Humans

We have multiple humans caring for the cats and dogs. Unless stated otherwise, these humans can be found at the Pet Savers Shelter.

Ninna Lopez - Shelter Manager (Female)

I was born in the 60's at Bitburg Air Force Base, Germany, to an Air Force dad and a German mother. During my father's career, we lived in many places, including back and forth to Germany. My father retired at Barksdale AFB in 1974, and I graduated from Airline High School in 1981. In 1985, I met my husband, Jim (who, at the time, was active duty military) and together we had two children, Megan and Richard (pictured). Before coming to Pet Savers, I spent about 25 years in the escrow and title industry, which includes 10 years in Bossier City, working for a local attorney, and a good part of the rest, as AVP and Escrow Manager for First American Title in Phoenix, AZ. We were transferred back to Louisiana in 2002, where I worked as an independent contractor doing mobile notary signings for nationwide title companies.

In 2007, the real estate market plummeted and I decided to try to seek out a place to volunteer. I've always loved animals (especially dogs) and have always wanted to work with or around animals. As a no-kill shelter, Pet Savers was right up my alley. I, along with my son, Richard, started as volunteers. Within a few months, both of us became staff members and soon after, I became Shelter Manager. Eventually, I gave up my mobile notary business completely and devoted my entire life to Pet Savers. My son, Richard, continues to work at Pet Savers part-time and in between college. My loves are my cats, Max, 99, and Sporty; my dogs, Barney, Betty, Bam Bam, and Painter (and may he rest in peace, Blackey); my kids, Megan and Richard... and by the time you read this, my daughter will have given birth and I will be a grandmother of twin boys, Broderick and Brendan; my husband, Jim, who supports my passion of working at Pet Savers for little pay; my mother, who is my biggest fan and inspiration; my co-workers and who I consider my sisters, Ilona and Laura; and of course, Linda Shemwell, the Founder and President of Pet Savers, who, thanks to her, I can follow my dream of helping animals in need.

Updated 2011-04-29
ID# H3453

Laura L. Mitchell - Assistant Shelter Manager (Female)

I was born and raised in Northwest Louisiana. I'm a country girl at heart. I have three beautiful little girls that are the light of my life. I also have three beautiful canine children... Georgia (boxer, 3 yrs), Pierre (Chihuahua, 10 yrs), and Robin (Chihuahua, 10 yrs). I adopted Pierre and Robin from Pet Savers. I have an accounting degree from Louisiana Tech, but have put that on the shelf since joining Pet Savers. How I got to Pet Savers doesn't really matter to me. What matters is that I'm here. I started volunteering with Pet Savers in December 2009, and instantly fell in love with the shelter. In January, I was asked on as an employee and the rest is history. I love my job and cannot imagine ever doing anything else. I love each and every animal at the shelter and I work daily with three of the most wonderful women who have become my sisters. Not only did I find my passion and purpose in life when I found Pet Savers, but I found my home.

Updated 2011-04-29
ID# H3451

Ilona Stone-King - Staff Member (Female)

I'm the German girl at Pet Savers. I was born in Stuttgart, Germany on July 13, 1959. My first husband, a United States Marine, brought me to America 29 years ago. I have worked in several places, including Shriners Hospital for Children, where I was an orthotic seamstress.

I helped make the braces for the kids and stayed 12 years. After that, I joined the restaurant business, then moved on to Environmental Services, but never really found my calling. My husband and I got divorced, but I remained close to my three sons, Kurt, Tommy, and Adam. As a result we share a very close relationship to this day. A little dog, sick with parvo brought me to Pet Savers. Pet Savers helped and out of gratitude, I started volunteering.

Shortly thereafter, Pet Savers hired me on and I've been here for almost 2 years. To be part of a group of men and women who dedicate their lives to making things better for animals at the shelter completes my childhood dream. Thanks to Linda, who made all this possible by establishing Pet Savers. I have been married to my husband Tobby for 10 years and thank him for allowing me to leave the world behind to follow my passion to simply be with the dogs. My passions and loves are my sons, my daughter-in-law, Robyn, and grandson, Caleb, along with my dogs, Rocky and Bama, cats, BeeBee, Mama, Trooper, and Pixie; and may they rest in peace, Tiger, Red, and Shadow.

Updated 2011-04-29
ID# H3452

Richard Lopez - Staff member (Male)

Bio Coming Soon

Updated 2011-04-29
ID# H3451

Linda Shemwell - Founder / President (Female)

Pet Savers is my dream come true... something I wanted to do even as a child. We are the first no-kill shelter in northwest Louisiana. We received our 501(c)(3) non-profit status in April 2005 and I purchased the boarding kennel to use as a shelter in September 2007.

Luckily, Ninna, Laura and Ilona found us and have turned Pet Savers into a cleaner, more efficient. and better shelter.

What was my background for Pet Savers? Motivation only. I have a B.A. in English and Master's degree in Library Science... a career as a Librarian, then careers in sales with Xerox, Bausch and Lomb, then real estate. I'm a Shreveport native (Linda Trickett), but have lived in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. This is my retirement venture!

Please use our web site if you can, but if you need to reach me: 318 861-2020, 318 469-4499, (860 322-4033 in CT in the summer), or shemwell@comcast.net .

Updated 2011-04-29
ID# H3454