Shannon joined the Granny Rose Animal Shelter family in February 2023, bringing a heart full of compassion and a résumé as diverse as a rescue mutt’s pedigree. Originally hailing from the world of healthcare in Wisconsin, Shannon spent her spare time rescuing and rehabilitating equines and wildlife, turning her passion for animals into a lifestyle. After moving to Dixon, Illinois for love and marriage, Shannon decided it was time to follow another dream: working with shelter animals. She’s embraced her role with enthusiasm, making a positive impact on both the shelter and the community. Shannon is a proud mom of five, a doting grandma of two, and a devoted dog mom to a lucky pup she couldn’t resist adopting from the shelter. She’s also fostered more feline friends than she can count. Shannon’s dedication to her family and the animals at Granny Rose is truly inspiring. She’s found her perfect spot in Dixon and is excited to continue her journey here, one wagging tail and purring kitten at a time.

Kendall has dedicated over nine years to working with dogs and cats, not counting her own beloved pets. Her extensive background encompasses a range of experiences, from rescue and volunteer work to animal first aid, kennel management, and behavior evaluation and modification, all cultivated during her time traveling. Driven by her passion for animal welfare she became Fear Free certified and obtained her certification in animal first aid, further enhancing her expertise in compassionate care. Upon returning to her hometown, Kendall adopted a fresh perspective and continued her exploration of animal behavior and enrichment. Recognizing the importance of a strong online presence and a fresh logo, she took the initiative to create a website that enhances Granny Rose, transforming it into a valuable resource for everyone who visits. As a lifelong learner, Kendall is passionate about connecting with like-minded individuals to foster a vibrant community committed to animal rescue and welfare.

Animals have been the heart of my world for as long as I can remember, and today, I’m incredibly proud to serve as an Assistant Director at Granny Rose Animal Shelter a place where my lifelong passion has found its true home.

Over the past two years, I’ve worn many hats, first as the K-9 Manager and Event Coordinator, and now stepping into a leadership role where I can make an even greater impact on the lives of the animals and people we serve. Whether it’s ensuring every dog is met with kindness and respect, or organizing community events that bring us all closer to our mission, I’m fueled by a deep love for this work.

I'm certified in dog massage, CPR/first aid, and hold a Fear-Free Shelter certification, because I believe that every animal deserves not only safety, but peace. I also coordinate with our incredible network of foster families, and personally foster kittens helping them grow strong and confident before finding their forever homes.

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been connecting with local schools to raise awareness about shelter life and animal welfare. Seeing kids light up when they learn how they can help has been truly inspiring.

This work is a family affair, too. My husband has brought our cat rooms to life with his beautiful murals, adding color, comfort, and a sense of home to every pawprint that passes through. I’m constantly learning diving deeper into dog behavior and training because every insight makes me a better advocate for the animals I love.

Granny Rose isn’t just where I work it’s where my heart lives.

 Aleah started with us at the end of August 2024 and has been a great addition to our team. You will always see her interacting with our babies, helping another coworker in need, or dropping jokes to make you laugh. 

Aleah has an exceptional background in the medical field and has wanted to broaden her knowledge with animals. On her off time, Aleah spends time with her two daughters and husband finding new places to explore. Has an appreciation and finds beauty within the macabre and oddities. Loves to attend and watch the hockey, baseball, WWE, and comicons. 

“Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor and the world will never use it against you..” - Tyrion Lannister 

Lil was raised on a farm, so from a very young age has always been around animals.  She has always had a strong bond and passion for making sure they were happy and taken care of.  Even though she spent 46yrs living the factory life, animals always came first.  She also said when she retired her dream was to be able to help out at an animal shelter.  Well her dream came true.  She retired in March and came to Granny Rose in July asking how she could help and has been helping out however needed since. She officially became a part of the team in September along with becoming Fear Free certified.  She is more than willing to do whatever is needed. Along with the duties at the shelter she also has the pleasure of taking one of the shelter dogs to local nursing homes for visits. She is living the dream and doing what she has always wanted to do.

I started working with animals as a career in 2017 when I left Target to walk dogs and sit for cats in Chicago. Part time became full time, and at one point I was ranked #14 nationwide among 300 employees in our company for client satisfaction after saving a beagle from death, becoming the best friend of a hound dog with cancer, and being every pet's personal security guard. It was fulfilling to see pets happy and healthy in homes. So when we moved out of the city, I pursued a career in rescue, which only reinforced my love for feline behavior studies. Maybe one day I could become a certified behaviorist. I've also enjoyed raising money for animal wellness through streaming. Since 2019, I've helped raise over $3000 for local and international rescues, including Shelter Friend in Ukraine at the height of the war. I've recently rediscovered my love for making pet art and pet memorials, appropriate since pet loss and grieving are important to me. Until the day I inevitably lose my marbles, it's all cats, video games, music, anime, and collecting plush for me~