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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
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