VIRTUAL Paws in the Park!

This is the part where I tell my story and why this event and the Rhode Island SPCA mean so much to me.

My story actually began 11 years ago, when the Rhode Island SPCA welcomed me to their team. While this may be hard for some to understand, this opportunity was a life-changing event for me and so much more than a "job opportunity".

Life is sometimes about second chances, and the Rhode Island SPCA was just that for me. It was a second chance to utilize my skills and training as a former police officer and combine them with my heartfelt passion for animals. But not just any animals. Animals, like myself, that were looking for a second chance. In my opinion, every animal that comes into our shelter or that we encounter in the field, deserves a second chance and this was my opportunity to give them just that.

So from the day my journey at the Rhode Island SPCA began, I made the committment to do my best to ensure that the animals in our care were provided the love and resurces needed to set them up for future success. As the Society's Humane Law Enforcement Officer, it was my job to remove animals from harms way, and hold accountable those who were responsible for their neglect or abuse. I was just the tip of the spear, and only one person on a team of dedicated and compassionate people committed to health and wellbeing of the animals in our State.

Now as the President of the Rhode Island SPCA, I continue my committment to build upon the foundation that was laid 150 years ago and expand our mission to meet the growing needs of the animals and animal owners in our community. I am proud to say that we now offer a number of programs and services to assist pet owners with such things as low-cost veterinary services, free pet food, free emergency pet boarding and pet-retention services.

As the Society's leader, I am as committed today, as I was 11 years ago, and our ability to offer to these critical services hinge upon the support received from the community and events like our annual dog walk. So I am once again, asking for your help, so we can continue our mission and provide every animal with the second chance they deserve.

Please consider making a donation to this year's 18th Annual Paws in the Park Dog Walk!