Experts Join Wagtown Efforts to Lead Dog-Friendly Community Development
The power behind Wagtown is expertise. From the largest research base in the United States to thought leaders at the top of their game, Wagtown builds dog friendliness by combining proven best practices with innovative new projects and programs. All Wagtown advisors are volunteers who donate their time and talents to Wagtown because of their belief in the power of dogs and community building. If you would like to be considered for a position on the Wagtown advisory panel contact us today.
Advisory Panel Members
Pet-Inclusive Housing at Michelson Found Animals Foundation, Inc.
Ross Barker, Program Director, Pet-Inclusive Housing at Michelson Found Animals Foundation, Inc.
Michelson is a non-profit with a focused mission: Saving pets, Enriching lives. We love pets, but they aren't the best arbiters for their own cause. That's why it's our mission to put pets in homes and keep them there– because all pets are meant to be with good people. Ross’ perspective is invaluable as we intelligently approach the inclusion of pets in our lives.
conflict resolution, mediation, planning, and dog law
Debra Voday-Hamilton, Hamilton Law
and Mediation, New York and North Carolina
Fostering Peaceful Solutions in Conflict Over Animals
As the principal at Hamilton Law and Mediation, PLLC—the nation’s first solo mediation practice dedicated to helping people resolve conflicts over animals—Debra uses alternative dispute resolution to help address disagreements over the family pet during divorce, neighbors’ arguments over a barking dog, and confrontations between clients and veterinarians and other professionals who work with animals. HLM facilitates conversations about the best interests of all parties—especially the animals—to resolve animal-related disputes.
resource-focused Animal Control
Lauren Bluestone, Animal Resource Center, Nashville, TN
Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) Manager
Metro Animal Care and Control of Davidson County fosters safe, healthy and caring relationships between people and animals in our community. Lauren's significant experience with successful animal control center operations brings stellar expertise to Wagtown strategies.
Dog Law and Litigation
Paul Leonard, State of Ohio and Wright State University, OH
Former Lt. Governor, State of Ohio, Dog Law Collegiate Educator, founder Animal Justice Coalition
Higher education and community activism are woven into the fabric of Paul's valuable contributions to Wagtown's legal and legislative efforts.
Dog Crime, Investigation, and Prevention
Bruce Langos, Executive Director, Criminal Intelligence Center, OH
Crime Analysis, Humane Investigation
Economic development of technology and research companies make Bruce a valuable partner in deciphering the complicated data surrounding Wagtown's research and development strategies. His history with humane investigation adds a layer of understanding that complements Wagtown's vision.
dog play spaces
Cole Eckerman, Coalition for Off-Leash Animals, Seattle, WA
Service animal training and placement nonprofit
Former Executive Director of Citizens for Off-Leash Areas (COLA). For nearly 20 years, COLA has been the 501(c)3 non-profit advocate for dog owners. COLA researched, implemented, and manages best practices for dog areas. Noted for her inclusive approach, Cole’s work has been influential in policy work nationwide. Cole’s insights and experience help to inform Wagtown recommendations within community context.
Animal Population Control and Adoption
Steve Gruber, Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, New York, NY
A national measure of excellence, The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals is committed to seeing the day when no New York City dog or cat of reasonable health and temperament is killed merely because he or she does not have a home. Wagtown and its clients benefit from this connection to safe and effective policy and program makers.