Meredith Harley & Lady
Manager, Humane Education Program

Growing up on the East Coast, Meredith always had a desire to be around animals. When she got to college in Colorado, she found she had some extra time and a desire to volunteer. Combining her love for animals and an interest in social services, she volunteered at the humane society taking shelter dogs to visit residents of a local nursing home. A horse lover as well, she interned at a therapeutic riding center where individuals with disabilities experienced the therapeutic benefits of horse back riding. After interning for Green Chimneys, a farm serving as a residential treatment center for children with emotional and learning disabilities, she decided to make a career out of social services.

Meredith moved to the West Coast after college and took a job working with women and children at a substance abuse treatment center. However, she always wanted to return to a position combining her love of animals with children. Finally, after a LONG search she found a meaningful position with Pet Orphans in their Humane Education department. Meredith is married to her college sweetheart, and they now live with their black Lab rescue Lady, and their yellow Lab rescue Harley.

Jennifer
Coordinator, Humane Education Program

Jennifer is the newest member of the Humane Education Team and excited to be part of such a wonderful program She joined Pet Orphans as a volunteer in 1997 and has been an adoption counselor, dog walker and volunteer coordinator for the organization. She was excited when a position opened up in Humane Education that would allow her to combine her love of children, pets and puppets. A self confessed "pit bull junkie", she and husband Erik just welcomed their newest family member, Lily, a pit puppy found digging through trash for food at a gas station off the freeway. She joins their three cats: Eowyn, their Pet Orphans alum, Pip and Wednesday, both rescued off the mean streets of Studio City.

Pat & Amanda
Volunteer, Humane Education Program

Pat first met the wonderful folks at Pet Orphans in 1990 when she and her husband adopted their exceptional cat-person, Eleanor. In 1991, Amanda wandered in from the street and adopted them, and the two cats were a great source of comfort and companionship after the death of her husband. Eleanor unfortunately succumbed to kidney failure last January, but Amanda is hearty at 15 and totally enjoys her new role as Top Kitty.

In addition to all things feline, Pat's passion is travel. She was born in Canada, has lived in Honduras, Ecuador, and Spain, and is ready to travel anywhere, anytime. She has also discovered quilting and enjoys making quilts for friends and for charity. After 33 years with LAUSD as an ESL teacher and Bilingual Coordinator at a nearby high school, she swore she would never set foot in a school again. However, POSC's fantastic Humane Education program has revived her teacher instincts, and she really enjoys interacting with the younger students.

Susan & Victoria
Volunteer, Humane Education Program

I was blessed to have parents that knew the importance of having animals as part of our family. All of our dogs came to us as strays. About 4 years ago I rescued my first dog from the Animal Shelter. He is a Rottweiler named Duke. I adopted Victoria about a year later from Pet Orphans. Victoria had been shipped from New York to Los Angeles by a breeder. Apparently she had been injured during the flight, and when she arrived she was paralyzed. Her new owners took her to the Vet and never returned. Pet Orphans rescued her from the veterinarian’s office. After two surgeries, acupuncture and water therapy, Victoria was able to walk. Shortly after I adopted her, her leg started to deteriorate. The orthopedic surgeon said that we had two choices: amputate, or do an experimental surgery. After many agonizing nights, I decided to try the experimental surgery. The Doctor shortened her leg and put screws in it. It was a success!! One year ago Victoria and I became a certified animal assisted therapy team through the Delta Society. We now visit hospitals, retirement homes, daycare centers, and are also part of a reading program with a Children's Orphanage. As part of the Pet Orphans Humane Education program, we go to schools and teach the children to be safe with animals. After the children practice with the puppets, then they get to work with Victoria. It's quite a sight to see. Once considered "damaged goods", Victoria now brings love and laughter to everyone she meets!

Dee & Zoie and Ginger
Volunteer, Humane Education Program

After living overseas in Tawian and working for MAAG (Military Assistance Advisory Group), Dee returned stateside and spent many years working as a department manager in the defense industry. Dee (AKA Diane) then "retired", found Pet Orphans, and became a volunteer office worker and dog walker. Well, retirement lasted a little while until Dee was asked to be Pet Orphans Office Manager, a position she held for over a year, when she finally really retired! Although Dee has "real" kids (Kirk and Renee), she and husband share their home with 4 legged "kids" Zoie (licensed as breed unknown!) and Ginger (part Mastiff and other big dog!). Ginger also has "bowlemia", i.e., she's afraid of her food bowl, but likes a newspaper on the floor as her table setting just fine!

Ronnie
Volunteer, Humane Education Program

Ronnie grew up in New York and New Jersey. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, she worked at Saks 5th Avenue in Manhattan in their executive training program. She left Saks to marry, and they moved to Los Angeles. After 2 years in L.A., they moved to Chicago for three years. But then headed back to Los Angeles, where they have lived for the past 36 years. They have two sons. After retiring from her job as an administrative assistant, Ronnie started volunteering at Pet Orphans, first as a dog socializer, and then a dog walker. Ronnie has always had pets in her life (until a few years ago), and looks forward to adopting one of Pet Orphans adorable orphans. Ronnie and her husband travel as much as possible. They enjoy Asian & European trips, cruises, and traveling to visit friends and relatives.

Sebastian, the Golden Retriever
Lead Puppet, Humane Education Program

Folkmanis puppet (www.folkmanis.com) and has won many awards including "Family Fun Magazine’s 2000 Toy of the Year". Even though he’s received many different honors, being Lead Puppet for the Humane Education Program is a dream come true for Sebastian. He loves working with the children, and teaching them about dog safety. He especially likes it when he gets to sniff the children to make sure they are introducing themselves properly to a dog.

Zoe, the German Shepherd
2nd Puppet, Humane Education Program

Zoe also started as a Folkmanis puppet, and also enjoys her work in humane education. With double classes or larger groups, Zoe joins Sebastian in helping out with the dog safety portion. She also enjoys the time sniffing the children, and loves working with her best friend Sebastian.

Romeo, Sebastian's Little Brother
Puppet, Humane Education Program

Romeo is the newest addition to the Humane Education Program. He is also another wonderful Folkmanis creation. Romeo works mainly with the younger students and teaches them how to properly hold a puppy. He loves being able to work with the children. It also gives him the opportunity to spend more time with his big brother. Although new to the program, Romeo is already becoming extremely popular, and starting to get his own fan mail, just like Sebastian and the other cast members.

Lily, the Sheepdog
Puppet, Humane Education Program

Lily is a recent addition to the Humane Education program. Also a Folkmanis creation and award winner as well, Lily has just started her "sniffing" career. She has extra long hair and is especially known for her ability to make the kids giggle just a little bit more. Lily loves her work, and hopes to spend more of her time working in the program.

Abby, the Border Collie
Puppet, Humane Education Program

Abby, a Border Collie, and Folkmanis alumnus, is also a recent addition to the Humane Education program. Though a little smaller than her puppet counterparts, Abby can sniff with the best of them. She especially likes working with the smaller children, since they are closer to her size. Abby is grateful for this opportunity to join Sebastian, Zoe, and Lily in teaching the children not only being safe with dogs, but kindness to all living things.