About Lisa

I don't remember a time when I didn't share my home with and consider a four-legged friend part of my family. As a child, we had cats. Then, on my 12th birthday, our dog Gimlet came to live with us, Gimlet was a Cairn Terrier mutt “with unwanted facial hair,” as my father used to say. It was at that point that the magic of pets as playmates came to life!

Still, it wasn't until my beloved Ruby (a Collie—German Shephard—Golden Retriever mix) received a most dire thyroid cancer prognosis, determining she had just 2–3 months to live, that I fully grasped the depth of that relationship. Thankfully, my vet was deeply knowledgeable about both mainstream and alternative approaches to healing and was able to set me on a path to two more years with my newly revitalized and joyful friend. Over the years, I shared my heart and home with many animals, often hearing from my family members that when they died, they wanted to come back as my pet. Today I live with Mister (a Yorkie-Poo) who runs faster than any small dog I know; my Buddy (an Airedale—German Shepherd mix) who joins me daily for park romps and visits with his Au Purrian pals; and the newest member of the family, Jake, a chocolate lab, promises to keep everyone moving during our park romps!

I came to Au Purr when at a professional crossroad and have never turned back. My resume speaks to my broad range of experience, with non-profit organizations, collaborative historical research and oral history production projects, and an unbelievably rich education at two of the finest institutions in the country. When jobs in the humanities were few and far between, I paused my search to reconsider my options and approach to the next chapter in my life. Upon reflection, I realized that working with animals is my best life. Caring for their needs in good and compromised health, building trust and communication with them, experiencing them melting into me for love, brings endless joy and incredible challenges. Everyday I realize I am the luckiest girl I know!!

About Heather

I've had a strong connection with animals my entire life, beginning with a “stray” duck who took residence outside my preschool. Every day after dinner, my family and I went and fed her (and her baby, when he came along). I would sing a kid's song called “Six Little Ducks” to them, which became their signal to come to us (and they did!). It also became my first rescue stint when the baby got attacked; his underside was torn apart and infested with maggots. My dad caught both mother and baby duck and we took the injured baby to the vet. They lived with us for several months until recovered. Then we released them back into the world to spread their wings!

I also grew up with cats, dogs, turtles, bunnies, hamsters, hairless rats, and the random toads that I would catch each summer and bring in for their “vacation”, as I called it. Currently, I share my life with four dogs: a Jack Russell Terrier named Niqua, and four Pit Bulls: BoBo, Diamond, NeNe, and Candy. I often have a foster dog under my wing as well!

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Communications and English Writing, I worked in a research lab at the University of Pittsburgh. While there were many aspects of my job that I enjoyed, there was something missing. I finally realized I just had to follow a path where my true passion lies. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with each and every animal I visit. Each has their own intricacies, likes, dislikes, and histories that are unique to only them; I love discovering them as we build our relationship. And, I must admit, the “tough cookies” are one of my favorites! I also enjoy the human relationships formed within the realm of the animals I care for. Getting to know an animal's person gives me a unique glimpse into their lives.

I am heavily involved with and dedicated to Pit Bull advocacy and education. Having once been uncertain of the breed myself, I do understand the commonly held beliefs. BoBo changed these beliefs in an instant; all it took was a gentle lick that caused me to wonder if, possibly, I was wrong. Turns out I was. Several years (and several Pit Bulls…) later, I have read about, and joyously experienced, their candid truths. Most importantly, they have opened up my mind and my heart. Without a doubt, they have shaped and inspired who I am and what I do today more than any other single factor!