Meet Donna Shelby | Nurse and animal lover voice for the helpless

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donna Shelby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been an animal lover for my entire life, during my childhood my father was afraid of dogs, so I was never able to explore that when I was younger, however as soon as I was financially able I adopted a dog, then another, then another etc. I quickly saw the need in the animal welfare community, I volunteered at several shelters, and I saw the need was really to focus on senior and geriatric dogs, I called the dogs that I bring into my organization “the discarded ones“. These are the ones that other rescue organizations are generally speaking, not interested in helping, they are usually end of life or have serious medical or behavioral issues that would require intervention. Once I saw they need, I knew that was going to be my niche and it has been since 2014.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My profession is healthcare I’ve been a registered nurse for over 32 years, I practiced in multiple areas of healthcare however I’ve always tried to select a work environment that serves the underserved. Many of my employment rules over the past 30 years have been with low income underserved patients and families, having started my career right out of nursing school, working on a floor that focused on HIV and aids. This was before they were treatments available that were affective, it was a very challenging time in my career having bid farewell to many patients over inconsequential illnesses, that their bodies could not fight. However that rule laid the groundwork for the rest of my career and the rest of my life. I always try to meet people where they’re at, within my profession, I meet my patients where they’re at and help them attain a higher level of health. This is no different than the kind of work I do with my animal rescue organization, I meet the animals where they’re at and love them where they’re at whether they’re at end of life or they need major medical assistance to get to a higher level of health. And my current role as a registered nurse I work in the pharmaceutical industry as an educator focusing on rare disease, it brings me much joy to be able to utilize all the knowledge I have gained over the past 30 years, to assist my patients in living a healthy productive life even in the midst of chronic illness

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, if my best friend was visiting the Chicago metropolitan area I would help them experience some of the iconic landmarks and places within my town. The lakefront is absolutely stunning and stellar no matter where you go, However Oak St., Beach is a place that many people are drawn to so we probably spend some time at the beach, we might head to Gino’s East for some Chicago style deep dish pizza! I might take them to one of our favorite jazz clubs the Green Mill Lounge. Then I might take them for a leisurely walk along the hiking trail behind my house called Wauponsee Glacial Trail where we would surely see a Plethora of wildlife!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Truly, the time that I was allowed to volunteer with some very amazing shelters and organizations, laid the groundwork for the work I do. First of all, PAWS Chicago was the first shelter I volunteered at, I was allowed to work with the animals in the medical department, this is where I developed a love for the complicated dogs. Second would be Safe Humane Chicago, This is where I fell in love with the underserved dogs out of the city of Chicago. Additionally Chicago Animal care and control is a place I currently call my second home, this is where I spend how much of my free time caring for and working with the many dogs to find them self homeless at the city of Chicago shelter.

Website: https://www.alllifeisvaluable.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllLifeIsValuableNFP/