Terri Davidson - terri2006@bellsouth.net The Wine Dog President and Marketing Committee Chair   After I started fundraising for the Humane Society of Bay County through my store which I own and operate, The Wine Dog, in 2006 I became more directly involved and the fundraisers grew bigger and bigger. I also started volunteering at the thrift store warehouse for clean-up campaigns. The Executive Director at the time, Mary Sanger, asked me if I would become a board member and eventually I became Vice President (in 2009) and then President (in 2010). I feel that I bring marketing, fundraising, and general non-profit experience to the HSBC as well as an understanding and appreciation of working with people who love animals and volunteer because of their passion for animals.   Animal Rescue Experience In 2001, I started working as a volunteer in an animal rescue in Anderson County Animal Shelter in Anderson, SC.  As a volunteer, I established a volunteer program that included a weekly organized volunteer dog walk at a local park.  Some of the accomplishments I was nvolved with at the shelter was the construction of a dog park on the premises of the shelter, establishing and selling ad sponsorships for a bi-weekly adoption page in the newspaper that showcased 17 animals, organized fundraisers and adoption events, fostered sick dogs and rehabilitated them so that they could be adopted, and helped to bring about Governmental change so that there were improvements in the conditions at the shelter.    In 2002 I joined the board of directors of the Anderson County Humane Society, a non-shelter organization that focused on a spay/neuter certificate program, fostering, lost and found and animal transports, (transporting an adopted animal over long distances to their new home).   Also, when I moved to Boone, NC I volunteered with three organizations there including: Watauga Animal Control (kill shelter), High Country Friends for Life (foster group), and Watauga Humane Society (no-kill shelter).  I supported these organizations by fostering animals when animal control needed to make room and participating in off-site adoption events every Saturday.    Why I Love Animals I grew up with a love of animals. My kitty cat was my constant companion as was the family dog. When I grew up and left home for the first time, I stopped on the way out of town in route to Tampa. FL and picked up a puppy to go with me.   I start my every day with a cup of coffee and my dogs sharing the lounge chair with me. It makes the world right and keeps me grounded and balanced…although some days I probably should go back home to the chair with the dogs and get re-balanced.   I presently have seven dogs. Never meant to have that many but…it worked out that way. They all have their story. Four of the seven are adopted and six of the seven are seniors. Being so involved with animals puts one in a position to see far more animals in need and greatly increases the chances of bringing another dog home. In my case, the dog has to fit in with “The Herd” that already lives with my husband and me.   Each dog or cat is unique and wonderful in their own way and I love communicating with them to discover what makes them happy. I love to watch people and their pets and it brings great joy to my heart to see a happy pet. The joy of a child, the joy of a pet; it makes the world a better place. This is what motivates me to help the dogs and cats that are in need.

Aaron Rich - aarich@arinc.com ARINC Vice President and Technology & Volunteer Committee Chairs   I have served on the board of directors since February 2009 and have been a supporter of the Humane Society of Bay County for nearly 10 years.  I have three rescue dogs who might be some of the most spoiled dogs in the whole world.  I joined the board after supporting the HSBC with their website for several years and recently just re-designed this one.  I help our organization with various technology related issues.     Animal Rescue Experience My experience with the HSBC dates back to when I started working with the organization to develop the previous version of the website.  While the organizational needs have grown over the years, my involvement with the organization has grown as well.  As a board member, I am proud that we have been able to accomplish many very positive things in a short period of time.    Extra Curricular Activities In addition to my service with the HSBC, I belong to the Downtown Rotary Club of Panama City, Head the Bay County IT & Creative Professionals, and work with many non-profits in the area with web and IT services.  I have served on other boards for different non-profits including the American Advertising Federation - Panama City and the Panama City Lighthouse, I am completely crazy about bass fishing and have an online store (BassTackleSupply.com) that my good friend professional angler, Michael Bennett and I started in 2010.    Why I Love Animals As someone who always grew up with pets, I learned at an early age the happiness that they bring into a household.  No matter what kind of day you have, you always have a friend when you walk in the door at the end of the day.  There is NOTHING like the love of a pet.  As far as my dogs, Charlie might just be the perfect dog. He is like a living teddy bear and I swear never does anything bad.  Barkley is my second 'child' and might be the sweetest dog in the world.  He loves to cuddle right next to my head whether he is on top of the couch or sneaking up on my pillow at night.  Eddie is completely insane and brings a ridiculous energy to the house.  He makes me laugh with his awkwardness and playful affection that is funny and sweet at the same time.    I truly believe that almost all shelter animals can be great pets if given some love and attention.  They just need good homes!!!

Kevin Dupont - kevin130@comcast.net Seltzer Management Group Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair   I have served on the Board of directors since October of 2009 and have been a volunteer and financial supporter of the Humane Society of Bay County for over 10 years. All seven of my four-legged children have come from rescue groups or local shelters.   As an adult, I found it important to “save a life” instead of buying animals from pet shops and breeders. When my wife, a fellow animal lover, and I began to fill our home with our rescued cats and dogs, she made it clear that we had to stop bringing them home at some point! It was then I decided to help in other ways besides bringing home every stray and sad face at the shelter or on the side of the road. This is how I became active with the Humane Society by helping to volunteer at fundraising activities and walking dogs to my current role on the Board of Directors.   Animal Rescue Experience I am currently certified by EARS as an emergency responder to assist in situations requiring emergency assistance. I also briefly assisted with animal care on site in New Orleans for animals impacted by Hurricane Katrina, a very humbling experience for me as well as countless other volunteers.   Why I Love Animals Animals, particularly pets have, always been a part of my life. Growing up we were taught to love and treat all animals with respect and care. All of my pets have provided me with joy and immeasurable love no matter the length of time I have had the opportunity to have them. Each one of them has touched me differently with unique personalities and character. They have all shown me their thanks for saving their lives in their own way. Whether a look, a tail wag, or the occasional lick in the face, they pay back with priceless acts of love.

Melissa Frye - BSCeltic@aol.com Frye Accounting and Bookkeeping Service Events Committee Chair   I have served on the board of directors since January 2010 and have been involved with the Humane Society of Bay County for over 10 years as either a volunteer or rescuer.  I became a board member because I felt there was a strong need for someone with a solid animal and financial background to help solidify the board’s direction. I was already doing occasional volunteer work so it was time to step up and do more.   I feel that I bring to the HSBC a willingness to work and a strong desire to reach goals. Because of my extensive background with dogs and my extremely varied background in business, I can work in almost any area the organization needs me. I’m really good at organizing events and making the most of a limited source of people and money.   Animal Rescue Experience I’ve also been involved with German Shepherd rescue for more than 10 years. Mostly as a transport driver – my first run was a German Shepherd from Miami Animal Control that was going to Washington State! I worked with CUR (Canine Underground Railroad), East Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue, Tampa Bay German Shepherd Rescue, Get Them There Rescue Transport, Truck-n- Paws Rescue Transport and I did a lot of independent work and fostering.   Extra Curricular Activities In addition to my service with the HSBC, I am the Current President (8yrs now) of the Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Former Training Director for Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers, still do networking for rescue transports, Sgt/Sr. K9 Handler for Bay County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue K9 Team, I train my dogs for Agility, Obedience, Pet Therapy, Schutzhund, AKC Tracking, Rally Obedience and I teach classes for the dog club in Obedience, Scent work and pet therapy. I’ve, also, got a fairly extensive educational background in Canine Aggression (I don’t do much in that field any longer).   Why I Love Animals About 14 years ago, I went thru an emotional crisis. Quite honestly, I was a mess and I didn’t really see any way out. Finally, I entered therapy. My psychologist was a man named Dr. Clell Warner. Dr. Warner sent me to my first dog obedience class with my rescued White German Shepherd, Jamieson. He wanted me to do this so that I could learn to say “NO” and mean it. So I went to class and when Jamieson needed it I’d tell him “No”. In time, it got easier to say “No” to my family and friends when I needed to do so. Jamieson and I became a team, true partners. It changed my life and I recovered. As the years passed, I’d take various training classes and the instructors would ask folks why they were in the class, time and again, someone would pipe up and say that their Doctor told them to come so they could learn to say “No”.   Dr. Warner was a smart man. When he sent me and the other folks to dog training, he didn’t really send us there to learn to say “NO”. He was sending us to learn about that unconditional love that only a pet can provide. He wanted us to know that we didn’t have to be perfect to be loved. And Dr. Warner was right, it didn’t matter to Jamieson if I was good at training, terrible at it or anything else and he always showed me that wonderful special unconditional love.   That’s the real secret to being an animal lover, learning to accept and RETURN that unconditional love for our pets and those animals that cross our paths. Learn to say “No” and you start learning to open your heart.

Desiree Gardner - desireegardner@gmail.com The News Herald Secretary   I have served on the board of directors since October 2010, which not a very long time- granted. However, I’m amazed at all the organization has accomplished in these few short months, as well as how they’ve transformed in the recent years. I have two dogs, both rescues, and all of my animals growing up were rescues as well. Soon after I joined the board, I was elected to the position of the Secretary. I also help with some of the social media elements of the organization, as well as with my camera, taking pictures of animals and events.   Animal Rescue Experience I have been ‘rescuing’ animals since I was a child. One of my earliest memories is carrying an injured bird back to the house to ask for help from my mother (in the Keys our nearest bird rescue was an hour drive). It didn’t stop there- for sure. Over the years I brought home snakes, more birds, even beetles. My mother’s patience was tested while I was at a young age, and the animals only started getting bigger. When I grew up, I started fostering animals through local organizations. If I didn’t have a foster animal from a local rescue group, I was helping strays. My time spent with the HSBC is helping me further my passion for caring for animals. I’m bursting at the seams with excitement for what is to come in the future.   Extra Curricular Activities When I’m not working, or occupied with HSBC activities, I’m probably only doing one of a few other things. I have a Girl Scout troop- an ambitious and active group of Brownies. Growing up as a Girl Scout, I couldn’t be happier that I get to lead as an adult. Generally my camera is with me, so I like to go off on adventures and hone in on my creative side from time to time. I also like to spend a good deal of time outdoors with my own dogs.   Why I Love Animals When thinking about this topic, the only thing that keeps coming to mind is “How can someone NOT love animals?”   I’ve never known a life without them, and can’t imagine one without them either. Having a pet in your life teaches you particular responsibilities and joys that will translate into other facets of your life, given time. If you’ve never played with a kitten, or snuggled with a puppy, you are missing out on one of the greatest feelings life can give you. And that relationship only gets better once you’ve bonded.   These animals, and many others in shelters across Bay County (and the world!) can bring this joy into someone’s life- and that joy goes both ways. When you know that your dog is smiling, or that your cat is relaxed, happily purring, you achieve a great sense of satisfaction and happiness that is unparalleled.   If you don’t have a pet, you’re surely missing out. The HSBC not only rescues animals, but it rescues people too. Finding a forever home for an animal enriches the life of both the adopted and the adopter.   And really, who COULDN’T use a little more love?

Kathy Marshall - mykathymail@yahoo.com Latitudes Realty I’ve been on the Board of Directors for HSBC since early 2010 and a volunteer and supporter since my move to Panama City in 2006. I started by attending various fundraising functions, collecting dog food, towels, and supplies needed for the shelter. I felt that wasn’t enough and when I noticed there was a much larger void to fill, I volunteered with various projects including the warehouse clean up on the two coldest weekends you would imagine in January 2010. The good news is that many folks did a great job that weekend and now with our current staff and volunteers, we’ve managed to keep the merchandise flowing. (although we could always use more donations of furniture and household goods).   In the past I had heard many a complaint about HSBC and felt that I didn’t have the right to complain unless I was willing to step up and do something about it. I did, by joining the board, volunteering wherever needed, attending and supporting events and doing what I can to support the HSBC and their mission. I’m very proud to be associated with HSBC as this past year has been challenging and rewarding all at the same time. I’d like to think that I wear many hats….whether it be recruiting volunteers, interviewing potential employees, working with volunteers, assisting the marketing committee, helping with fundraising, participating in events, and offering a hand wherever I can.   Animal Rescue Experience Over the years I’ve helped many a stray dog find a family including most recently a homeowner who lost their home to foreclosure and left their dog behind in the move. Unfortunately, with the economy as it is and many people losing homes, sometimes our furry friends do in fact get left behind. I was however able to find a home for him, and glad that this story had a happy ending.   I’ve always had a pet or two in my life and Lady, our 12 year old mixed breed joined our family just over 10 years ago. We adopted her from a family that could no longer keep her; she was just two years old and had a lot of energy and the desire to escape from her home. Just the week before we had our hearts broken after our dog Scooter got very sick and had to be put to sleep. My husband and I both knew we needed to open our home up to another dog in need of a home…and our hearts and home were in need of another dog. She’s got quite the life…..and so do we. Why pay for a pet, when you can get the priceless love and affection from a shelter pet or a pet in need of finding a new home.   Extra Curricular Activities When I’m not busy with what can be a chaotic schedule of my real estate activities, I enjoy traveling, trips to Las Vegas, New York, and just spending time with family and friends. I enjoy live music, theater, shows, and Motown and the Beatles. However, I must say that I enjoy my career as a Realtor® and find I spend a lot of my spare time reading, taking classes, and connecting with past clients and friends.   Why I Love Animals I’ve always had a love of animals….not only your typical pets, but others too. My most favorite vacation was in Australia because of the abundance of wildlife there. Before I was married my dog was always there to meet and greet me after a long day at the office….When my husband was deployed, Lady, our dog was always there for me even on some difficult days while my husband was gone. You couldn’t have a bad day because having a pet in your life, they just won’t let you. They love unconditionally and always there for you…. They are our soul mates, our best friends, sometimes even our surrogate children. I just wish I could understand what my dog is thinking when she tilts her head from side to side when I speak to her…..I’d also like to see what my dog is up to most of her days….other than taking long naps that is.

Kelly Polk - kelly.polk77@gmail.com Trucks & Associates Foster Committee Chair   I have served on the board of directors since 2011 and started as a volunteer with the HSBC during the move from 23rd street to the new shelter and Thrift store by cleaning and helping to prepare the new facilities. I felt so wonderful doing this that I asked the volunteer coordinator to add me to the list of permanent volunteers so that I could help out more often. I soon began attending as many events as possible. After walking dogs with my husband and daughter for the HSBC at Friday Fest one evening, I was asked to join the board. I can’t express just how much this has meant to me! I’m overwhelmed and honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization and to know some of the most amazing and kind hearted people in the community.   Animal Rescue Experience Though I do not have any previous experience working with an organization, it has always been a love of mine to help in any way I can. From helping friends by babysitting their animals while they are away, to helping search for an animal that was lost, or even helping someone find a new animal to add to their family, I have always loved caring for animals. It doesn’t matter if it is a bug or a horse; I find personal joy in my interactions with God’s creatures.   Extra Curricular Activities My own dog is part of the family and he goes just about anywhere we go. From car rides & bike rides to boat trips & canoe trips, our beloved “Cullen”, our 2 year old Golden retriever, follows us everywhere. We also have an African Grey Parrot named “Costly Isabird.” She is 10 years old and was brought home when she was just a hatchling. We syringe fed her every 2 hours and had to keep her in an incubator for several weeks while she grew, hence the name “Costly”. Watching her learn how to perch, and fly was like watching my own children learn to walk and read. She is a true joy to have in the house with her extended vocabulary, sounds and voice mimicking. Our dear pet rat Scrumptious is my 5 year old daughter’s birthday wish from last year. She takes him almost everywhere and the two love to sit and watch TV together and our little Scrumptious is so well mannered that he will gently lick your cheek or take food from your lips. I’m also a U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Instructor. A program for youth ages 11-17 that express an interest in joining the armed forces. We are comprised of volunteer former and active duty military personal providing cadets with outstanding hands on field training and military knowledge. I am also a sponsor for the Feed the Hungry Campaign and a financial contributor to Way FM radio. Our family stays active in our church and we love to be outside as often as possible.   Why I Love Animals I have always had pets growing up and have always wanted more! I used to think my stuffed animals were real and they all had names. I have had your typical cat and dog, birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, rats and many others throughout my life. My life does not seem complete if I don’t have a pet to care for and enjoy. I love taking pictures of animals and require that on every family vacation, we go where the animals are! There is just something so spectacular about God’s little creatures and I’m truly happy to be around them. It’s the same peace I feel from holding my children.

Sean Brosnan - marketing@adoptme.org Humane Society of Bay County Marketing Coordinator   Animal Rescue Experience I started volunteering in late June 2010 as a branding, marketing and design consultant. I then quickly became involved with all the current and future projects for the organization (e.g. designing flyers and redesigning and creating consistency with the HSBC brand). As the marketing coordinator, I will have more flexibility and time to help with every facet from fundraising to corporate sponsorships.   Extra Curricular Activities In addition to my service with the HSBC, I consult on corporate branding and marketing for a company I own (Gorgeous/RFP) and am involved with numerous heart-health related charities. I love all kinds of music and especially love discovering new music.   Why I Love Animals For as far as I can remember, I have always been a pet owner. Magnum was a German Shepard and was my father’s police dog in Europe. Stephanie was a Cocker Spaniel and was our first dog in the United States. After Stephanie was diagnosed with an illness and had to be put down, we could not bear to be without an animal companion. We welcomed Taz into our home when I was almost out of elementary school. He was an all-black Sharpei and only had wrinkles on his face, not on his whole body like every other Sharpei. I had Taz the longest and until about two years before finishing high school. Spring 2002, we welcomed Rudy home to live with us. Rudy is a genuine German Rottweiler. Winter 2008, Frankie the Pug enters the picture. Due to his size, I was fearful what relationship would brew between the dominant (in size) Rudy and Frankie. Two years later, and they are best of friends and excellent companions for one another.