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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
1800
border collies have
been rehomed to date (2012).
Each year, at least 200 find their way to safe haven at the facility. |
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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: 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: 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. THANK YOU, Sharon!! 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. |