Paw-Prints, Howls and Purrs 3.42

Welcome to Paw-Prints, Howls and Purrs!

I am an animal lover who has had a lifetime of experience with animals in a variety of settings. My love for animals began as a small child overseeing the cats that were around my uncle's junkyard. This then continued with our own family dog, Scruffy, she was my best friend in the entire world. Her devotion and love for me made the world such a better place.
As time passed I would bring home stray dogs that I would find and try to find their homes. As an adult I volunteered in many different environments. I volunteered at places with Raccoons, Swans, Owls, Ducks, Geese, Eagles, Ravens, Osprey, and more. I was also honored to volunteer at the National ASPCA in NYC. There I met a dog named Junior who was one of many who offered a piece of his heart. He had a disease that affected the use of his back legs. He was a big part of my motivation to work with animals with Special Needs. Beginning in 2006, I invested my time at the Alaska SPCA, first as a volunteer, a kennel tech, then became Assistant Manager of the Adoption Center and then as the Animal Care and Adoption Coordinator (I am no longer a part of the SPCA but continue my volunteer work with other groups that involve rescue and outreach).
There I met Mojo, the most amazing and wonderful creature who has touched my heart forever. He was part of a big rescue we did back in October of 2009. Mojo was feral and did not understand the kindness of people. His story is one that will need to stand by itself. He, like Junior, developed Degenerative Myelopathy. He later had to use a wheelchair to get around, but he always had a smile on his face. He is my daily inspiration to continue working with our special creatures. I enjoy working with all of our animals, but my specialty is working with shy and animals with special needs. One of the greatest rewards is seeing the most shy dog or cat blossom and become the pet that everyone wants to have in their home. I know from first-hand experience the difference what one on one interactions makes in the life of an animal who has had a most difficult time. This then transfers to the relationship between the dog/cat and his adopter (though some might argue that the dog or cat does the rescuing). His name lives on in our rescue group up here in Anchorage. Mojo's Hope, A Rescue Group for Animals with Special Needs.
Trying to determine what may be the cause of some underlying behaviors can be tricky, but with an investment in good training, patience and compassion, a wonderful transformation will occur. I have worked with many animals who came from difficult environments and their potential adopters for many years. Seeing their positive transformation and the joy in their adopters eyes makes it all worthwhile. My mission is to help you and your pet enjoy many happy years together.

Mojo was and is my inspiration to continue to work with animals, please feel free to read the note about who he was and what he meant. I have published a book about Mojo and his transformation. It is called, "Mojo's Magical Ride."


Photography

For many years I took photos of the fur angels who crossed my path at the Adoption Center I worked at along with the years of experience I had while I lived in NY. The purpose was to capture each one in their own very special and unique way in hopes of assisting with their adoption. I created photo cards, binders, posters and boards that would display each ones beauty inside and out.

I continue to volunteer with a number of different Animal Welfare Groups in town, in hopes of assisting with their adoptions. I understand the minds of fur angels taken into rescue and those who are looking for their homes at our local shelter. I understand the time it takes to capture their spirits and show who they are through their eyes and hearts. Pictures are always done at their pace to truly capture their essence. Providing different candid shots really helps to show their purrrsonalities and the spirit they have inside.

I also volunteer with Anchorage Animal Control as a Cat and Dog Volunteer. My goal is to socialize, love on and take photos of these pawrecious fur angels and help them find their furever homes.

You can see more of the cats available for adoption on my other Facebook Page: Alaska's KAAAT's: https://www.facebook.com/AlaskasKaaats. That page is dedicated solely to the Advocacy, Awareness, Adoption and Tails of the cats here in Anchorage, Alaska. The goal is to promote their adoptions, bring more awareness to shelter animals looking for homes and the responsibilities of being a pet owner.
I also offer the service taking photos of pets in their furever homes. Seeing the transformation of a fur angel in their loving homes is truly beautiful. Rates vary. If you are interested please contact me at 907-230-6394.

Please view my photo gallery and previous albums to see some of the beautiful fur angels that have crossed my path.