Kathrine Paterson: Co-founder and board member

Because of Kathrine's work schedule she is dubbed everybody's "aunt". Here she is embracing Hazel a fostered rabbit from "Ontario Rabbit Rescue". She is also an "adoptive aunt" to Illa and Rave.

It was Kathrine's experience volunteering for a local animal advocacy group that alerted her to the fact that very few people know about the many adoptable animals in pounds and shelters in out-of-the way places with little chance for adoption.

She has volunteered extensively at Animal Alliance of Canada, Toronto Animal Rights Society, and the Toronto Vegetarian Assoc. and she wanted to do something substantial for the thousands of anonymous animals whose fate she came face-to-face with in her expedition to that rural animal shelter under investigation.

Anne Gibson: Co-founder and Board member

As co-founder the Toronto Coalition For Anticruelty Legislation Anne was faced with the reality that the Senate has indefinitely stalled Canada's only, progressive animal cruelty bill. When her 16 yr. Old GSD (right) passed away, Anne felt a void both politically and personally and was looking for some way contribute to the devastating over-population of domestic and human-dependant animals in Canada.Adopt An Animal Canada seemed like the perfect way to do that.Both the dogs pictured here have passed away now, but she still lives with 2 dogs and 4 cats.

John Mathews: Board Member

John developed the first incarnation of our database and, as such, contributed the greatest number of entries. He has been with us from our first meeting that hammered out what Adopt An Animal Canada would eventually look like. His past work with non-profit organizations has helped tremendously as we attempt to grow into a effective resource that seeks to affect real change in the attitudes and actions of people towards ALL animals. Neoka, a rescued greyhound, is never far from John or his children.

Elsa Barrote: Board Member

Elsa has always wanted to do something concrete to help animals of all kinds. Now, she is on the Board for Adopt she has plenty to do throughout the year as one of our premier spokespeople. Elsa's 'people skills' are very important at various shows we attend spreading the word and convincing people to adopt rather than buy. In the past she volunteered with the Toronto Coalition for Anticruelty Legislation , Animal Alliance of Canada and Friends of Animals in a variety of capacities. As well, she has volunteered with and adopted from the local Dachshund Rescue and rescued local rabbits.

Karen Hurley: Public Relations & Research

Karen is a student at Seneca College studying corporate communications. She graduated with a BA from University of Toronto in Political Science. She hopes to one day work in public relations in the non-profit sector. Karen fosters cats with the Toronto Cat rescue. She chose to work on this project because she was saddened by the fact that so many animals are being bred and sold at pet shops while there are already many animals who need homes.

Sandy Bahrich: Research

Sandy is shy, but her work is not. She has been tirelessly tackling the challenges of working with databases in hopes of affording the West Coast the broadest, most inclusive representation possible. Sandy came to the project from a Internet call for help in that region and she rose to the challenge, a little scared of her technical abilities--which have proven unfounded!

Lynda Anderson: Research & Midwest Rep

Lynda is our star in the mid-west. She jumped at the chance to help out after battling for stronger anticruelty legislation in Canada. She has been scouring the net, phone calling and networking to bring Adopt An Animal Canada into the public spotlight. Lynda says her furry friend, "Licker" rules her kindly but was not happy about being woken up to have her picture taken. Lynda's hard work and support have helped out much more than even she realizes. One day we hope to have reps all across the country just like her!

Alison Gianotto: Web Development

Alison is the founder/director of Pet-Abuse.Com and has written several technology books about application and database design. She has been in the web development industry for almost a decade and she loves using her programming and database skills to help animals. To see more of Alison's work, visit www.phpchick.com

Blair Fiset: Graphics Assistance

Blair has over 10 years experience working with various graphics programs and has been part of this project since its inception helping us design the logo and working on the Flash slideshow. He is seen here with "Roxy" from the Toronto Humane Society. For more of Blair's work go to www.emanate.ca