Kelly Altazin with
Bitsy, the Cocker Spaniel Mix. Kelly works from home for a tech company based in San Francisco. Kelly also volunteers with ARNO doing home visits. Bitsy is very social as she attends Baby Cakes games, pet stores, bars and City Bark.
Marna Brigtsen with
Bella, the Yellow Lab. Marna and her husband are the owners of Brigtsen's Restaurant, celebrating 32 years. Marna also enjoys gardening. Bella attended Connie Back's Obedience Course and goes anywhere and everywhere with Marna from the restaurant to the beach to pet stores.
Catherine Cowart with
Esther, the Mini-Dachshund. Catherine is the owner of her own CPA firm called Carrollton Accounting LLC. Catherine also writes/sing music. Esther has completed beginner, intermediate and advanced training classes. She also can bow, shake each paw and give a high five.
Ashley Dunlop with
Elijah and
Abbigale, the Persian Cats. Ashley is employed with the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center and is also involved with the Covington Probation & Parole Office. Elijah and Abbigale are very laid back and as Ashley said, "They can nap for 23 hours out of the day."
Jenny Galpin with
Jovi, the Boxer. Jenny is a retired teacher of youngsters at Sacred Heart and also a retired nurse. Jenny is a supporter of La Boxer Rescue. Jovi completed Basic Obedience and Training with Connie Back and loves to be petted.
Caroline Gilly with
Gracie, the Maltipoo. Caroline has lived in North Carolina the past 22 years and moved back to New Orleans almost 2 years ago. Caroline's husband is retired and her children are grown and on their own. Gracie loves her neighbors and neighborhood walks.
Brittany Lehmann with
Mindy, the Black Lab Mix. Brittany is a full-time student at Loyola and also a biology tutor in the Student Success Center. Brittany is also a volunteer/intern at Ochsner in the acute PT Department. Mindy enjoys pet events, meeting people and loves to swim.
Michelle Lesslie with
Maggie, the Labrador Retriever Mix.
Michelle works at Milnor in the Technical Publications Department. Michelle also volunteers with La. Boxer Rescue as a foster mom. She also helped create and organizes each year their big fundraiser, Boxers, Brew & BBQ. Michelle is also involved in their food, donations and supply drives. Maggie attended Connie Back's classes, enjoys attending La. Boxer Rescue events and any dog events.
Tricia Loupe with
Charlie, the Pekingese. Tricia is employed with Hancock Whitney Bank and also works with the Board of Directors and Management. Charlie loves going for daily walks and going to the park.
Pamela Pulsifer with
Joe, the Yellow Lab. Pamela is a receptionist for a law firm that handles contractual cases between physicians seeking to join or leave practices and hospital situations. Pamela has successfully on her own been visiting St. Frances Villa Assisted Living with Joe. Joe interacts well with residents at St. Frances. Of interest, after an hour he picks up his leash with his mouth as a sign of 'it's time to go'.
Jeanne Saucer with
Larry, the Lab/Hound Mix. Jeanne has been a special education teacher for the past 25 years. Jeanne is also familiar with a nursing home setting as she previously was a volunteer many years ago and also visiting a family member. Larry loves to be around people and responds to the commands of sit, stay and lay down.
Alison Soileau and
Cassidy Soileau (MIT) with
Dixon, the Greyhound. Alison is a former member of VPP and has returned with her daughter Cassidy. Alison celebrated her 20th anniversary with Ochsner Health System this year. Cassidy, a Member In Training, is starting high school this year and as she said, she is joining VPP "Because I think it's a good thing to do." Dixon enjoys his walks and the park but especially camping with the family.
Marcia Stubbs with
Louie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Marcia worked in finance positions prior to her retirement. Marcia operates a B&B and also teaches piano to several neighborhood children. Louie is familiar with wheelchairs and a nursing home environment from visiting a family member. Louie is also a regular at the Old Point Bar near his home.
Pamela Taquino with
Lady, the Boxer. Pamela has been a Human Resource Manager for 15 years. Pamela is also involved with Jefferson SPCA and pet adoptions. Lady attended Novice Obedience Training with Connie Back several years ago. Lady also enjoys walks and visiting dog parks.
VPP Members with an Additional Pet
Suzanne Christensen with
Tallulah, the Golden Retriever. Suzanne is an active member of the VPP with her dog, Harper Lee. Suzanne is also involved in our Reading to Rover Program and visiting at Children's Hospital. Tallulah loves walking on Magazine Street, going to restaurants and staying at hotels.
Kevin Hand and
Tito, the Chihuahua/Dachshund Mix. Kevin is a board member/Treasurer of VPP as well as a CPA. Kevin has three, four-legged children. Kevin's dog Hercules is retired from VPP. Tito enjoys meeting people and going to the dog park.
Fay Schultz with
Lil Bit, the Chihuahua/Terrier Mix. Fay is a board member of VPP, has had several dogs in the program and is the coordinator for our Reading To Rover Program. Fay also volunteers at Ochsner with the hospital's pet therapy program. Lil Bit is familiar with the environment of a nursing home, enjoys people and loves to go to Petco.
Terry & Jeff Stadler with
Lucy, the Pug. Terry and Jeff have been active members in VPP for three years and volunteer at events such as our orientations and evaluations. Terry works at Ochsner Baptist in NICU as an Enteral Nutrition Tech. Jeff works for the Marine Corps as a Housing Director. Lucy loves to go on walks and meet people.
Monica Stephens with
Frankie the Schnauzer Mix. Monica has been a member since 1999 and has had 5 dogs, both big and small in the program. Monica is employed with Beads by the Dozen in Accounts Receivable. Monica is also a pet-sitter. Frankie enjoys pet festivals, shopping at pet stores and going to bars, drinking water only.
