If you’ve met Stephanie Filer of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you know what a brilliant advocate she is for dogs and for her community. This week she totally outdid herself, turning a sticky situation into a win-win opportunity for everyone. Lucky for us, Stephanie gave me permission to share her experience here. In her […]

A long time ago I was dating a guy, and we had reached the point in our relationship where he told his parents about me. They asked some questions: “When did you meet?” “What is she like?” “Where did she grow up?” And finally: “How was she raised?” Without getting into details, let’s just say that […]

For years I’ve been following Lori Weise’s work with Downtown Dog Rescue in Los Angeles and her progressive approach to animal welfare has inspired me. While the rescue traditionally focused on adoption and community outreach, Lori and her team recently took on a new challenge: the “South LA Shelter Intervention Pilot Program,” which provides support […]

On May 11, 2013, I presented a workshop at HSUS Expo titled, “Moving Beyond Breed.” My co-presenters were Stephanie Shain (Chief Operating Officer of the Washington Humane Society) and Mark Kumpf ( Director of the Animal Resource Center in Dayton, Ohio), with support from KC Theisen, Director of Pet Care Issues for HSUS. Workshop Summary: […]

In the summer of 2001, before my senior year of college, I worked on a public interest campaign in Florida. My job was to: * Go door-to-door in Tampa neighborhoods; * Give a quick pitch for the campaign; and * Generate support, which was measured in signatures and donations. I can’t say I really cared […]

Anyone who has spent time in a shelter knows the scene in the lobby: a seemingly endless flow of people surrendering their pets. You know, “those people.” Anyone who has spent time advocating for pit bulls knows the story: irresponsible or uncaring people get “these dogs” and dump them at shelters when they’re no longer wanted. […]