  Visit website here.

Does Your Pet Need A Resume?

What to put in it, how to write it.  Visit website here.

Condos Go Dog Wild

“Doggy interviews are mandatory prior to moving in at Porto Bellagio and Aventi complexes.”  Visit website here.

How To Create Pet Policies For Rental Properties

“Just look at all of the issues that need to be policed and enforced for pet policies to work. On the other hand, there’s a growing demand for apartments and condominiums that cater to pets.”  Visit website here.

With honesty and responsibility, the family, the pet, and the landlord can all benefit.

This article was provided by Marilyn Wolf, BS, CPDT-KA, Pet Trainer & Behavior Consultant, www.KorrectKritters.com, 727-372-9825.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

K9 Cuisine:

Dan: We wanted to develop a healthy dog treat better than what could be found on the market. The receipt was inspired by two recently rescued Greyhounds.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Dan: Success comes from producing quality products with out compromising the integrity of the ingredients and staying within out niche market of Mom & Pop boutique pet stores.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Dan: The quality and pureness of ingredients. Listening to our customer base. Innovation, experimentation and most of all for the love and welfare of all dogs.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Dan: Companionship and loyalty. They give more than they receive, something we all can learn. In the case of ex-racing Greyhounds-after all the abuse they go through, they forgive us.

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your business?

Dan: Building rapport with our customer’s and hearing their positive feedback.

K9 Cuisine: How does your company give back?

Dan: We are pretty much an extended family business. Our staff and owners are all animal nuts. Dan is on board of directors for Greyhound Friends for Life. His wife Ginny and daughter Keri do volunteer work for Fix our Ferals including fostering. Son Garrett and the rest of the family also foster Greyhounds when needed, transport greys from the track to our rescue kennel and anything else that needs to be done. Co-owners Mim and Kate attend meet and greets with their greys, volunteer their time for fund-raising events for GFFL and local humane societies.

Two years ago Mim made the largest dog bone biscuit in the world (9′ 8″) for the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (they said they were going to Guiness it–don’t know if they did). www.berkeleyhumane.org BarkStix beat the previous record of 9′ which was an event sponsored by Microsoft!!!! A kind of David beats Goliath story.  At least when it comes to giant dog biscuits.

We also give 5% of our profits to Greyhound Friends for Life, all volunteer, rescue, adoption and advocacy group for former racing greyhounds. www.greyhoundfriendsforlife.org

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your company?

Dan: Twitter and Facebook, but most importantly www.Barkstix.com. Our doors of communication are always open, give us a call.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Dan: I love dogs and especially Greyhounds. In regard to the rest of me, you can talk to my shrink!

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

K9CUISINE.COM NOW OFFERS HORIZON PREMIUM, ALL NATURAL PET FOOD

Paris, Illinois- K9Cuisine.com, one of the web’s fastest growing online pet food stores, is thrilled to add Horizon Pet Nutrition to it’s inventory of healthy, premium pet foods. “The Horizon product line is high-quality Canadian made pet food that provides optimum nutrition for dogs and cats of all ages,” said Anthony Holloway, owner of K9Cuisine.com. “Horizon gives our loyal customers one more healthy selection that meets our high standards of fresh foods with no gluten, soy, corn or wheat.”

K9Cuisine.com now carries Horizon Pet Nutrition-Legacy Adult Dog Food, Horizon Pet Nutrition-Legacy Puppy Dog Food and Horizon Pet Nutrition-Legacy Adult Cat Food and shipping is free for orders of $50.00 or more. Horizon Legacy is a grain-free pet food that applies the same nutritional philosophies of a raw diet but in a convenient super-premium kibble. Horizon Pet Nutrition uses wholesome ingredients like fresh meats, beneficial whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables for the best overall health of your pet. Horizon sources local ingredients directly from farmers and producers near the company-owned manufacturing facility in Saskatchewan.

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At K9 Cuisine, we know how you feel about your pet. We understand that you want to provide your canine companion with the healthiest food for a long, happy life. So we offer only the highest quality dog supplies. When you order from K9 Cuisine, you can be assured you’ll receive not only quick, courteous service, but also healthy, high-quality food and treats. We do not sell products that contain additives or preservatives, or ingredients that may otherwise be harmful to your dog. Many of the brands we carry use human-grade ingredients.

www.k9cuisine.com/

"Susan & Kitty"

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet rescue?

Susan: I returned to Washington, DC from NYC with my first ever pets, who rescued me more than I really rescued them! The first was a laid-back Maine Coon kitty named Macaroon, who convinced me that cats were so cool I also adopted Ray. Originally Sugar Ray because he was such a fighter having survived surgery to remove his eye since he was born with herpes, he is a chandelier-hanging black cat who is Mr. Personality. A former colleague saw their pictures in my office and asked me to do a fundraiser for the Washington Animal Rescue League. I was so impressed with what they were doing, I started volunteering and soon after joined the Board of Directors.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Susan: Our organization started back in 1914 as the first animal shelter in the city, primarily to rescue horses that were discarded after working as part of a horse and buggy team and later expanding to dogs and cats. What started as a grassroots organization is still very much the same way today, with hundreds of volunteers and a staff who do what they do because they care. And we grew as the animals’ needs grew.

For example, we recently expanded what started as a program around the holidays to provide food, bedding and toys for the pets of low-income residents. As the economic crisis worsened, we started seeing more and more pets abandoned because people couldn’t afford them, so we created a full-fledged food bank to help provide for those animals. Or goal is to set a new global standard for the humane care of homeless and abused animals and that’s what drives us today.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Susan: Our organization is unique, which is part of the reason why I got so involved. We have a full-service medical facility that is dedicated to serving the pets of our low-income community. This is a huge need as veterinary care goes up in price just as healthcare costs do. We also take care of the shelter animals in the clinic. But this means we can treat the doggies with heartworm, cure the kitties of upper respiratory infections and ringworm or worse, and take care of the puppies with parvo or offer surgery to those who need it. These animals don’t deserve to die from these treatable ailments, which is almost certainly their fate in other places.

We can give them another chance at life with a loving family.

A few years ago, we also renovated the shelter extensively. Every detail was designed from the animals’ point of view to promote healing and maximally enhance the animals’ physical and emotional wellbeing as they recover from past traumas and await adoption. Steel-bar and concrete cages were thrown out and replaced with glass enclosed dog dens, cat condos, and puppy pads-a more humane, efficient, and responsible way to shelter homeless animals and set them up for a successful transition into their new homes. We now comfortably house up to 350 animals and we’re one of the largest shelters on the East Coast. The renovation also expanded the capacity of the clinic to help us fulfill our mission.

As a result, we are a very happy place. People like to come and visit the animals. And we get visitors from around the world who want to study what we’ve done so that they can replicate it in their own community.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Susan: I love dogs AND cats because of their ability to forgive and love again.  Too many animals are abused, both physically and emotionally. Despite this, all they want is a loving touch, a kind voice and a lap to sit in once in awhile. They don’t care what you look like or what you do for a living.  They just want to be with you.

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Susan: I think the neatest part of this work is the ability to give an animal a second chance. These animals come to us from a variety of situations, some of which are very sad. They don’t know what they did wrong, or why someone stopped loving them. But they are scared. And then we go to work, doing everything we can to find them that forever home they deserve. Fixing them up if they need medical attention or training. Every day is a success story at the League because every day those animals receive love.

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see pet rescue going?

Susan: I think the animal rescue field still faces many challenges, despite all the progress we’ve made. Too many people still don’t spay and neuter their pets, which contributes to the overpopulation crisis. Too many people still de-claw cats, a horrific surgery that removes the digits, not just the nails. Too many people still don’t understand the responsibilities that come with adopting a pet. Too many people would rather just kill off the feral cat colonies or cull the homeless dogs that roam the street rather than adopt a more humane and proven method such as trap, neuter and return, to reduce their numbers. It can be disheartening but also galvanizing, because there is still so much work to do.

K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?

Susan: These are issues we think about every day and we’re developing programs using the latest research and techniques to help create a more humane society. For example, we have a terrific humane education program that goes into the schools to teach children how to respect all animals, but we want and need to do more. We offer spay and neuter clinics, microchipping clinics, behavioral training and other initiatives aimed at saving more animals. We also work with federal and state lawmakers to pass and strengthen laws to improve the animals’ lives. And the power of the press is important to help people understand what is going on around them.

But sadly, it’s not enough. We have to keep busting up the puppy mills and shut down the stores that sell them. We have to keep educating people about the importance of spaying and neutering and how it improves the animal’s health. The list goes on, but so will we.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your organization?

Susan: That’s easy – you can visit us online at www.warl.org. Or, next time you’re in Washington, come visit us at 71 Oglethorpe Street, NW. We’re open every day but Monday.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Susan: My friends are a bit surprised at how passionate I am about animal welfare issues because I did not grow up with animals. I didn’t even know anyone with cats, just dogs. And here I am a “mom” to six beautiful kitties! Not to mention that I am okay with the crazy cat lady title since I like to break silly stereotypes – I am married and have a successful career!

I also like to adopt animals that others tend to overlook, such as a kitty with one eye, or a heart murmur or neurological disorders. They include Ray, Ned, Ben, Sarah, Lucy and Norm. They are all beautiful creatures who are simply “perfect” to me. Every day they teach me how to love, and for that I will always be grateful.

Recently, after we received more than 100 dogs from a puppy mill bust in Pennsylvania, I grabbed two friends and we bathed the dogs because they were so smelly. Most of them had rarely, if ever, been touched by humans.  The fact that they allowed us to bathe them was the first gift. The second - and most rewarding – was the look in their eyes. And that’s why I do what I do.