Our People: Pets? Yes... Ian, Gracie, Finnbar and Snowy

I am married to Matt, and have two grown children (David lives in Pittsburgh and is married to a wonderful young lady, Kelley - they are expecting their first child in November; and Katie, who currently lives in Aurora, Colorado, with 8-week old Declan, my first grandchild). We bought a home last October and are loving it!

I am one of two Reference Librarians at the Clovis-Carver Public Library and I love working there. I have the best coworkers and really enjoy helping our patrons.

I write and sign my name with two 's' in it, Lissa. That is how my family and friends know me! Legally it is spelled with only one s in it.

Tell us about your pets:

We currently have four dogs: Ian - a Border Collie mix, Gracie - an Italian Greyhound mix, Finnbar - a miniature rat terrier, and Snowy - a Chihuahua. We have also fostered countless dogs and puppies over the past three years that were waiting for their transport dates heading to their out-of-state rescue organizations.

What does your garden grow?

My garden consists only of grass this year! We are working on home improvement projects inside, so no veggie garden this year. I am getting ready to put down fall-planting flower bulbs and seeds that will then bloom next year.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like for my family and friends to remember me as a kind, giving, loving, generous person who had empathy and compassion in abundance.

What's an accomplishment you're proud of?

Over the past three years, I have gotten very involved in animal rescue activities, such as transporting rescued animals, fostering shelter animals, and learning how to network shelter dogs and puppies out to rescue organizations. I have very recently begun to take the initial steps to start a pet food pantry, and am now actively working to get that off the ground.

If money were no object, what would you do to make eastern New Mexico a better place?

Hmm, three-part answer: First, I would gather the world's top engineers and scientists to solve our water supply issues, then implement the project. Second, I would buy land to build a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary. Third, on the same land, build a community with the specific purpose of aiding people whom society tends to reject: homeless, the mentally ill, especially veterans with mental health issues, women with children that have been displaced by domestic violence, etc.

What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years?

I hope to be close to retirement, and that Matt and I can do a lot of traveling! I hope to have more grandchildren to hijack from their parents during vacations, and that we will be able to see a lot more of our family members who live in other parts of the country. I also envision the pet food pantry as fully operational, and having the ability to assist countless pets and their people to stay together by providing food for the animals.

Who do you admire most and why?

I most admire living and historic people who are recognized for being compassionate, peaceful, loving humans who have/had drive and passion: the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Ghandi, Pope John Paul II, Princess Diana, Soeur Emmanuelle, Pope Francis, Malala Yousafzai...

What would you do if you won $1 million ?

First, pay off the mortgages for our home and David and Kelley's home, and purchase a home for Katie and Declan. We would also make sure that everyone has a safe car to drive. We would also create savings accounts for each family. Then, see the answer to question 6! Parts 2 and 3 could be at least be started with that amount of money!