I can remember at a very early age loving animals. My dad was very much like me and his love of animals was a constant reminder of how respectful we need to be of them. As a kid, I would shovel dead squirrels in the streets into shoe boxes and gave them funerals in our back yard. Every Christmas as a child, I would put a horse on my Xmas list, like the average person might put a million dollars. I never dreamed it would come true- but it did. At age 14, I did get my own horse- a beautiful Palomino called Trixie. She soon became lame, so my parents traded her in for a different horse I named Misty. I was heartbroken to lose Trixie, as their dream for me to ride and show was so very different than mine which was to have a pet. My greatest pleasure was to clean her stall, feed and water, and make sure she was tucked in at night. Through the course of my life I have had dogs, fish, guinea pigs, turtle,2 black angus, and cats. My kids even had a rat (UGH!) I believe that truly through your lifetime, animals bring out the best in people by giving such tremendous friendship and love.

I was born in Boston, MA, but spent most of my life in Connecticut. I grew up in Bethel, CT on 3 beautiful acres. I went to college after high school to Western Connecticut State for 2 years, then got married and raised my family. At age 30, I returned to college to get my degree in accounting- I love detail and enjoy working with numbers. I worked for several different companies before realizing there was a great need for small business accounting. I ventured on my own , and work for several small businesses every week. I have , in the past few years, narrowed my clients to 5 per week plus 3 consulting monthly to be able to spend more time with my grandchildren. I have 2 sons and 3 grandsons (Yes! All boys.) I live in Palmer, MA (right down the street from Blue Star) with my husband of 5 years and my 2 cats Sasha and Sabrina.

One of my passions has become gardening. My pride and joy is what I call my 3B Garden. I created in my backyard a beautiful landscaped garden that has plants that are strictly Bird, Bee and Butterfly friendly. I also added bluebird houses, birdbath, rocks , and bird feeders . It is so calming in the morning to listen to the birds talking to each other. I have a beautiful pair of cardinals that love to sing! My hummingbird feeder is nearby- love the little guys! I planted special trees around the garden so the babies have a place to land while practicing to fly, while also providing food for them. My chipmunk Chippy loves to sit on the birdbath and actually comes for food when I call him! He stashes his food in several underground homes in my gardens, and every spring I look forward to his arrival. Nature has amazing power for the inner soul.

I have been a member of HSUS for 20+ years, supporting their diligence in stopping animal cruelty- legally and otherwise. They have made huge strides just by awareness of what types of things are happening across the globe, from puppy mills to dog fighting. To spread the message of kindness to animals, the HSUS has a program where they do a special newsletter and fun pages for children. I adopted a classroom and have it sent to them. The future of our animals depends of educating our youth to be respectful and kind to living creatures. I have been involved with FIDELCO (the seeing eye dogs) for several years in their fundraising. It is so amazing to see an animal become the eyes of a human. I hope someday when I am not working, to become a foster mom to a Fidelco puppy and train one.

I wholeheartedly feel my mission is to be a voice for animals. I will continue to speak for them. I am so proud to be a part of Blue Star and the magical aura surrounding the horses. It is amazing to see them thrive in an environment that is safe, secure, loving and peaceful. We need to work towards helping all animals feel safe in their world and ours, for they have no voice…