What do you do, when you aren’t reclaiming wildlife?
I really do live quite a full life, but I’ll try to keep it brief. For work, I’m an intellectual property attorney, specifically trademark and copyright. I work with artists, musicians, and writers to protect the works they have authored; and businesses to protect their trademark or what most of society calls their brand. A lot of the time I’m not in the office, I’m networking. I’m involved with various organizations, including Dade County Bar Association, Miami Dade Florida Association for Women’s Lawyers, ChamberSOUTH and Zoo Miami Wild Bunch. And even with all that, I manage to spend a healthy and fulfilling amount of quality time with my boyfriend, Gus, our two awesomely needy pups, Molly and Storm, and our families and friends. We love to eat, drink, travel, and learn together.
How long have you been interested in helping animals?
Since I can remember. I loved all kinds since I was a little girl: lizards, birds, fish, dogs, cats.
What’s your favorite animal and why?
My favorite animal is a Rhino. I was asked once as a kid what animal I would be, if I was an animal and I took the question very serious. Rhinos are misunderstood. People believe them to be dangerous when in fact they are gentle giants and rather vulnerable creatures. And yet they have this thick armor-like skin that “protects” them. I cried so much when I saw them for the first time in the wild on our first trip to South Africa in 2018.
What’s one animal fact you’ve learned on your most recent animal encounter?
On my recent tour of Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, I learned quite a lot about the Bongo. One interesting fact is they do not shed their horn, like for elk or reindeer with their antlers. Bongo keep their horn throughout their entire lives.
What’s your spirit animal?
I’d have to say my Chiweenie, Molly. She’s stalky, tough, and sassy.
What’s an interesting fact about you that not many people know?
My favorite sport to play in high school was roller hockey. I was the only girl on the neighborhood team.
What’s your guilty pleasure (PG, of course)?
Oh… easy! TV! I can watch just about anything except reality or comedy. All else is fair game. Currently, indulging in Revenge for the second time. I know, I know!
Favorite animal movie?
My fave documentary is “Love and Bananas, an Elephant Story”. It’s a beautiful demonstration that just one person can have a very big impact. Fave fictional movie, I’d have to say “Homeward Bound”. It’s a classic!
Next item you plan to cross off your bucket list.
Kayaking in between the glaciers in Patagonia! So excited.
Next big trip.
Related to my answer in question #9, Argentina is our next big trip. End of November 2019!