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Animal People

Animal People

Animal People

Highlighting animal lovers and the stories of the animals who have shaped their lives. Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages for posts about new stories and read the full, exclusive interviews here!

Do you know an extraordinary animal lover with a great story, or an inspiring advocate who deserves recognition?

Nominate an Animal Person!

 

Animal People:
Jill Tucker
As CEO of CalAnimals, Jill Tucker has helped create a collaborative support network to empower animal welfare and sheltering organizations throughout CA.
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Animal People:
Brian Maienschein
Through his career in public office, Assemblymember Brian Maienschein has been an outspoken advocate for animals
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Animal People:
Officer Beverly Fitzgerald
Since joining San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement team in 2018, Officer Beverly Fitzgerald has made an incredible impact for countless animals and people through her compassionate work.
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Animal People:
Danny Gorman
When an abused pit bull puppy unexpectedly entered his life, Danny Gorman discovered a piece of himself that had been missing — along with a mission to help more dogs.
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Animal People:
Bobbi Brink
Bobbi Brink founded Lions Tigers & Bears in Alpine with the belief that exotic animals are far more than a spectacle or novelty — and each one deserves a full and rich life.
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Animal People:
Victor Lenguyen
While Victor Lenguyen makes delectable treats for humans, he really has a sweet spot for animals!
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Animal People:
Chris Poole
From wild big cats to feisty house panthers, Cat Man Chris Poole is a friend to all felines!
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Animal People:
Dr. Fran Deutsch and Dr. Carole Leland
Dr. Francine Deutsch and Dr. Carole Leland share a love of animals and philanthropy, which they have combined to create a legacy of compassion for pet families in need.
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Animal People:
Kwane Stewart
Dr. Kwane Stewart is helping ensure that beloved pets can remain with people who may be low on hope.
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Animal People:
Laura Oliver
Laura founded Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue in honor of a special silver pit bull who defied all odds and showed her a new way of looking at life.
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Animal People:
Susan Rosenberg
Through her work with Greater Good Charities, Susan helps animal lovers around the world expand their impact and save more lives.
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Animal People:
Agnès Barrelet
Agnès founded the Children’s Nature Retreat to provide solace to rescued animals.
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Animal People:
Miranda Lambert
Country Superstar and Co-Founder of MuttNation Foundation
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Animal People:
Dawn Celapino
From hikes to runs and road trips to aquatic adventures, personal trainer Dawn Celapino is never without her trusted canine companion.
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Animal People:
Nancy Peterson
During a long career in animal welfare, Nancy Peterson has made incredibly impactful changes for the animals she loves — cats.
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Animal People: Andrew Marttila
With a camera lens Andrew explores the complex personalities of cats.
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Animal People:
Renee Harris
Renee’s mission is to bring intention, compassion and understanding to interactions with animals, in shelters and in homes...
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Animal People:
Geraldine D’Silva
From caring for packs of street dogs in her youth to volunteering with those experiencing homelessness across the globe, her journey has led to her current impactful role as director of Community Veterinary Services at San Diego Humane Society.
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Animal People:
Adam Goldberg
Through his photography, Adam Goldberg captures timeless moments with beloved pets and helps shelter animals find a brighter future.
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Animal People:
Kate Benjamin
If she builds it, cats will come. Cat style expert and founder of Hauspanther, Kate Benjamin combines art and functionality to create cat-friendly furnishings for homes and businesses
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Animal People:
Cheance Adair
As a San Diego Humane Society foster and volunteer, Cheance Adair helps pets prepare for their new homes and is passionate about fundraising to create a brighter future for even more animals.
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Animal People:
Rocky Kanaka
An entrepreneur and pet rescue advocate, Rocky’s home has been a revolving door for the last 15 years, caring for foster dogs until they’re ready for their next chapter in life.
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Animal People:
Jennifer Fearing
As a passionate activist and lobbyist, Jennifer has been instrumental in passing laws to protect animals in California and beyond.
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Animal People:
Jolene Figueroa
Jolene Figueroa, a San Diego Volunteer is dispelling the “scary pit bull” myth with her two velvet hippos, Fiona and Hercules, who are often adorned in tutus and bright costumes.
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Animal People:
Gabriel Feitosa
Gabriel Feitosa — Internationally Awarded Dog Groomer — Gabriel has gained international renown for his dog grooming artistry. Gabriel pours passion and care into every pooch he styles, whether at his San Diego shop or on the set of ABC’s “Pooch Perfect.”
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Animal People:
Megan Parry
Megan Parry — Meteorologist and TV Personality — The ABC 10 meteorologist and TV personality has a passion for pets and has spent time outside of the studio volunteering at San Diego Humane Society.
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Animal People:
Jesse Casement
Jesse Casement, Division Director of Client Services, Father Joe’s Villages, has dedicated her decade-long career at Father Joe’s Villages to supporting San Diegans experiencing homelessness and poverty.
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Animal People:
Kelly Maronpot & Ilana Mobley
Kelly Maronpot & Ilana Mobley, Founders Fairy Tail Pet Care, are turning “I do” into “I dog!”
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Animal People:
Tony Wang
Tony Wang — Founder, The Cat Café in San Diego — Tony Wang opened the first cat cafe in Southern California, giving guests an un-fur-gettable cafe experience while helping cats find new homes!
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Animal People:
Lizzie Rodriguez
Lizzie Rodriguez — Animal Advocate & SDHS Volunteer — Since her dog Rico went missing, SDHS volunteer Lizzie Rodriguez has made it her mission to expand resources for the pets and people in her community.
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Animal People:
Lauren Coles
Lauren Coles — Designer, Coles Fine Flooring — Lauren Coles has an eye for design — and a heart for rescue pets! Lauren, a designer at her family business Coles Fine Flooring, found a passion in rescue animals, including her current four-legged family member, Sophie.
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Animal People:
Kate Richards
Kate Richards — Author and Mixologist — For Kate Richards, happy hour is never complete without a couple of hens. The author and cocktail connoisseur finds joy in sharing her life and work with chickens (and her other assortment of pets), and spreads the free-range fun with as many people as possible.
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Animal People:
Kioni “Kentucky” Russell Gallahue
Kioni “Kentucky” Russell Gallahue — Kioni Russell Gallahue, better known as Kentucky, found a partner for life’s ups and downs with his dog, Derby. The duo, always sporting matching blue mohawks, have gone on incredible adventures that Kentucky could not have imagined, including joining the Amazon adventure series “The Pack.”
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Animal People:
Andrew Dale
Andrew Dale — Founder, UNITE Hair — Andrew Dale created an empire with UNITE Hair, but he wasn’t about to stop with human hair. Dale released Doggy’Poo shampoo and conditioner to keep his beloved pups clean and free from the dreaded “wet dog” smell.
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Animal People:
Kara Winger
Kara Winger — Javelin Thrower, Four-Time Olympian — Kara, a former San Diego Humane Society volunteer, reflects on the companionship and focus that Maddie brings to her life in our Animal People interview.
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Animal People:
Jordan Karcher
Jordan Karcher — Founder, Grounds & Hounds — Founded Grounds & Hounds, an online coffee company dedicated to giving back to local animal rescues, after a rescue Dalmatian named Molly fell into his life.
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Animal People:
Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi and John Peaveler
Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi and John Peaveler — Animal Rescuers — Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi and John Peaveler formed a bond working long days in the hot Kuwaiti desert to build the country’s first animal shelter. Many years of dust, sweat and tears led to a beautiful family and two impactful careers in animal welfare.
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Animal People:
Robin Gunther
Robin Gunther — Founder, Baja California Spay and Neuter Foundation —When Robin Gunther moved to Rosarito, Mexico for an early retirement, she discovered her true calling and founded the Baja California Spay and Neuter Foundation.
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Animal People:
Jude Artenstein
Jude Artenstein — Founder, Doggie Street Festival — After sustaining serious injuries from an accident, Judith (Jude) Artenstein found a ray of hope in the companionship of her dog Scout. As he helped her recover, Jude was inspired to start the Doggie Street Festival to give back to animals in need.
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Animal People:
Samantha Eastburn
Samantha Eastburn — CEO, SUP Pups LLC — founded SUP Pups, a local company dedicated to teaching dog lovers to stand-up paddleboard with their furry friends.
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Animal People:
Chris Queen
Chris Queen — Animal Foster & Rescuer — Queen found her calling helping vulnerable animals, now as a dedicated foster at San Diego Humane Society.
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Animal People:
Lili Chin
Lili Chin — Malaysia-born artist, author and illustrator — gained international recognition with her animal behavior artwork, based on her beloved Boston terrier, Boogie.
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Animal People:
Chad Michaels
Drag Queen — Winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars”
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Animal People:
Ron Coughlin
Petco Chairman & CEO Ron Coughlin knows that animals are precious and integral parts of our lives.
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Animal People:
Gina Lynn
Since founding New Life Animal Sanctuary in Lake Elsinore in 2008, Gina Lynn has dedicated her days — and many, many nights — to rescuing and rehabilitating test animals from laboratories.
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Animal People:
Rachael Ray
In our Animal People interview, Rachael introduces her newest sous-chef, Bella Boo Blue, and talks about her philanthropic endeavors to help animals in need.
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Animal People:
Miriam Rachelson
Miriam Rachelson is a teacher at San Ysidro High School who enriches her students’ lives with animal education: both in person and online.
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Animal People:
Jenny Milkowski
Jenny Milkowski is redefining feline quality time by getting outside with her cats.
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Animal People:
Babs Fry
Nicknamed the “Pet Detective,” Babs is an animal rescuer and pet recovery specialist who provides incredible support during the most stressful moments for pet families.
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Animal People:
Joy Ollinger
Since joining the Humane Law Enforcement team in 2018, her days have been dedicated to helping animals in need — from cats and dogs, to roosters and foxes.
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Animal People:
Robyn Benincasa
Robyn Benincasa is a world-class adventure racer, 3x Guinness World Record holder, Eco Challenge winner, veteran firefighter and inspirational speaker.
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Animal People:
Garry Ridge
Garry Ridge has dedicated over 30 years to serving as CEO and chairman of the board of the well-known WD-40 company, based in San Diego.
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Animal People:
Jason Mraz
Everyone knows Jason Mraz for writing musical hit after hit. He also runs a foundation for arts education and equality, and grows his own avocados.
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Animal People:
Sheena Parveen
What viewers may not know is how strong her passion is for animals and the deep connection she has with rescue dogs!
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Animal People:
Toni Atkins
California State Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins grew up surrounded by animals with a strong sense of compassion. She shared with us how her furry friends have shaped her life over the years, including her current dogs and how they keep her centered.
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Animal People:
Hannah Shaw
Hannah Shaw, known by her millions of social media followers as the Kitten Lady, has built her life around rescuing the tiniest, most vulnerable creatures — some only days old! She joined us on Zoom (where we all meet now!)
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Animal People:
Mo Nuspl
Morris Nuspl, “Mo” to most, is the friendly owner of the popular (dog-friendly) Deft Brewery in San Diego.
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Animal People:
Sterling Davis
What started as a response to a Craigslist ad to change cat litter at an animal shelter has evolved into a passion for cat rescue – particularly Trap Neuter Return (TNR) efforts focused on helping community cats.
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Animal People:
Kelly Gerth
Find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Kelly Gerth’s passion for animals doesn’t stop at the end of each work day.
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Animal People:
Chase De Leo
Hockey star Chase De Leo, who currently plays for the San Diego Gulls, has spent most of his life on the ice. When he’s not skating and scoring, his time is devoted to caring for 30 animals at his family home in La Mirada!
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Animal People:
Mayor Todd Gloria
Born into a family of animal lovers, Todd Gloria has always been a champion for animals! We had the opportunity to check in with the recently elected Mayor of San Diego, and learn more about his passion for animals and where it all began.
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Animal People:
Dagmar Midcap
You may recognize her from TV! Local meteorologist and lifelong animal lover Dagmar Midcap shares her special affinity for all animals big and small. See what she has to say about a house full of creatures and adventures halfway across the world:
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    Ramona, CA 92065

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Pardon our dust!

We’re renovating our Adoptions Building at our San Diego Campus (5500 Gaines St.). Please read this important information so you know what to expect when visiting our San Diego Campus:

To adopt an animal: Adoptable animals at our San Diego Campus are being temporarily housed in our buildings directly across the street (at 5485 and 5495 Gaines St.).

  • To adopt a cat or small pet: Feel free to visit us at 5495 Gaines St. to browse our adoptable cats and small animals and meet with an Adoption Counselor! You can also see all adoptable animals on our website prior to visiting us. 
  • To adopt a dog: To protect the comfort of our dogs in their temporary housing, the adoption gallery is not open to the public for browsing. Please check out the adoptable dogs (filter by species and location) on our website first, then come in during normal business hours when you’re ready to adopt and have one (or a few!) dogs in mind. An Adoption Counselor will meet with you on a first-come, first-served basis, introduce you to the dog(s) you’re interested in and help complete your adoption. 
  • Visit our other campuses! Our El Cajon, Escondido and Oceanside campuses are not affected by this renovation project. We hope to see you soon!

All other San Diego Campus services (including admissions, licensing, lost and found, Community Pet Pantry and more) will remain available at their usual locations. Thank you for your patience!


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