There is so much that goes into rescuing animals, especially within Dallas Pets Alive! While pets are always top of mind we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the commitment, support, and dedication of the two-legged members of the DPA! Family. While 2018 may be the Year of the Dog, we’ll be highlighting members of our Leadership Team, in addition to our monthly Pawesome Volunteers and Fosters, this year to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make our mission possible.
Meet Elina, DPA!’s Rescue Director. She is our voice at Dallas Animal Services and often the first DPA! contact a pet has with our organization. When a dog or cat hears from Elina, they know they are safe with us.
What does your role within DPA! involve? What do you oversee within the organization?
As Rescue Director, I am responsible for the Rescue Team, who are the boots on the ground at Dallas Animal Services – the shelter we rescue from. We are the first point of contact for most of the animals coming into Dallas Pets Alive, and I correspond with DAS to coordinate all of the animals that we save. I manage a team of roughly 20 volunteers who spend time at DAS evaluating the animals we network with our fosters, getting pictures and dog-testing them, and writing up reports so that we have the most thorough information possible about them. That’s the short version 🙂
What is your professional background?
After I completed my undergraduate degree I studied Publishing and have been working in that industry for over 5 years. I currently work for a children’s publisher called Barefoot Books, doing trade sales.
How long have you been involved with the organization?
I’ve been volunteering with DPA! for 5 years!
What drives you to dedicate your time to DPA!?
So many things! Lifesaving is very rewarding, and it’s what keeps me going on rough days. Knowing that so many of these animals literally wouldn’t be alive without DPA!, and being able to see them transform once out of the shelter and in a home is incredible. It’s also amazing to know that we’re changing people’s lives. I adopted my dog Lady from DPA! in 2014, and having her changed my life for the better. Knowing that we change lives with every adoption makes all the hard work worth it. Plus I get to work with incredibly dedicated and compassionate people. I love the DPA! family!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am an avid reader, and on average read about a book a week.
