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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As the Chief Program Officer, Marc Peralta brings together Best Friends’ programs and aligns all things related to Best Friends direct care work outside of the Sanctuary along with developing the knowledge and capabilities of individuals and partner organizations involved in lifesaving in order to empower them to achieve no-kill in their own backyard. These initiatives include lifesaving programs, national programs, shelter outreach, mentorship, staff-embedding programs, community cat programs, no-kill leadership training, and emergency response training and operations.

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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

Katherine Ellison, founder of Bright Planet Pet took her sales experience from the Pet Food Industry and turned it into Bright Planet Pet which makes 100% plant-based, vegan dog treats, that taste and smell just like meat! Bright Planet Pet was founded on the principle that dogs and their people deserve a truly sustainable dog treat that is delicious while being 100% plant-based and vegan. Humans have meat alternative products for burgers, brats, and chicken, so why don’t dogs? Their first product was launched in March of last year and they currently have a total of three products including Better BURG’R, Better BBQ CHICK’N, and Better BRAT -all of which are formulated with chickpea flour, brown rice, dehydrated sweet potato and dried brewer’s yeast. All formulations are free from corn, soy, wheat or peas.

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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

Christine Massinger is the Executive Director and President of the Horse Protection Association of Florida. For over 25 years she has been a university professor in higher education, but she started her career as a state prosecutor. Christine was elected Pennsylvania’s youngest female judge at the age of 27 and served in that capacity for ten years. During her time on the bench she presided over hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases including cases involving animal cruelty and neglect. Christine and her husband Doug are proud “parents” to their 16 animals! For more than ten years Christine has been a licensed Parelli Professional and is considered an expert in equine safety practices. .

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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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Imagine being able to provide your pet with necessary vitamins, nutrients and more with just a bowl of water. With Waggin Water you can do just that! All My Children Wear Fur Coats is pleased to present Drew Whited. He is the Founder and CEO of  Waggin Water where water is reimagined for your pet.

 

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All My Children Wear Fur Coats was pleased to introduce Dr. Melissa Jacobs! She is a veterinarian, biology lab instructor, and mother, not only to her children but to the famous Remy. Remy is the very special 12-year-old Pitbull who inspired RemysBrands. Dr. Jacobs adopted Remy in December of 2010 after convincing her husband it was time to get a dog. It took her two trips to the humane society to finally adopt him – the first time she noticed him, but he did not have a name or any information on his cage. The second time she visited, Remy was still there, so she asked about him again. This time, the manager discovered Remy had been inadvertently overlooked. He was never named or listed for adoption.

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