Joan has had dogs her entire life. Mostly large dogs. In 2001 she decided to try a small breed and got her first Chihuahua, Spike. He proved to be such a delight that she decided to get another Chi, Macy. Thereafter Joan learned that Chihuahuas were one of the most often breeds killed in overcrowded U.S.shelters/ac facilities. This fact and her love for her own Chis compelled her to seek another Chihuahua from a rescue. In 2005 she found her “Petey” on the internet. Joan met with the Southeast Coordinator Carla Johnson and many of the rescued Chis that she had. Joan decided to adopt Petey, rescued from a “backyard breeder”. Petey had been born with a congenital front leg deformity. A few years later Joan was fortunate to also adopt from CRT, Wiggles, Petey’s brother/littermate who had bilateral front leg deformities. With strong ties, appreciation, and admiration for Chihuahua Rescue & Transport and their Southeast Coordinator Joan started volunteering in that region. In September 2012 Joan was elected to the Board of Directors as Secretary.
Joan graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Nursing. After her two sons graduated from college she retired from Nursing to help her husband move his business from the Midwest to Richmond, Va. She is currently COO of that retail corporation.
