Shannon studied abroad for a semester via the School for Field Studies spring of 1998 in a small fishing village of Mexico.  This semester opened her eyes to the complex balance of humans, animals and the ecosystem of the area. In the year 2000, after completing her undergraduate degree from Cornell University,  Shannon Dawkins (not yet Dr.) traveled back to the Baja Peninsula of Mexico to continue work with a shrimp aquaculture project. While there, her love and heart for animals had her taking in and supporting many of the strays roaming the streets. The smallest of these dogs was “Tiny”! Her time around the street dogs of these less developed communities with little resources  of Mexico motivated her to continue to follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian.   Shannon currently lives in Chattanooga TN and Anthony, NM.

Jim relocated from Southern Maine to the Chattanooga, Tennessee area in 2009. His favorite dog was Smokey, a chocolate lab who loved to go mountain biking and running. He would follow Jim anywhere. Jim is the proud dad of 3 children and an even prouder Papa to 5 grandchildren. He is owned by Dante (the coolest rescue cat) who orders him around on a daily basis. He loves running, biking, and working out in his spare time.

Aimee is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee and enjoys taking advantage of all of the beautiful outdoor spaces the Tennessee Valley offers. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a dog, and is currently mom to two year old rescue, Louie, who goes with her everywhere she is allowed to take him. Her life’s work is in the field of organizational development, where she helps people and organizations maximize their impact and accomplish their goals. Aimee enjoys cycling with friends and spending time with her family above all else. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the ALS Society of Indiana, and the Zotec Foundation.

Brad grew up in the Chattanooga area, where he not only had his own dogs but regularly welcomed neighbor’s dogs into his family’s house.  He currently is the proud dad of rescue, Louie, who is ridiculously cute, smart, sweet, and, in Brad’s opinion, pending official certification, the world’s fastest dog.  Brad enjoys running, cycling, and going on adventures with his wife and fellow Board member, Aimee.  He also has volunteered with McKamey Animal Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rotary, and the Chattanooga Track Club.  To help support Louie, Brad works as an attorney at Miller & Martin.

Diana is from Chihuahua, Mexico, residing in El Paso, TX since 2009. She is a Veterinarian graduated from the University of CD Juarez, an animal lover, regardless of the species, a retired Vet Tech from the City of El Paso Animal Services, and she loves volunteering with Compassion Copper Canyon.

Erin has served as the Assistant Dean of Graduate Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) since 2012, and has worked in higher education for the last 24 years. She is the proud mom of two wonderful girls - McKenna (a sophomore at UWM), and Shannon (a high school senior who will attend UWM next year). She loves to hike, do yoga, be outside, and to try new things. Her favorite dog in the world is her brother's dog, Sammy - she's the sweetest! 

Ruth is the mom of 3 amazing kids. She has always loved working with animals and advocating for their health and well being. She is grateful to be able to work with animals and all their humans that love them dearly. She is dedicated to help serve the borderland animals.