Not Without My Pet came about when Nicole Gilbert read an article in O, Oprah’s magazine, about battered pets and how fear for them can prevent victims of domestic violence from leaving their abusers. That article, and further research, revealed that abusers typically use violence or threats of violence against defenseless pets as a means to terrorize and control their human victims. The article was written by award-winning journalist Barry Yeoman. The full text of the article can be found on his website. This article really struck a chord and Nicole was inspired to make a difference. Her intention was to create a non-profit organization specifically for pets of domestic violence victims.
According to one source, up to 65% of victims of domestic violence have delayed leaving their abusers because of their pets. The original article further pointed to both Hurricane Katrina and California fire victims’ refusal to evacuate to safety without their animals as examples of how devoted to the care and well-being of their pets animal lovers can be.
Studies have unequivocally shown a link between the torture and killing of animals and violence against humans. Fortunately, this crisis is receiving more public attention than ever, providing hope for victims and their beloved companion animals.
What followed the initial inspiration was a flurry of e-mails to existing nonprofit organizations and much research into domestic violence, pet abuse and the logistics of creating a new nonprofit. The logistics turned out to be quite daunting, but the feeling that this was something very desperately needed carried the day.
Creating and running a nonprofit, while not for the faint of heart, is also not a one person endeavor.
Nicole is grateful for the enthusiastic response of those she recruited for the board of directors.
Debra Fondren, our Vice President, was there from the beginning and was instrumental in brainstorming ideas.
Raquel Griffiths, our Director of Development, has put in long hours working on every aspect of the organization from web development to donor solicitation and strategic planning.
Joni Jordan Ghaemmaghami, our Treasurer, is indispensable in the area of financial management and tax preparation and compliance.
Julie Brown, our Secretary, keeps our minutes, sends out notices and generally keeps enthusiasm high with her positive and energetic spirit.
Tina Kistler, also a board member, brings her experience in communication, public relations and event planning to NWoMP.
Not Without My Pet is incorporated in California. Our intention is to raise public awareness, create a network of foster caregivers for domestic violence pets and partner with domestic violence shelters to create onsite pet facilities.
Board of Directors
Nicole Gilbert, President and Founder
Nicole Gilbert has been involved with animals all her life. She currently lives with three cats she rescued from the street and has rescued several others that she placed in homes. She has volunteered with dog and cat rescue organizations and is taking classes to become a Certified Humane Education Specialist.
Nicole was also involved with Soul of the Wolf Wildlife Sanctuary for a number of years. During her time there, she worked hands on with wolves, cougars, foxes, lynxes and other species. She had the great honor and joy of doing such things as bottle feeding wolf cubs, taking wolves and a lion for a walk on a leash and giving a tiger a bath! Given Nicole’s background with animals and awareness of domestic violence, it was almost inevitable that, when made aware of the situation with domestic violence pets, she would found an organization devoted to helping them and their humans.
Debra Fondren, Vice President
Debra Fondren is a native of Texas, who moved to California nine years ago, but has been animal lover her entire life. Raised in an area where animals were routinely mistreated, and ended up in shelters that could not provide long-term care, our cause is one very close to her heart.
Debra received her BA in History from UC Santa Barbara in 2005, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Library and Information Science. She volunteers for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Along with her family, Debra shares her home with a rabbit, and a cat whose mother was found roaming in the desert outside Las Vegas.
Raquel Griffiths, Director of Development
Raquel Griffiths has been rescuing both people and animals her entire life. It was a pretty well known fact that if one was homeless, Raquel would help, be it human or animal. She currently shares her home with a Saint Bernard mix. In addition to her love of animals, Raquel has fair experience in dealing with the abused in both animal and human form. It was really just a matter of time before Raquel found the appropriate organization to devote her time to. Raquel is proud to be part of NWoMP, a much-needed organization.
Joni Jordan Ghaemmaghami, Treasurer
Joni is a huge pet lover with 3 dogs and 2 cats as members of her family, along with her husband and 2 year old son. Animals have always been a part of her life - everything from turtles and birds, to fish. She has been a member of the Humane Society and has been looking for a pet organization that she can support and be totally involved in. Joni graduated from Cal State Northridge and until recently, worked the past 18 years in the entertainment industry doing everything from accounting to producing. She is thrilled to be part of such a much needed organization.
Julie Brown, Secretary
Julie Brown is a Professor of Business Administration at Santa Barbara City College, specializing in Marketing. She has studied nonprofit management extensively and has experience in fundraising. A warm and enthusiastic person, Julie brings her high energy and effervescent personality to bear on everything she does. Julie and her husband live with a delightful tuxedo kitten named Bandit.
Tina Kistler, Board Member
Tina Kistler is a Professor of Communication at Santa Barbara City College. Long an activist and animal lover, she has experience coordinating fundraisers and events. An inspiration to her students, Tina has rallied them to be a force for positive change in the world.
