A recognized leader in animal care, protection, and advocacy, Laurie Hood is the founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, the Southeast’s premier, no-kill animal refuge and sanctuary for domestic and wild animals located in Northwest Florida. A true visionary and passionate animal lover since childhood, Laurie has made a lifelong commitment to improve animals’ lives as she continues to journey into bold, unchartered territory in an effort to educate others about the importance of animals in our lives and their overall welfare. Under her supervision, Alaqua has rescued and placed tens of thousands of animals into loving homes and environments since its founding 15 years ago, and has also helped countless others through partnerships and community outreach.

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Scott Fine, the Founder of Joey’s Legacy, a 501c3 organization whose mandate is public education on companion animal advocacy. Joey’s Legacy, with its team of veterinarians and animal law attorneys, investigates cases of alleged veterinary malpractice and negligence and, when appropriate, pursues justice for pet parents all over the world. The organization was founded in 2017, after founder Scott Fine lost his beloved dachshund, Joey to an act of medical malpractice.  It is Scott’s desire that his loss and this organization can prevent another pet parent’s future loss.    Read more

All My Children Wear Fur Coats is pleased to introduce Dr. Rob Silver and Joni Kamlet with Real Mushrooms. Dr. Robert Silver graduated in 1982 from Colorado State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He established one of the first integrative vet clinics in the USA in Boulder, CO in 1993. Since then, Dr. Silver has become a nationally recognized expert in veterinary herbal and nutraceutical medicines, medicinal mushrooms, veterinary CBD and cannabis therapeutics. He has adjunct faculty positions at Lincoln Memorial University, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Chi University, a College of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Silver has published a peer-reviewed paper on the Endocannabinoid System of Animals, and three chapters in the textbook: Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine. He co-authored the chapter Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine: Cannabinoid Therapies for Animals in the Springer Nature publication, Nutraceuticals in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Silver brings to the Real Mushrooms Science Team 40 years of practical clinical experience treating small and large animals with diet, acupuncture, nutraceuticals, botanicals and medicinal mushrooms. Read more

The Gwen Fund provides financial aid for veterinary care with priority given to emergency, palliative, and after death care. The Gwen Fund was inspired by a very special chocolate lab, Gwen. President of The Gwen Fund, Chris Olinger, had the pleasure of having Gwen as his sidekick for 15 years! In September of 2020 Gwen was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma. She experienced changes in behavior which drove Chris to seek an opinion from his veterinarian.  Unfortunately, the vet still was unable to make any determinations. Chris then was presented with the option to do more testing, one of which was over $700 dollars. Chris and his family wanted answers so they did the test and got the devastating results. Gwen’s tumor had ruptured and she had only a few days left. Read more

All My Children Wear Fur Coats is pleased to introduce Dr. Karen Griffin. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Dog Rehoming Project. Karen Griffin, PhD is a research scientist in the field of shelter dogs and dog rehoming. She earned her doctorate in animal sciences at the University of Lincoln in Lincolnshire, England. Her research experience includes how a dog fits into a home environment, what qualifies as successful dog placement, and how to improve the likelihood that a placement will be successful. Dr. Griffin grew up with only cats and adopted her first dog, Ratatouille, as an adult. Her interest in dog rehoming was sparked by Ratatouille and he forever changed her view of the world.

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