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| Education · Support · Rescue · Shelter · Wheelchair Assistance | |
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National Capital Area CFC Number 71315 |
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Founders and
Directors of |
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Pets with Disabilities Founders, Joyce Darrell and her husband Michael Dickerson Joyce Darrell, along with her husband Michael Dickerson, founded the Pets with Disabilities organization in 2000. Their lives were changed forever after their rescue dog Duke broke his back playing as a puppy. Having nowhere to turn for help in caring for him, they started the organization Pets with Disabilities - a rescue and resource that provides information and support to families caring for pets with disabilities. The story of Duke (and later Misty, another wheelchair-bound dog) has helped raise awareness about disabled pets and has reached thousands of people worldwide. The grassroots organization and Web site, www.PetswithDisabilities.org provides support and information to animal caretakers whose pets suffer from birth defects or have become disabled due to illness or injury. Mike and Joyce travel all over the country with Duke and several other dogs, promoting their mission: "Provide a positive voice for dogs and cats with disabilities that desperately need homes" Powerful spokes-dogs Duke and Misty have been featured on NBC’s Today show, as well as in Prevention and Dog Fancy magazines. They are always the center of attention at every pet exposition they attend! |
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Board Members: Lillie Goodrich and John Andersen |
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Founders of Glen Highland
Farm, Lillie and John run a year round Border Collie Rescue in upstate NY where over
1100
border collies have
been rehomed to date (2009).
Each year, at least 200 find their way to safe haven at the facility. |
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| They also run an inner
city children's program, Camp Border Collie for
Kids, bringing 30 at risk kids to the Farm each summer to work with
rescue dogs. The effort is entirely supported by donations since it's inception in 2001.
Both Lillie and John have backgrounds in business: John was a highly successful CEO of numerous companies and Lillie, a television producer and consultant for networks. Both apply their understanding of marketing and business to the non-profit world. |
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Board Member: Jill Barsky, the Pet Friendly Realtor |
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I believe in finding homes for people and animals. As you will see, it is my firm belief that one must give back as one gets. Part of every one of my commissions goes to either Lab Rescue, the Humane Society, SPCA, or Animal Rescue League of the client's choice. I also spend many hours volunteering for these organizations. It is not only important for me as a Realtor to find you your "dream" home but, homes for other four legged clients as well. So to my clients, past present and future, you are the ones that make this possible. Thank you! Because of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, not only will I contribute to the Rescue of your choice but, a portion of every transaction will now be donated to Animal Rescue Leagues and Animal Welfare groups directly involved in helping the with the Relief Efforts and Future Efforts. |
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Board Member: Virginia Johnson |
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Virginia Johnson and her blind collies, Lady and Emma, have been Pets with Disabilities volunteers since the beginning. Lady
and Emma, both blind since birth, have been meeting and greeting thousands of people over the years, and Virginia has been
educating people about blind dogs.
Lady, the dog on the right is a Certified Therapy Dog and she has been instrumental in helping young children to read. When Virginia is not volunteering her dogs, she works as a Human Resource Specialist for Hershey Import Company. They all reside in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. |
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Board Member: Eric Udler, Super Pet Expo |
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Eric Udler began his career in the trade show industry in 1990 and decided to leave the corporate rat race in 1999 to fulfill his dream of launching his own shows. Eric produced his first Super Pet Expo in 2001. The show is a fun-filled family event that takes place annually with shows several metropolitan areas including New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Each show attracts tens of thousands of pet owners, thousands of leashed pets and two hundred exhibitors selling some of the coolest pet products not traditionally found in the Petco’s and Petsmart’s of the world. Plus there is lots of animal education and entertainment such as the Ultimate Air Dogs, a pet fashion show, a puppy playground, K9 police dog demonstrations and more. Eric is often called upon by the media to show off the latest and greatest pet products. He has been seen on numerous television stations including NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, CNN, Animal Planet, and various cable stations. Prior to launching his own company, Eric was a sales executive with two of the world’s largest exhibitions and Tradeshow Week Top 200 shows -- the Consumer Electronics Shows (CES) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). Eric’s Alma matter, Frostburg State University, recognized him with the 2000 Alumni Achievement Award. In 2001, Eric received the first ever Young Distinguished Alumni Achievement by his college fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma. Eric and his wife Orna Amrani reside in Bethesda, MD with Chandler, their 90-pound Weimerunner. On weekends, they relax on the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, WV. |
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Board Member: Karen Quigley |
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Karen Quigley, is a huge supporter of our work with disabled animals and believes in the word "RESCUE". She and her rescue dog Elwood participate in many events to raise money and awareness for homeless and hard to place animals. Her public speaking skills are marvelous and she does not mince words when talking about the plight of dogs and cats, she is making a difference. Currently, Karen is a full time student majoring in Special Education. She resides in Sewell, NJ with 8 rescue dogs of her own. |
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Board Member: Cindy Rollins |
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Cindy Rollins, has been involved in rescue efforts since 2001. As a business owner, wife and mother of 2, she has brought her whole family, staff, and most acquaintances in the world of animal welfare and asks each to participate in rescue efforts. Her family has adopted 5 rescue dogs.... and also enjoys the company of any occasional foster dog. "What Mike and Joyce do EVERYDAY is beyond the capacity and capability of most rescue groups. I have met the wonderful spirits they share their lives with, I have the utmost respect for their hearts and courage. Thanks, on behalf of those animals you are giving a voice" - Cindy |
Director of Fundraising: Sharon Sirkis |
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Sharon Sirkis has been tremendously instrumental in promoting the mission of Pets with Disabilities since she offered to volunteer her services. She manages all the silent auction items in our Annual "Toast to Pets with Disabilities" at the Running Hare Vineyard, accompanies Joyce in many of the community visits/engagements and is a daily sounding board for the ups and downs at the rescue. Welcome aboard Sharon - and THANK YOU! Sharon and her partner live with 2 very active lab rescues. |
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Enjoy the stories on our site, a celebration of ingenuity, compassion and unconditional love shared between disabled pets and their caregivers. Disabled animals show a special kind of devoted loyalty to their caregivers so if you have room in home and in your heart adopt a disabled animal, it just might be the best pet you will ever have. Thank you for your support. |