My passion for animal welfare has been lifelong, but I took a more active role improving the lives of homeless animals by volunteering at a small municipal animal shelter in January of 2011. Once I started, I got to know all the animals and became passionate about finding them homes. Without hesitation, I jumped feet first into working with mobile adoptions, the spay and neuter clinic, and even formed and led a committee to help organize the volunteers. It was a whirlwind of activity, and if I was not at my full-time paying job, I was at the shelter. That same summer, I took home my first litter of foster kittens, and it turned out they had some complicated medical issues. The medical staff at the shelter taught me how to take care of the kittens, and when they were all adopted out a few months later healthy and happy, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I took on more and more of the vulnerable cases and consequently learned a great deal about kitten and cat care. I eventually helped organize the foster program and focused my fostering to caring for neonate kittens that needed round-the-clock specialized care. Because of these babies, another major shift in my animal welfare story took place. Candy, the former President of Petaluma Pet Pals, and I worked together A LOT at the shelter. When she saw me strike out on my own, she saw her opportunity to invite me to Petaluma Pet Pals. Candy and the Board of Petaluma Pet Pals was looking to energize the organization, and I had energy to spare! If I agreed to take on the directorship, I could also resurrect the rescue program. AND WE DID! From Fall of 2014, we recruited foster parents and volunteers and started pulling at-risk neonate kittens, cats and dogs from shelters all over California and as well as community assistance animals locally. We also continue to promote and improve the spay and neuter assistance program. I couldn't be more proud or more content than working with this wonderful group of volunteers and helping lead Petaluma Pet Pals into the future. ​I live in Petaluma with my four extra special, totally spoiled cats, Peetie, Bently, Trouble and Sutey. I took another giant leap into Petaluma Pet Pals, leaving my 9-5 job in the fall of 2017 to setup and manage our new GREAT STUFF THRIFT STORE! And in, 2021 we opened Morti's Used Book Nook & Cat Adoption Lounge! We continually expand, and I couldn't be more excited. I am having tons of fun, and as usual, I am able to bring my bottle baby kittens to the Store so I can care for them and feed them every two hours. There is not a person in my life or anyone I meet, who I haven't tried to recruit to foster, volunteer or adopt, so beware!

I joined Petaluma Pet Pals in January 2015, and in four months, we had already rescued 40 dogs compared to 1 dog in 2014. We currently have 14 dog fosters and are looking to expand as we grow. I am a Project Manager for a construction firm in the North Bay. I am married to a wonderful, supportive man named Graham who is a photographer and small business owner. Together we have four kids and a variety of animals we call, “the farm.” My first dog was a rescue dog named Cabo. He was a parvo survivor pup and to this day, one of the best dogs ever. Cabo was my inspiration when I first got into fostering back in March of 2011. A dog that reminded me of him was out of time at the shelter, so I connected with a rescue and that’s how it all started. I have fostered for Contra Costa Humane, Noah’s Bark North, Nor Cal Lab Rescue and Good Newz Pittie pups. I am currently on my 78th foster dog. I still cry every time I give one up, but then look forward to my next save. Every dog I have had was special in their own way and are all in great homes.

I found out about Petaluma Pet Pals in 2004 when a feral cat brought her babies to eat in our back yard. I never knew there were feral cats until then and I didn't know what to do. By chance, I found Petaluma Pet Pals and met Candy who gave me information about the kittens and was then recruited to loan out traps and pay the bills. ​I am vegetarian and love all animals. I want to improve all animals' lives and stop the killing and harming of animals, including farm animals, laboratory animals, and hunted animals. They all deserve to live a life free of human cruelty. I don't buy anything leather or wool. I have always lived with and loved cats, and have several adorable cats at home, at our work and feral cats in our backyard.

I got involved with Petaluma Pet Pals in 1998. I answered an ad in the local newspaper from the founding member and former executive director, Judy Reynolds, to form a group of animal lovers to make a difference in the lives of companion animals and I eventually became the President. Although Petaluma Pet Pals was helping the animal shelter with fundraising and adoption events, we are a separate entity. What motivates me is seeing time after time, the many people across the country, and even the world, maneuvering their limited resources in order to save an animal. Although I've been retired from the US Postal Service for years, I'm busier now than ever before. My parents are elderly and although they have a caregiver, I check up on them daily. Shannon keeps me busy also by making sure I have foster kitties. I love fostering because of the reward of seeing my fosters go off to their loving-forever homes. You can't beat that feeling.

Biography Coming Soon!