DIANA TOWNSEND

PRESIDENT

I am the founder and current President on the "Safe Place for Animals" (SPA) Board of Directors. I have been involved in animal care and rescue for 20 years in Sumner County after I read an ad in the paper that said "Volunteers Needed." Little did I know when I first started volunteering at the local Humane Society that it would become my passion in life even though I have always loved animals. At that time I didn't realize the cruelty and neglect animals endure on a daily basis, even in shelters that are suppose to protect them and provide a safe refuge. Many shelters are inadequately staffed, poorly funded and working out of dilapidated buildings that sometimes cannot even provide the most basic care. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of animals, who through no fault of their own have become orphaned, SPA has been created.

I am working with some of the same dedicated volunteers who have taught me everything I know about working with animals and how to properly run an animal shelter some twenty years ago. We are very excited to have some great volunteers to add to our new group who will be instrumental in helping us to achieve our goals. I share my home with Shelby (10 year old yellow Lab seen above), Katie we are not sure what breed mix she is but time will tell.), Tripod (an abandoned 1 year old three legged black lab) and Boomer (1 year old chocolate lab seen below). I recently lost my Andy (10 1/2 year old Great Dane seen in picture above) to old age. He is missed very much! I am so blessed to have a very loving and patient husband, Tracy, who supports me and the additions to our family.

I am personally grateful for your interest in SPA!

Diana A. Townsend