Denise Sparrow - Owner
I have always had a passion for animals. We always had at least one dog and they ranged in breeds from the St. Bernard to Yorkshire Terriers. I’ve also had a cat, hamsters, and several birds that I adored. I have had more than 20 years of experience with pets. Over 200 foster dogs through my house and many different breeds and personalities on my grooming table has afforded me invaluable experience with various medical needs, behaviors and personalities. I received First Aid training at LaBest and have also received my Red Cross Certificate in Pet First Aid.
Before joining National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network (NBRAN) in 2002 I had been grieving over the loss of my beloved pet of 15 years, Belushi, a German Shepherd. I have always wanted to help dogs but, working many hours in the corporate world, I didn’t have the opportunity for a career change so I joined NBRAN as a foster home. I then became the MO Coordinator, Chief Fundraiser and an officer on the Board. I have also mentored children at Marygrove Children’s Home and spoke for the child as a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).
In my corporate job I was the manager of the CitiHome Equity Command Center.I was then afforded the opportunity to assist at a grooming shop, Canine Clips, with bathing and prepping dogs, thus my career in pet styling began. I went to LaBest Academy of Animal Arts and earned my Derma-Tech Specialist and Pet Stylist Certificate. After I graduated from school I took over a grooming shop. I ran this shop and gained a lot of experience with various dogs and a few cats until my lease ended. This was my chance to do what I really WANT to do and spend time with animals. I will continue grooming, on a limited basis, but my passion is to allow pets to stay in their own home while I care for them, as well as, getting dogs out for walks and adventures. Getting wet doggie kisses and hearing the sounds of a purring cat is my definition of a dream job.
I am a guardian to two wonderful dogs and also continue to foster, I also run the online store with NBRAN. Bandit is my French Brittany that I adopted after fostering him. He is a wonderful boy and we will never understand why he had been in a shelter for so long. Radar was also adopted from NBRAN after I had pulled him from the Peoria, IL shelter. He is my boy and they both love to go hiking and love to squirrel patrol our yard.
Before joining National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network (NBRAN) in 2002 I had been grieving over the loss of my beloved pet of 15 years, Belushi, a German Shepherd. I have always wanted to help dogs but, working many hours in the corporate world, I didn’t have the opportunity for a career change so I joined NBRAN as a foster home. I then became the MO Coordinator, Chief Fundraiser and an officer on the Board. I have also mentored children at Marygrove Children’s Home and spoke for the child as a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).
In my corporate job I was the manager of the CitiHome Equity Command Center.I was then afforded the opportunity to assist at a grooming shop, Canine Clips, with bathing and prepping dogs, thus my career in pet styling began. I went to LaBest Academy of Animal Arts and earned my Derma-Tech Specialist and Pet Stylist Certificate. After I graduated from school I took over a grooming shop. I ran this shop and gained a lot of experience with various dogs and a few cats until my lease ended. This was my chance to do what I really WANT to do and spend time with animals. I will continue grooming, on a limited basis, but my passion is to allow pets to stay in their own home while I care for them, as well as, getting dogs out for walks and adventures. Getting wet doggie kisses and hearing the sounds of a purring cat is my definition of a dream job.
I am a guardian to two wonderful dogs and also continue to foster, I also run the online store with NBRAN. Bandit is my French Brittany that I adopted after fostering him. He is a wonderful boy and we will never understand why he had been in a shelter for so long. Radar was also adopted from NBRAN after I had pulled him from the Peoria, IL shelter. He is my boy and they both love to go hiking and love to squirrel patrol our yard.
Amber - Pet Sitter
My name is Amber Dennis and I am a recent graduate of Southeast Missouri State University obtaining my Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work and Psychology. I am currently attending St. Louis University to pursue my Masters in Social Work degree. I have always had a passion for helping people but I have an equal passion for helping animals.
Growing up I have had over six cats, two dogs, hamsters, a guinea pig and a fish. I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t living with an animal.
During my time at Southeast Missouri State University I was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority serving as chapter Treasurer for two years. I volunteered at the SEMO Humane Society where I walked and bathed the dogs and socialized with the cats. I absolutely loved volunteering there and will continue to volunteer in different animal organizations for the rest of my life. I also volunteered at a nursing home and interned at a hospice agency my senior year of college. I have also received my certificate in Pet First Aid from the Red Cross.
People may think that when someone adopts from the humane society that the person picks his or her animal. In my case, Stormy picked me. I cannot imagine having a home without some sort of animal aka best friend.
When I am not out playing with a cat or walking a dog I can be found reading a book, working out, talking with my grandparents, hanging out with friends, jamming out to my favorite songs or just lying in my bed watching my favorite TV shows. I see myself having a bright future and always striving to reach my goals and aspirations.
Growing up I have had over six cats, two dogs, hamsters, a guinea pig and a fish. I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t living with an animal.
During my time at Southeast Missouri State University I was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority serving as chapter Treasurer for two years. I volunteered at the SEMO Humane Society where I walked and bathed the dogs and socialized with the cats. I absolutely loved volunteering there and will continue to volunteer in different animal organizations for the rest of my life. I also volunteered at a nursing home and interned at a hospice agency my senior year of college. I have also received my certificate in Pet First Aid from the Red Cross.
People may think that when someone adopts from the humane society that the person picks his or her animal. In my case, Stormy picked me. I cannot imagine having a home without some sort of animal aka best friend.
When I am not out playing with a cat or walking a dog I can be found reading a book, working out, talking with my grandparents, hanging out with friends, jamming out to my favorite songs or just lying in my bed watching my favorite TV shows. I see myself having a bright future and always striving to reach my goals and aspirations.
