This Could Be You!
Julia
What has been your most incredible/influential experience with an animal?
“Joey, aka Joseph Heller, is my dog. He is a pomeranian mix that I adopted from a pomeranian rescuer named Jan Yale. I absolutely adore him and he is one of the most important things in my life. Some people in Rocket Dog refer to him as a devil dog because he is snappy with strangers- but he is a gentle, loving and happy dog that brings me so much joy. Adopting him inspired me to rescue others; he was going to be euthanized because his eyelid had been split open and the shelter did not want to perform the surgery to sew it back together. It was easy to fix and now he is in a forever home. I want to help other dogs have the same experience!”
Who is your most memorable Rocket Dog?
“I have had over 20 foster dogs and I have loved each of them so so much. I try to keep in touch with all of their adopters and my favorite thing in the world is to get pictures of them in their new homes. Of course Billy Beane, my boyfriend’s dog, has to be the most memorable (namely because he is still with us). My boyfriend and I were both in finals and were NOT supposed to be taking a dog in, but an emergency came up and we agreed to take a 30 lb. manchester terrier mix. My boyfriend took one look at him and said, “I am adopting him!” I said, “No you’re not, I still want to foster!” We struck a deal: We would adopt Billy Beane IF we could still foster, and so he stayed with us and became part of our pack.”
Why do you donate your time to this cause?
“I donate my time to Rocket Dog because I love it! It is incredibly fulfilling to know you have helped to save a life. I often get dogs straight from the shelter—depressed, sick, fearful. I get to watch them come out of their shell, learn to trust and start to feel better. Some come to me more broken than others, but all have within them that insatiable love and loyalty which is what makes dogs so wonderful. I also love helping at adoption days, communicating with the public, educating people about adoption and rescue, and helping to find dogs their forever homes. It’s important to me that I help to give rescue a good name so that people do not turn to breeders.”
What do you do when you’re not saving dogs?
“I am a law student and will soon be a lawyer. I am fortunate that my boss loves animals just as much as I do and is involved with Rocket Dog. I will be practicing employment law, but I hope to do some pro bono work that involves animal rights.”
What do you think is cool?
“I think San Francisco is cool! I also love the Rocket Dog community- which to me is such an integral part of the San Francisco experience. What could be better than seeing an adopted Rocket dog cruising down 24th Street or running along the beach at Fort Funston? Potrero Hill, my neighborhood, is also cool! Farleys coffeehouse on 18th street is amazing- I love to sit outside with a mocha and my dogs (the dogs get treats thrown to them from the Farleys’ people). Not to mention the Potrero Hill Pet Parade on Halloween—a must do for all dog lovers.”
Paul
What has been your most incredible/influential experience with an animal?
“The most incredible and influential experience I have had is with my son (dog) Joey, to experience life with him in general. Knowing that he is there for me and knowing that I am there for him for always. Knowing and understanding that a true bond of love, understanding, and forgiving has been created.”
Who is your most memorable Rocket Dog?
“I hate to say it but of course, my dog Joey!”
Why do you donate your time to this cause?
“I donate my time because I want others to be able to share in the joy and love that Pali and Rocket Dog has given to me.”
What do you do when you’re not saving dogs?
“For the most part I work. Rocket Dog takes up a solid amount of my time being the treasurer, not to mention owning a mortgage business, two homes, and a loving relationship. I don’t have much time, but I will tell you I get a wake up call from my dog every Saturday and Sunday morning for a run at the dog park.”
What do you think is cool?
“Giving back in any capacity.”