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Interview with Anlina Sheng – Pet Advocate

November 17th, 2009

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

Anlina: As a child, the only pets we had were goldfish, which were pretty to look at but pretty boring and hard to get passionate about. Then, our neighbour across the lane passed away. Her cat, Kitty wandered over to our house and just never left, and my passion for cats was born. Over the years we adopted a lot of stray cats and I developed a real affinity for cats with socialization issues or other problems that makes them poor candidates for adoption.

For several years after I moved away from home I didn’t have any cats, as my husband was allergic. When we finally decided to adopt I started looking into our local Humane Society. I spent a lot of time at the shelter getting to know the cats and picking out one to adopt. From there it was an easy decision to start volunteering.

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

Anlina: When I decided to adopt from the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, I also filled out an application form to volunteer. I made volunteering with the cats a regular weekly activity and took on tasks that weren’t getting enough attention from other volunteers, such as brushing, dematting, claw clipping and working with the shy or poorly socialized cats. I also volunteered my professional services and offered to create a new website for the Humane Society.

Being a regular volunteer with additional useful skills, one of the current board members suggested that I join, which I did. I’m now in my second year on the board. There’s no secret to it – I’ve gotten where I am by being committed and dedicated, by making my time and skills available, and by being willing to do tasks that needed to be done. Charitable animal organizations need good people that they can rely on, so if you can be that person, it’s not hard to get recognized for it.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Anlina: My other passion (and my day job) is marketing, advertising and design, so I’ve been able to bring those skills to the table to help the Humane Society. Having a passion for animals is essential, but being able to bring diverse skills and interests to the organization is extremely helpful, as there is so much that needs to be done beyond just caring for the animals.

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

Anlina: I love pretty much everything about cats. They’re great companions and extremely fun and entertaining to have around the house. Each cat has a unique and endearing personality, and I really enjoy getting to know them (even the cranky or shy ones.) I love that cats are independent, curious and fast learners. I love that they’re extremely clean, their fur is soft, they’re beautiful and they smell nice – I couldn’t imagine a more aesthetically pleasing animal.

I love that cats are like little people, but without all the failings of humanity. Cats are never malicious, mean or dishonest. They’re loving and loyal and forgiving and they’re sensitive to your moods.

Whenever I’m feeling lousy, I know I can count on my cats to give me comfort. And cats don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves. I have one cat with a missing eye and one cat with only three paws – they don’t let their disabilities hamper their lives and they don’t mope about or wallow in self pity. They adapt and continue to make the most of life. There are a great many lessons we can learn from cats.

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

Anlina: The neatest part of my work is socializing cats that are really timid or have really bad fear aggression and seeing the progress that they make.

I worked with one cat who was removed from a house during an investigation. When I came to him, he was hunched up in the corner of his cage with his ears flat back and he’d stopped grooming and so was covered with a thick layer of loose fur. If anyone approached the cage to clean it or feed him, he would turn into a little ball of fury and launch himself at the bars, spitting and clawing. He was genuinely scary and was just not doing well being around humans.

Once he trusted me enough to come right up to the side of the cage to get his treat, we moved on to touch. Rather than approach him with my big, scary hand and risk undoing the progress we’d made (and getting clawed up), I’d touch him on the back of the paw with the spoon. It was very non-threatening and we built a strong positive association with touch. The spoon would touch his paw and it’d leave behind a treat for him to lick off.

From there, we made slow but steady progress, feeding him with the cage door open, leaning in to touch him, petting him with my hand and eventually coaxing him out of the cage.

It took several weeks of almost daily visits, but by the time he left the shelter to go to his new home, he would sit in my lap, cuddle and let me brush him & pick him up. That kind of success feels so good.

You can’t ask for a better pay off than taking a fearful, aggressive cat and turning him into a loving, cuddly kitty.

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the humane industry going?

Anlina: Current attitudes, in the humane industry and the general public, are undergoing a shift right now, both with regards to pets in general and homeless pets. There’s a very positive shift toward viewing animals’ lives as valuable and viewing animals as unique individuals, even members of the family.

We can see already that shifting attitudes have influenced the humane industry. The no-kill movement has made huge strides and I think it will continue to make progress. More and more shelters are going no-kill with great success.

More gentle and humane euthanasia methods are replacing things like gas chambers, which used to be considered by many to be just fine for strays and animals that no one wanted. Animals with injuries, diseases or behavioural issues that would have guaranteed euthanasia in the past are now being treated and rehabilitated.

Shelters are working to improve their image and environments, with more comfortable, harmonious spaces for both humans and animals. We’re recognizing more that the mental and emotional health of animals is just as important as a bowl of food and a roof over their heads.

People in the humane industry are taking a more positive outlook, too.

Rather than seeing pet over population as an impossible problem and the public as the irresponsible enemy that is compounding the problem, we’re seeing greater recognition that there are enough potential homes for all the homeless pets out there, and it’s a problem that can be solved if we work with the community. More humane workers realize that the general public may be uninformed but they are generally not malicious or deliberately negligent – people want to do what is right for animals in their community, but they don’t know what needs to be done, they don’t understand the scope of the problem or the services needed to enable people to be responsible pet owners just don’t exist (such as low cost spay/neuter clinics). No one thinks solving these problems will be easy, but it’s no longer written off by everyone as “impossible”.

I think we’re going to continue to see a move toward treating animals lives with more care and respect and will continue to see the problem of homeless pets approached with more optimism, creative problem solving and community cooperation.

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

Anlina: I plan to continue working with humane organizations, whether on the board, as a regular volunteer, as an activist or running my own. I’m very interested in getting into rescue, specifically of cats who are “unadoptable” because of physical disability or behavioural problems.

I believe that every cat deserves a chance and inside every problem cat, there’s a good loving cat that needs to be coaxed out. All too often these cats aren’t given a chance, which is really unfortunate.

Many of the cats I’ve had over the years started out as problem cats and with time and the right kind of attention, became extremely loving companions.

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

Anlina: You can visit the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society’s website. It’s still a work in progress, but there’s lots of information about the organization, our animals and how you can get involved.

You can find me on LinkedIn, or view my CV on my website, or find out more about me and my thoughts on animals at my blog.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Anlina: I currently live in Thunder Bay, Ontario. At my day job, I work as the creative director at a small marketing agency, doing everything from branding to print design to web design to TV production. I also do freelance illustration on the side, for stock image sites, books and online communities. Cats are my great passion, and in addition to working with the Humane Society, I also have a blog where I discuss various cat related topics.  I currently have three cats – Violet, Clover and Cajun, and will be adding to the family very soon. I love good books, good food and new experiences. In the near future, I plan to move to a small farm where I can grow my own vegetables, raise my own farm animals and live humanely and sustainably.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog and cat 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.

Tags: cat lover, pet advocate, pet rescue
Posted in K9 Rescue, K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Interview with Allyson Halm of Adopt-A-Dog

November 12th, 2009

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into the dog adoption business?

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.

Tags: adopt a dog, adoption, dog, dog adoption, dogs, teach children
Posted in K9 News, K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Dog Rescued a Mile from Shore

November 7th, 2009

Last year, two fishermen were fishing a mile off the coast of England in the North Sea, when they saw something furry in the water. Naturally, they thought it was an otter and were later surprise to find a small terrier paddling for his life. They lifted the poor, wet dog into their boat, and ordered a lifeboat to carry him back to shore.

The 14-year-old dog, Freddie, belonged to a 73-year-old woman named Jean Brigstock. Jean had taken Freddie out for a walk on the beach.  Apparently poor Freddie became confused by the fog, and he wandered into the water.  Jean had been frantically searching for him. When Freddie attempted to swim back to shore, he apparently was swimming the wrong direction and traveling farther and farther out to sea.

“He looked like a drowned rat when they found him,” Brigstock told the Daily Mail. “I’m so grateful to the two fishermen, the Coastguard and the inshore lifeboat men who took so much trouble to find him and take him to safety.”

Although Freddie was shaken by his adventure at sea, he was in perfect health. After recovering from the cold water, he was up the next morning, bright-eyed and busy tailed…ready for his breakfast!

Original story found here: http://www.razoo.com/articles/Animal-Rescue-Stories

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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.

Posted in K9 Rescue, K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Interview with Stephanie Smith – Pet Writer and Advocate

November 4th, 2009

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

Stephanie: I have had a Poodle since the age of four, when my mother gave in to my pleas for a pet. I started writing for pet publications when I was in graduate school. I wrote about dogs because that was what I knew about. I joined the Dog Writer’s Association of America (DWAA) because someone who was a dog writer mentioned it to me and helped me join.

When I got a dog who was more than a little crazy from the local pound, I started in obedience. I then got a Poodle to compete with, and finished a CDX with her. Through the obedience, I met someone and started doing Pointer field trials and hunting tests. I ended up hearing about all the Pointers needing homes, and started working with local shelters. I finally, after 12 years and several moves, had to stop doing rescue because of health problems. That also ended my obedience career. However, I still train my dogs in house manners, and trained my service dog, a Standard Poodle. She acts as my hearing and mobility assistance dog, while my pet dog, an Australian Cattle Dog, provides the comic relief when we are home and watches the house when we are out (usually lying on my pillow).

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

Stephanie: I am a member of the Board of Directors for DWAA because I wanted to make a difference. Someone mentored me and I feel obligated to give back to others. I train my dogs because that is part of my responsibility as a dog owner. I write because I enjoy it, and it is an excellent way to educate others on a variety of topics. I have lots of opinions, and writing them down is as good a way to express them as any.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Stephanie: I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, write, train my dogs, do woodworking, and am a master gardener. I have lots of trivia swirling around in my brain and can pull up a tidbit on most topics.

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

Stephanie: They return your love so gratefully and bountifully. I have only met maybe three dogs out of all the ones I have rescued that could not be saved because of behavioral issues, and that was because they had been treated horribly. All the others, even the ones that had been mistreated, responded to love. Not all were placeable – some lived out their lives with me, but they responded.

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet rescue/pet writing industry going?

Stephanie: There are more people than ever that are obtaining animals as pets. Most of these people have no idea what is involved in properly caring for the animal they just brought home. Pet writers must better educate people through general purpose media as well as pet oriented media or more animals will be discarded because they are too much trouble or unmanageable. Rescue organizations are all ready overwhelmed and undermanned. We have to educate people or the animals will pay.

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

Stephanie: I intend to continue to educate people through the written word whenever I find someone who will let me. Now, writers have to eat too, so I cannot do it without being paid. I will continue to be creative in finding ways to both eat and to educate people about how to care for their animals whether they consider them family members or livestock.

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

Stephanie: My website is www.lambdafarm.mysite.com. I do freelance writing on practically any topic. People can find out more about dog rescue organizations through the American Kennel Club website, www.akc.org, and about Dog Writer’s Association of America through their website, www.dwaa.org.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Stephanie: As I mentioned, I am a freelance writer, have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and do woodworking. I am also a master gardener. I live out in the country in Hunt Couty, Texas, with my Standard Poodle, Amber, and my Australian Cattle Dog, Sandy. I read pretty much everything but horror, but prefer forensic mysteries, history, and religion. I write nonfiction articles on most topics.

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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.

Tags: australian cattle dog, pet advocate, pet rescue, pet writer, standard poodle
Posted in K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Amelia’s Story

October 31st, 2009

Amelia was a tiny 5 month old, 3.4 pound tri-Color Chihuahua. She found her way to Atlanta Pet Rescue from a local vet, where she was surrendered because her owners could not afford to have her broken leg mended.  They signed a waiver to have her euthanized if rescue could not be found.

Our guess is that someone accidentally stepped on little Amelia, breaking both bones in her left front leg, very close to her “ankle”. This was a serious fracture, and we were not sure if her leg could be saved, as she came to us on a Saturday. We got her in to Paces Ferry Animal Hospital as soon as we could for further diagnosis and a prognosis for recovery for Miss Amelia.

Dr. Whittle at Paces Ferry Veterinary Clinic, said Amelia needed surgery to have pins put in her broken bones to stabilize them and allow them to heal in the correct alignment. The location of her fractures was very near her ankle joint, and getting those bones to heal would be very, very difficult. The splints placed on her leg previously did not stabilize and immobilize the fracture sufficiently to allow the bones to heal, so surgery was essential if her leg was to be saved.

Thankfully, Dr. Whittle was able to re-position Amelia’s broken bones and obtain a good positioning of the bones without surgery. This was very good for little Amelia, because there is research that indicates that surgical repair in tiny tykes like Amelia can cause sufficient disruption in blood flow to delay or prevent the bones from healing.

Because the fracture was in a precarious location, good healing was very, very important. We were so pleased that Dr. Whittle was able to avoid surgery on Amelia’s leg.

About three weeks later, Amelia had her leg checked and new X-rays taken. Everything was showing to be healing beautifully. She would need the splints for six more weeks.

Six weeks later, the splints were removed, and Amelia was adopted shortly thereafter! Yay for Miss Amelia!

This rescue story was provided by Betsey Blimline, Director of Marketing and Development for Atlanta Pet Rescue, 404-643-2332, www.atlantapetrescue.org, fundraiser@atlantapetrescue.org.

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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.

Tags: atlanta pet rescue, dog rescue, pet rescue, rescue story
Posted in K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Interview with Jessica Stout – Animal Advocate

October 26th, 2009

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

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.

Tags: pet advocacy, pet rescue
Posted in K9 News, K9 Stories | 1 Comment »

 

Interview with Beth Willingham – Dog Trainer

October 19th, 2009

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

Beth: I have shared my life with dogs since early childhood. They were my playmates when I was young, confidants during my youth, and constant companions through my adult life. I began teaching pet manners classes through a local obedience club in the early 1980s. This has progressed to a full time career working with family pets and performance dogs.

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

Beth: Because I love the dogs and the families that I work with, I use a holistic approach to training. There is no secret to what I do. My methods are based on scientifically proven dog friendly techniques.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Beth: Many of my clients have found traditional training methods have not been successful in helping them reach their goals. I believe that every situation is unique and deserves individual attention. Through careful observation, I identify the issues preventing the pet from reaching the goal set by the family. Once these issues have been identified, I can begin to work with the pet and the family to eliminate problem behaviors and build positive behaviors.

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

Beth: What’s not to love about dogs? Where else can you find a companion that will give you unconditional love, keep every secret, never question the wisdom of that second scoop of ice cream, and greet you each day as though you are the center of their universe? They come in every size, shape and personality. Whether you enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book or spending your spare time involved in sports, there is a breed that will enhance your lifestyle.

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

Beth: Without a doubt, it is meeting such wonderful people and their canine companions. There is no better feeling than being able to help a rescue dog find its place in a forever home, solve a problem allowing a dog to remain with the family that it loves, or to help a performance dog compete with enthusiasm.

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

Beth: Pet owners today demand quality products and services for their pets. National certification will help promote skilled pet training professionals who understand and utilize humane training methods that promote the bond between pets and their owners.

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

Beth: Continued education is essential for professionals in all walks of life. I will continue to stay abreast of current animal behavior research and innovations through professional organizations and self study.

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

Beth: Visit us at www.agilek9path.com or email me at beth@agilek9path.com.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Beth: I live on a small farm with 4 dogs, 1 parrot, 3 sugar gliders, and a variety of livestock and native creatures. The dogs and I enjoy romping through the fields and quiet walks in the forest. Many weekends are spent competing at agility trials throughout the southeast.

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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.

Posted in K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Rescuing Abandoned Hunting Dogs

October 16th, 2009

During a severe ice storm in the southern US, a pack of 3 adult Beagles and 5 puppies were sighted in a rural forest in Arkansas. The people that spotted them were fortunately animal lovers, and sought out animal rescues who could help the dogs.  Thankfully, Carol and Desiree, two compassionate women, rose to the challenge.

These wonderful ladies gathered their gear and drove 45 miles to the woods where the dogs were sighted. They found the dogs waiting near a plastic tarp tent with some food that a caring Good Samaritan had fixed up for them (at right; photo by Carol). Found next to the puppies were shells littering the ground near the dogs which were evidence of hunters who were shooting at the abandoned dogs.

Carol and Desiree managed to load all eight Beagles into their vehicle and drive them back to town. There they were cared for at Little Rock Animal Village and Care for Animals, two animal rescue shelters who immediately took them into their adoption programs. Thanks to these kind people, the Beagles had warm shelter, food, and affection that cold, stormy night.

Abandoned hunting dogs perish daily of exposure and starvation all across America. Please help them whenever you can. You’ll be in good company. Thank you Desiree and Carol!

More great rescue stories are found here.

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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.

Tags: abandoned dogs, animal shelter, beagles, dog rescue, rescue
Posted in K9 Rescue, K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Interview with Marta Aldriedge – Pet Photography

October 12th, 2009

K9 Cuisine was honored to interview Marta Aldriedge of HealeyGrisham Studio – a well-known pet photography studio.

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.

Tags: dog, dog cards, dog rescue, dogs, HealeyGrisham, Hooray for the Underdog, pet photography, pet rescue, photography, Underdog
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Interview with Brian Pierce – Dog Walker

October 6th, 2009

K9 Cuisine had the honor to interview Brian Pierce, an animal lover and dog walker.  We hope you enjoy his story below!

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: 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.

Tags: dog walker, interview, joy, pet care, walking dogs
Posted in K9 News, K9 Stories | No Comments »