Vera grew up on a farm in Ireland surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, and other farm animals. Her work life has always been focused on animals. She started out as a riding instructor and stable manager and later worked as a journalist writing about pets and animal welfare for a variety of print and online publications. Vera is passionate about animal welfare and protection and is a longtime volunteer with shelters and rescues in NY and NJ. Her volunteer experiences include coordinating a Pet Chow Pantry and a Seniors for Seniors pet foster program, helping to care for farm animals at a sanctuary, assisting in shelter dog training classes, and writing a monthly newsletter for a municipal shelter. Vera lives in Orange County, NY, with her husband and their two rescue dogs. Her favorite activity is taking long hikes with foxhound Bella who is always more than happy to lead the way.