Our Team
Janine C. Heizler, Board of Directors, Founder
Animals have always been a big part of Janine’s life. She grew up with cats, dogs, birds, fish, lizards, chickens and playing on the neighbor’s farm in Northern NJ. If there was an injured animal or a stray in her path, it always managed to find its way home with Janine. A purebred cat enthusiast, she showed and bred Silver Tabby American Shorthairs starting in her early teens but put things on ‘hold’ as she headed off to college. Sort of a ‘stray’ herself, she had a natural ability for Art and later earned a degree in business management, with current endeavors in Graphic Design & Illustration. A sun worshipper and organic gardener, she lived on the East Coast of Florida for many years before moving to Vermont. She is an ordained non-denominational Minister, and participates in Bible study, enjoys cooking, baking, museums, and outings with her two personal assistants, Heidi and Zave.
Jeffrey S. Cervone, Board of Directors
Jeffrey has always had a life-long love for animals, particularly ones in need. Although he is fond of all dogs, he has a particularly soft spot in his heart for Pugs and made a ‘best buddy’ of one that he named ‘Carlisle’. He has enjoyed nothing more then their long walks together, out and about town in NJ. Although trained as a hair stylist in NYC and previous owner of his own salon, he held positions at both AT&T and Fisher Price Toys as an Executive Assistant. Currently, he works in special education providing tutelage and supervision to children with unique needs. Jeffrey has a passion for cooking and baking, traveling, theatre, interior decorating, growing organic sauce tomatoes, and helping homeless animals in need. Always willing to lend a hand and help in any way he can, Jeffrey currently resides in NY.
Margaret J. Wilkinson, Board of Directors
Margaret grew up with all types of animals and has always had a pet by her side. She has fond memories of her black & white pet piglet, her bathing it in the basement sink and spraying it with perfume to ‘make it smell nice’! Later in life she had a cocker spaniel, Taffy(pictured above) and there’s been many kitties throughout the years as well. There’s nothing more comforting to Margaret then a purring, kneading cat all curled up on her lap while she’s watching TV in the evening! Margaret is a great help to us by helping to care for the animals here providing lots of time and attention. She also is a great asset with administrative functions and other every day activities & fundraisers!
Zave- Official Mascot
Zave , the long-haired Chihuahua is a special asset to the welfare group. He tests new toys, tastes different treats, foods and dog bones! He tries out different dog beds for comfiness, wears new sweaters and clothing to test for warmth & comfort and takes rides in the car to run errands! Zave arrived sick and malnourished, as a puppy mill rescue. He received all the care that he needed and he’s a very happy, roly-poly, care-free pup! He is a valuable and much loved asset to the team!
Frank D. Heizler, Photo contributor
An avid photographer in his spare time, Frank has generously contributed the beautiful photographs of his beloved dog, Greta. The Logo design was created with the use of his photographic expertise, in addition to other pictures. He finds photography a relaxing hobby and often enjoys scenic hikes to capture the beautiful landscape scenes and wildlife shots that are parts of his collection. A contributor from time to time, we look forward to all of his portraits where he so adeptly captures the true spirit of his subject!
Heidi Sophia Carmelita- Chief Security Officer
Here she comes ! …a pint sized package of super sweet, sometimes feisty, always ‘nosey’, ball of floof that has to be in the middle of everything! This long-haired Chihuahua girl, is true to her breed characteristics as being the “….tiny dog with a big heart.” Heidi does everything in a big way, from guarding the property to loving you with all her heart! She came here as a puppy of just 10 weeks old, and became Greta’s adopted daughter for her remaining days.
Precious Portia Esmerelda (in memorium)
Precious joined the team in October 2022, coming in as a rescue from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter on Long Island, NY. She was a senior lady, medical listed, at 13 years old- British mix girl. She was very arthritic, deaf in one ear and visually impaired but her gentle soul and warm, brown eyes, captured our hearts. She was microchipped and her past owner contacted, but they never showed up to reclaim her. She was heartbroken, as she had been with them since a puppy, and we were heartbroken to think that she would pass away in a shelter. She was a blessing here, and her remaining days were happily filled with constant attention and everything that a dog could want. And every day, as I sit at my desk, I fondly gaze at her urn and think back to the days when this gentlest of dogs filled a very special place in my heart.