CIARA LISTER - & Tuna
Tell us about your pet?
Tuna is a three-year-old beagle mix.
Was your pet a rescue or shelter animal? How did you and your pet find each other?
Tuna was living in a backyard in a small town outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Before I bought her from her prior owners she had never been inside. I would have to drive past her yard every Friday to deliver documents to a satellite office. One morning the owners were outside so I stopped, offered them $150 and Tuna has been with me ever since. Two weeks later we drove to Naples, where we now live with our cat Hopsin.
How has your pet positively impacted your life, your routine, your mental health, your environment?
Tuna is the lead Paralegal for Lister Law, PA. Having a virtual law office was lonely, but now I have a walking partner, someone to lunch with and a colleague who never gets bored of napping next to my desk.
If you had the opportunity, would you be a shelter animal's forever home? If so, what advice could you give others to encourage them to adopt animals that are in need of homes?
I have always grown up in a house full of rescue dogs. My parents rescued rottweilers and bloodhounds who failed out of police school. I will always try to give a pet in need a home, rather than buy. My advice is: have patience and imagine what it would be like to go live with strangers whose language you don’t speak.
ALANNA MOREY - & Wrigley Jo
Tell us about your pet.
Wrigley Jo, 3 years old, Golden Retriever.
Was your pet a rescue or shelter animal? How did you and your pet find each other?
Wrigley is not a rescue or shelter animal. I grew up without ever having pets--my husband (thankfully!) convinced me to adopt our first dog, Wrigley in 2021, from a family near Daytona Beach.
How has your pet positively impacted your life?
Wrigley is such a fun, loving and positive light in my life and because of her, I’ve been inspired to get more involved in our Naples community. I’d never had a dog before Wrigley, so I decided to enroll Wrigley and me in training classes. Wrigley was a star student at obedience class and she became a Certified Therapy Dog. We regularly volunteer in the Naples community, including every other week at Valerie’s House. Wrigley also inspired me to become a volunteer with our local animal shelter, Domestic Animal Services.
If you had the opportunity, would you be a shelter animal's forever home? and if so, What advice could you give others to encourage them to adopt animals that are in need of homes?
Absolutely! Since I began volunteering at our local shelter, I’ve seen firsthand the need there is for volunteers, fosters and adopters in our community. I encourage everyone to visit your local shelter to experience this need, but also to see the love these dogs have to give. There are so many amazing dogs that—through no fault of their own—are now homeless and need our help. I encourage anyone to get involved at whatever level they are comfortable with—whether volunteering a few days per month or giving an animal their forever home.
EDNA SEYMOUR - & Gary
Tell us about your pet.
Gary is 9 years old and a Pitbull/Coonhound mix.
Was your pet a rescue or shelter animal? How did you and your pet find each other?
Rescue. I’m a veterinarian and was volunteering with the Humane Society of Naples during Hurricane Ian. We were helping so many animals during that time but Gary won me over because he was so gentle and sweet! After my wonderful experience helping the Humane Society, I now work there!
How has your pet positively impacted your life?
Gary has made my life whole. My husband, Matt, is the CEO of BarkBox and we weren’t sure that we were ready for another dog after our Great Dane, Hugo passed away. Gary helped us to realize that we could love again. Now we are welcoming a new baby boy and are excited for Gary to be a big brother!
If you had the opportunity, would you be a shelter animal's forever home? and if so, What advice could you give others to encourage them to adopt animals that are in need of homes?
Love that you are asking this question! I currently foster a dog from the shelter one week every month. It really helps to get them out of the shelter environment and to understand their personality in a home setting. The Humane Society of Naples also offers an amazing program called Rescue Recess where you can take dogs out for day trips (ex. Baker P-ark, coffee shop, etc). I would highly recommend to everyone to at least try it once! It really helps the dogs to get out for a few hours, similar to us going on a vacation!
JESSICA CIFARELLI - & Koko
Tell us about your pet.
My pet’s name is Koko, she is a long haired miniature dachshund and is a little over 1.5 years old.
Was your pet a rescue or shelter animal? How did you and your pet find each other?
Koko is not a rescue in the traditional sense, but she was rescued from a life of living with a college student at FSU. We got Koko when she was just a few months old with the intention that she would accompany our daughter to college. However, circumstances changed (It’s a long story, but a true “dad didn’t want the dog” scenario), and Koko ended up staying with us instead. She quickly became a beloved member of our family, and we couldn't imagine life without her now.
How has your pet positively impacted your life?
Koko has had a tremendously positive impact on our lives. Her intelligence and vibrant personality inject joy and companionship into our daily routines. Mentally, Koko is a source of unconditional love, comfort and stress relief. She keeps us laughing with her sassy attitude and playful antics. In terms of our environment, Koko has enriched our home with her presence and increased our home security with her affinity for barking. She keeps us active with walks, playtime, and trips to the dog park, but her favorite activity is napping close to one or her people. Overall, Koko's presence has been transformative and taught us a true appreciation for the dachshund breed. She’s not just a pet but a cherished companion who has made our lives brighter and more fulfilling since joining our family.
If you had the opportunity, would you be a shelter animal's forever home?
Absolutely, we have been a forever home to shelter animals over the years. Adopting a shelter animal is not only rewarding for the pet but also for the adopter. Adopting a shelter animal is a compassionate choice that not only enriches your life but also improves the lives of animals in need. It's a decision that embodies kindness, responsibility, and the joy of giving a deserving pet a second chance at happiness.
JESSICA YOUNG - & Hank
Tell us about your pet.
I have three pets, all rescues. Ashton (cat), Ollie, a super mutt but mostly pitbull, Hank, a chihuahua dachshund mix
Hank was found malnourished under a trailer in Georgia covered in fleas. Ollie was rescued from the border of Mexico from the streets.
If you had the opportunity, would you be a shelter animal's forever home?
My journey with my rescues has been absolutely life-altering. There is no greater feeling than knowing that you can change this little being's life. Take them out of the shelter and show them what it’s like to be loved, to feel safe, to know where they are getting every meal. In return, you will get the most loving and loyal dogs. I know there are always going to be people who buy their pets, but if you ever get to experience the love of a shelter or rescue pet, it will change your life in so many ways. If you are looking for that specialty breed please be sure to check local and national shelters because oftentimes they have purebred dogs and cats that have been discarded and unwanted, looking for their loving home.
This year I was able to start my own nonprofit organization called Wags to Wishes. Dr. Edna May and I created this foundation. What we noticed in our community is that we have a lot of wealthy people in our city, but they aren’t the type of people who want to adopt some of the pit bulls and other less desirable animals at our shelters. But the people who would adopt those animals are typically low-income families. So with Wags to Wishes, we will be giving the families that want to adopt a chance to. We will be sponsoring the pet throughout its entire life, ensuring it has adequate enrichment, proper food and diet, and of course any and all veterinary care that is needed.
ALEXANDRIA QUILLEN -- & Dawkins
Tell us about your pet.
Dawkins Angelo, 3 years old, Goldendoodle, and self-proclaimed steak aficionado!
Was your pet a rescue or shelter animal?
Dawkins actually was a Craigslist pup from Panama City. I don’t know how I got onto that city’s Craigslist, but I’ll never forget: the “for sale” pic was him sitting in front of a Christmas Tree, I messaged the owner of the ad at midnight, trying to ensure that he was mine! She texted me the next day that someone had already claimed him and she doesn’t know how I saw the ad because she took it down right away. But, if they backed out, would I still be interested. She texted me 3 hours later that they changed their mind. I didn’t even know how much they were selling him for at that point. I just knew it was love at first sight! Two weeks later, I took a flight to Panama City and then Dawkins and I drove back to Naples together. Best Craigslist purchase EVER.
How has your pet positively impacted your life?
Dawkins has given me unconditional love in some of the toughest times of my life such as Hurricane Ian, losing my job, failed relationships, the passing of my grandmother. As a young, single woman, he’s given me a sense of responsibility - I want to make sure he’s living the happiest, most content life because of the peace he’s brought into mine. I have been sober for almost two years and having such a positive, goofy dog to be responsible for has allowed me to feel a fulfillment I didn’t know was missing in my life.
If you had the opportunity, would you be a shelter animal's forever home?
Dawkins LOVES other dogs. Unfortunately for them, he is always ready for play time. I would love to be able to adopt down the line, but currently I live in a small apartment. But, manifesting lots of land, so that the dogs can roam free is definitely a daily routine!
KOTE TOMASSETTI - Mr. Spike Peeps Pasquale Tomassetti
Tell us about your pet.
Mr. Spike Peeps Pasquale Tomassetti (yes, this is written on his dog tag). We call him Mr. Spike for short. He is a 3 1/2 year old Dachshund but we feel he is part human!
Was your pet a rescue or shelter animal?
Spike was not a rescue animal. We had a couple come visit us from up north and at the last minute they asked if they could bring their dog. Turned out to be a Dachshund. A week after they left we found ourselves randomly walking by a pet shop in North Naples. We casually asked if they had any Dachshunds: "YES", We then asked Miniature? "yes" We took Mr. Spike Peeps Pasquale Tomassetti home.
How has your pet positively impacted your life?
Prior to having Mr. Spike in our life, we thought "Dog People" were a bit strange. I can report that we are the strangest now! We are rarely without Spike. We even took him to Italy with us. He is absolutely an integral part of our life. He has brought so much happiness and joy into our lives it's incalculable.
If you had the opportunity, would you be a shelter animal's forever home?
We travel quite a bit and Mr. Spike being a miniature makes this super easy. We'd love to get him a brother or sister however with our travel it would not be possible.
Regarding adoption, having such a loving pet has transformed our lives. He's either sleeping next to us or following us around the house. The level of joy we get from him and the deep deep bond we have with him makes me wonder how we could have ever got along without him. I'd highly recommend adopting a pet and promise you the joy will outweigh any additional responsibility.
LISA CORMIER -- & Maizy
Tell us about your pet.
Maizy is a 7-month-old female medium Bernedoodle.
Was your pet a rescue or shelter animal?
Maizy was acquired via a local breeder on Marco Island, Golden Coast Bernedoodles. She loves going back there for playdates and overnights with her pup “mom” and “dad"! The owners, Jillian and Kai Ottaway, have been an invaluable resource throughout the journey prior to bringing Maizy home and beyond. They have such respect for the breed, and take the greatest care with their own pups Raya (mom) and Loki (dad). I'm indebted to them for the support and caring nature they've demonstrated in all aspects of what they do.
How has your pet positively impacted your life?
Maizy has turned my world upside down in the best way possible. Working from home, she’s been an absolute joy and constant companion for me. I can't underscore enough how animal companionship has changed my life for the better. I've also had an incredibly positive experience taking her through professional training here in Naples, even expanding my social network through other puppy parents. When I think about my life pre-Maizy, it's hard to even comprehend life without her.
CAROLYNNE HARVEY - & Petunia
Petunia is a 5-year-old Great Dane and was rescued from Great Dane Rescue of South Florida. She was rescued while pregnant, delivered her puppies on the rescue ranch and all her puppies were adopted. We are in contact with all of the families of her adopted puppies and share pictures weekly. As a single Mom with a 12-year-old daughter, she begged me for a large dog. I wanted a dog to help protect us but never realized how special of an addition to our family and community she’d become. She’s known as the people's dog around town. Her big goofy personality brightens the day of everyone she comes in contact with.
TINA HALLETT - & Kiki
Kiki is a rescue dog, who was initially being sold on the street for dog fighting. She is my angel dog! She was brought to me to bring love and peace. Before I found her, I was trying to convince my niece to let me have her dog, hoping for a companionship just the way she had with her dog. During my meditation earlier that week, I manifested having a best friend like my niece's dog one day. I was feeling very lost and confused and she has completely changed my life and my family's lives forever.
JESSICA ZAZO - & Ainsley
Ainsley is our rescue. We are not sure of her prior life, although unfortunately, we are confident she was abused. Her fur-brother Dutton came from a local Naples breeder, who we highly recommend, and gives her lots of love and kisses.
Ainsley reminds us every day of the importance of having empathy for others! We never know what struggles people are dealing with, whether it be health-related or something else. Dutton is such a happy boy and instantly puts a smile on our faces when we walk through the door. They both truly light up our world, and of course, get us to spend more time outdoors in beautiful Naples and Napa! They love to tag along on a bike ride.