About

My love for animals runs deep. I have always felt that I was a kindred spirit to all of the fuzzy, slimy, and feathered friends who share this world with us. I have taken a lot of berating in my life for catching and releasing various indoor bugs and spiders to the outdoors!

I feel Barn Stars is a natural culmination of my life in which I have owned 11 dogs, 14 cats, multiple tropical fish, a hermit crab, two chameleons, two turtles, and a pollywog (and, ultimately, a frog)! Never have I had to rehome an animal — once I’ve taken them in, they are family, for better or worse.

My wife, Danelle, and I have invited three of our favorite animal-loving friends to join us on our journey, and we are excited to see where this road takes us. Our main goal is to have fun with this project while rescuing a few funny little critters along the way.

Favorite ’70s Animal Jam

“Bungle in the Jungle” by Jethro Tull

While I’ve always been a huge animal lover, I was raised where animals were not necessarily forever members of the family and could be given away if life circumstances ever changed. Of course, these moments of needing to give up one of my best friends was very sad, but as a kid, you don’t have a lot of say in the matter.

That all changed when I met Greg, and we adopted our first dog, Noah. He was a 9-year-old Great Dane mix whose sweet demeanor and giving presence made me instantly fall in love with him. At the age of 10, he had to have a rear leg amputated. We did not even hesitate to go through with the surgery as he was still a vital member of our family and, as it turns out, still had lessons to teach me. After the extensive operation, we were told he might be depressed, and anxious, and he might not ever be the same dog again.

How wrong they were! Even the day we brought him home from the hospital, Noah was the same happy-go-lucky dog he had always been, and he didn’t seem bothered by the fact that he needed a human and a harness to walk.

Danelle and Noah

Every day was another beautiful day to him and another day to bring happiness to all of us around him. Noah blessed us with one more year before dementia got to him, but every day, he taught me that life is good and family is all. He was my inspiration in giving animals in need forever homes.

Favorite ’70s Animal Jam

“Fox on the Run” by Sweet

I am a passionate advocate for animal welfare and a proud member of the Barn Stars Animal Rescue team. As someone who has always had a deep love for animals, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this extraordinary organization that focuses on rescuing and providing sanctuary for farm animals.

My journey with Barn Stars began after working for more than five years at Greg’s dental office, where I witnessed firsthand his and Danelle’s genuine care and compassion for animals (and people too, of course). This shared connection, coupled with my unwavering dedication to animal welfare, led me to join the esteemed Board of Barn Stars. I was chosen for this role based on my commitment to the cause and the unique strengths I bring to the table.

One of my absolute favorite things about Barn Stars is the opportunity to interact with the silly goats. Their playful and mischievous nature never fails to bring a smile to my face. It’s these moments that reaffirm my passion for the organization’s mission. I am driven by a deep desire to create a better world for farm animals and the communities they inhabit. Together with Greg, Danelle, and the rest of the Board, I share a vision of transforming the lives of these animals and promoting their well-being.

Through my story, I hope to inspire others to support Barn Stars Animal Rescue. With my expertise, unwavering commitment, and boundless love for animals, I am determined to lead the organization toward a brighter future, where every farm animal receives the love, care, and sanctuary they deserve.

Favorite ’70s Animal Jam

“Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin

I met Greg 24 years ago through a mutual friend and was immediately drawn to his wit and sense of fun. Plus, he was Dad to the cutest pair of Pomeranians! Greg introduced me to Danelle 15 years ago, and we became fast friends — Danelle is such a kind soul. Observing the selfless giving and work that Greg and Danelle have done over the past several years for their rescue goats, alpacas, chickens, dogs, and cats is inspiring and praise-worthy.

Over my lifetime, I have enjoyed the companionship of 26 animals, 22 of which were rescued. All of these beautiful creatures gave me unconditional love just because I took them home. So many more animals are in need of care, a voice, or a home, and I feel the need to help them in whatever way I can. Serving on the Board of Barn Stars gives me that opportunity on a grander scale than I could possibly do alone.

Favorite ’70s Animal Jam

“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Hi y’all! I am a friend and neighbor to Greg and Danelle. I said y’all because honestly, that’s what it feels like to be part of their world. A place where all y’all are always welcome, human or animal. We love taking our grandchildren to visit the animals, and the joy they express is truly how I feel about Barn Stars. It’s a special place, and I know the animals feel it too.

My life has been full of animals from the start. Strays or gifts, cats or dogs. They came in and never left. As I became a mom, those pets expanded to Guinea pigs no longer needed by school teachers, hamsters, rats, and even a snake. Currently, we have a mini-Australian Shepherd that a family member could no longer care for, along with seven goldfish we literally rescued out of a drainage ditch two years ago. (Still have no idea what they were doing there!) We call them The Choir. They keep growing, so we keep expanding the size of their tank.

If you are looking for an animal rescue organization where you know the focus is truly loving the animals “as is” and gifting them a home, Barn Stars is the place.

Favorite ’70s Animal Jam

“Horse With No Name” by America