ANIMAL ADVOCATE

Even at a young age, I was fascinated with animals: cats, dogs, squirrels, skunks, cows, raccoons, mice, deer, and pretty much anything with four legs and fur. I’m still that way. I have always lived with pets and I always will. My house would seem empty without them. I currently have five cats (yes, I realize that is a bit over the top), a lizard named Larry, and not too long ago I said goodbye to my amazing dog of 19 years. Someday when the time is right, I will get another dog.
Growing up we always had at least one cat. In college I missed having a pet so I adopted a mouse. (My roommate was not thrilled.) In addition to my own pets, over the past couple of years I’ve fostered four cats; nursed a baby bird back to health; and dreamed of getting a pet skunk (de-scented, of course). Oddly, I haven’t been able to talk my husband into that one!
PET ADOPTION TIP #1
Adopt a homeless pet. There are millions waiting for a family.
I worked at The Weather Channel as an on-air meteorologist for 14 fabulous years. While I was there I approached my some of the executives about covering weather stories that involved animals. Animals are one of my greatest joys in life. I wanted to use my platform to bring attention to the needs and welfare of animals while also promoting pet adoption, spaying and neutering. I loved working on those stories. In the future I hope I can get involved in even bigger projects that bring good things to animals.

PET ADOPTION TIP #2
Spay or neuter your pets so you don’t add to the overpopulation problem.

The wonderful thing about pets is that they love us unconditionally. Mine look at me like I am the most amazing and wonderful person in the world. Fortunately for me, cats and dogs overlook a lot. Now if I could just get my kids and husband to look at me that way!