Do you have a hero or an angel in your life?  Tell us about them.

Today I want to honor my dear friend and staff consultant Annie Beutler.  Years ago I met Annie.  Despite her extraordinary beauty and incredible talent as a singer, she made a decision to open a pet sitting service.  She loves helping animals and felt a pet sitting service would be more meaningful work. 

Selflessly, she has rescued hundreds of unwanted animals, working alone, with other rescue groups, and with other concerned citizens.  In the years I’ve known Annie, she has been responsible for spaying and neutering entire colonies of feral cats, helping injured geese, bravely standing up to developers and politicians to defend wildlife, caring for pets who had negligent owners, and rescuing strays who were abandoned and left to fend for themselves. 

What I appreciate most about Annie though is her community approach to rescue.  She includes everyone willing to help.  She intuitively knows how important it is to involve the entire community and get as many people involved as possible.  This means letting go of egos.  When Annie is involved in rescue, curious neighbors are greeted by Annie’s warm smile and put at ease.  She educates people by example and encourages them to do what they can do.  People who have never been involved in animal care or concerned about animal welfare begin to participate in neighborhood rescues and on-going care of stray and unwanted pets.  Annie has never asked for accolades or funding of any kind.  She uses money from her own pet sitting services, and donations by unsolicited individuals.  Well done Annie!