Women of Distinction Magazine Selects Deborah S. Wallace as a Distinguished Professional in Her Field

    LONG GROVE, IA, May 05, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Deborah S. Wallace, Owner/Executive Director of Down By The Creek Companion Animal Sanctuary, has been recognized as a Distinguished Professional in her field through Women of Distinction Magazine. Deborah S. Wallace will be featured in Women of Distinction Magazine in 2016.

Since November 2007, Deborah S. Wallace has been bringing peace to the world one rescued companion at a time. Inspired by a childhood memory when she would come home from school each day to hear the body counts from Vietnam on television, tied in with another television news report at the time about a stray dog problem in Vietnam. Wallace wanted to somehow give the people in that war torn country comfort, while saving the stray dogs and giving them a purpose.

"We rescue pets so they can rescue people. Together, helping each other, we can all be comforted and healed," Wallace said. "I want Down By The Creek Animal Sanctuary to be remembered for giving rescued animals a voice against cruelty and a chance to pay their rescue forward. I want these precious animals' stories to plant seeds of compassion, appreciation, and hope in our world."

As Owner/Executive Director, that is just what Wallace focuses on. She is every animal's voice. She shares their rescue stories, which, in turn, rescue people. Since 2007, the sanctuary has been the safe have for well over 100 rescued pets of varying species. Each species has its own special needs and habitat. Every animal gets daily care, rehabilitation, socialization, and training, while satisfying USDA licensing requirements. Wallace is truly making a footprint in animal care and rescue work.

"It's also my job to market and schedule enough programs to provide the necessary funding for the animals' food and veterinary care, thus keeping the doors to my non-profit open," she added.

Down By The Creek Companion Animal Sanctuary is an amazing resource in their community. Besides almost daily pet therapy and enrichment programs in nursing homes, they participate in weekly enrichment and education programs for the Davenport Public Schools Stepping Stones Program. Since 2011, they have participated in several annual events with Scott County Park's Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, of which Wallace's organization has been supporting their mission since 2011. The Sanctuary sets up interactive animal displays to promote appreciation and kindness toward all animals. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends have brought in 800-1,200 people per day. The Sanctuary also presents an annual program during their Young Pioneers Summer Day Camp. This year, they've also been asked to participate in a 1920's fair featuring local FFA and 4-H clubs. Last year alone, they did 242 programs and events with an estimated 10,000 people in attendance.

Wallace originally got her start by rescuing a few pets to help her grandchildren who were suffering from anxiety issues. She developed the concept of sharing these animals with nursing homes in a pet therapy program, and charged a fee to help pay for the animals' food and veterinary expenses. In less than a year's time, the program had blossomed into what is now Down By The Creek Companion Animal Sanctuary. Working in various other settings prior to this, Wallace also had experience working for City Parks and Recreation as a Zoo Educator and Zookeeper. In 2010, she also became an ABC Certified Dog Trainer.

For more information, visit www.downbythecreek.net.

About Women of Distinction Magazine:
Women of Distinction Magazine strives to continually bring the very best out in each article published and highlight Women of Distinction. Women of Distinction Magazine's mission is to have a platform where women can grow, inspire, empower, educate and encourage professionals from any industry by sharing stories of courage and success.

Contact:
Women of Distinction Magazine, Melville, NY
631-465-9024
[email protected]

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