Influence Positively Interview - Sherri Franklin
I am the founder of Muttville, a senior dog rescue in San Francisco, we rescue dogs slated for euthanasia all over CA, we are the call or last resort for many of these dogs. We offer vet care, grooming and find them homes. We were founded in 2007 and have saved over 825 senior dogs. We run a program matching senior humans with senior citizens, which has become very successful, it's been a win-win for the dogs and the humans. I was also on the SF Animal Control and Welfare Commission where I wrote an ordinance that spells out minimum requirements for dogs that live outside. Dogs are my passion, especially senior dogs abandoned in their golden years.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Really? Laying in bed at night with 5 or 6 rescued dogs to keep me warm, knowing that some of them have never even been allowed in a house before. The way they look at me as I read a book, it's peaceful, calm, their soulful eyes letting you know their gratitude.
If you could come back as a dog or a cat, which one would it be and why? A dog, one of mine or one of my volunteer's dogs. I would not like to come back as a dog that lives on a chain, or lives its days in a shelter or puppy mill.
What is your pet’s most treasured possession? Me, coming home, I think.
Your proudest achievement so far? Starting Muttville, bringing the plight of senior dogs to the public's eye, being able to help the dogs that no one wanted, giving them great lives in their golden years.
Who are your heroes in real life? So many people that I think of as heroes.. Mike Arms, your last interviewee because he loves animals, makes me cry and has taught me that there is an art to saving lives. Rule # 1, market and make your adoptable dogs special and make the adopter feel special, too. Animals lives are worthy of being saved.