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Thank you ever so much for you and most of all, for going above and beyond the call of duty for Pepper and myself. You are such a blessing. |  |
| —Rhea & Pepper, Decatur, GA |
Meet Our Counselors
We proudly introduce our outstanding Staff Counselors
Learn more about our Staff Counselors by clicking their name below. If you would like to contact one of our counselors, you will find their direct email address at the end of their bio.
Jill
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As a Staff Counselor with us for more than 15 years, Jill’s invaluable experience and steady guidance has helped many pet parents through the grieving process. Prior to coming to us, Jill spent a number of years working for Gwinnett County Animal Control as a Control Officer.
Those years of experience gave Jill insight into the overwhelming need for securing loving homes for abandoned pets. She continues to be an active volunteer with the Gwinnett County Humane Society today. One of Jill’s many special rescue efforts occurred while on vacation with her husband in Cancun, Mexico. Jill spotted a sweet, but badly neglected Golden Retriever mix wandering the streets.
Without hesitation, she contacted the Cancun Humane Society and had the sweet pup she nicknamed, “Aldo”, picked up from the streets. She paid for his medical expenses and later had him flown to the United States for a better life. Aldo was adopted by Doyle and Maudann Shugart, owners of Deceased Pet Care. Jill stays active with her husband, two sons who love to play ball, and a sweet little Pomeranian mix named, Rudy.
Email: jill@dpc-i.net
Juliann
As one of our Funeral Consultants, Juliann has been with us since June 2006. Prior to coming to us, Juliann spent a number of years working in a local Funeral Home and understands the depth of pain experienced when we lose a beloved member of the family.
“Knowing how to relate is important in helping others feel more at peace during a very sad and stressful time in their lives”, states Juliann.
Juliann enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter as well as their many varieties of pets including: Jeter, a 3-year old Chihuahua whom they adopted from a co-worker and they love to pieces. Bella, a 10-year old, long--haired cat her husband found as a stray kitten, and Cali, a 3-year old calico cat that was found in a parking lot and adopted by Juliann and her family.
One dog, two cats, along with two parakeets, who are a constant source of entertainment for the cats, keeps Juliann’s home full of playful antics.
Email: juliann@dpc-i.net
Kayla
Meet our Staff Counselor, Kayla. As the granddaughter of Doyle Shugart and a member of the Shugart Family, Kayla has loved and cared for pets her entire life. As a recent college graduate, Kayla has spent the last few years obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Behavior. Kayla has a sweet cat named “Chanel" which she rescued as a kitten. We are grateful to have Kayla join us and share her love of pets and compassionate and caring heart.
Email: kayla@dpc-i.net
Natalie
Anyone who has had the privilege of speaking with Natalie is blessed indeed. Natalie has been a Staff Counselor with us for more than 7 years. Her huge heart and wonderful demeanor endear her to all that know her. Natalie is allowed to live with her favorite cat, “Max”!
According to Natalie, “Max” pretty much rules the house. “Max” was a rescue kitty that Natalie immediately fell in love with. When asked what she most liked about working with pet owners, Natalie replied, “While it is hard sometimes I also find it very rewarding to know that I am helping someone during a difficult time in their lives. I want to do all I can to make it a little easier.”
Email: natalie@dpc-i.net
Terri
Terri, our office assistant at Oakrest comes to us with both a successful and varied professional background. She has managed offices in banking, explosives, auto repair and most recently that of a vet clinic.
Terri is an animal rescuer and an avid pet enthusiast. She loves and cares for both cats and dogs. She fosters dogs for two rescue organizations as well as participates in other ways such as transport and home visits to potential adopters. She also obviously adopts often herself as she currently has four dogs and three cats of her own. Shown in the picture left to right is Yoda, Keegan, Lucy and Shiloh. Up on the back is Maggie (the orginal and only non rescue). In addition she also enjoys pet sitting for her neighbors.
Terri states, “Since our pets life spans are so much shorter than ours, my life long love of them has given me a lot of experience in losing them. I feel this gives me a special kinship with the clients I serve here at DPC.”
Email: tshirley@dpc-i.net
BiBi
BiBi, our resident staff counselor, came to the Chamblee office as an 8-week old beautiful tiny tabby in Oct. 2006. Someone had dropped her off and we found her underneath the office building and coached her inside. She was shy for only a few days and is now a very loving and friendly kitty. She welcomes everyone into the office and loves a good rub down!
Email: info@dpc-i.net
Vadar
Vader, our resident staff counselor, is a beautiful shiny black male cat adopted from Peachtree Animal Hospital in January 2008 as a playmate for "BiBi". They are best of friends! Vadar is very curious and playful and also very smart. He can open doors to any offices to the delight of our staff and clients! No one ignores Vadar!
Email: vadar@dpc-i.net