GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 13 was conducted, of which I was a part, and it helped us to get funding to rescue these dogs and prevent aggression.” Last year, which was DSDA’s first full year, Bissell notes that the group rescued 29 dogs from one specific area, where they had been dumped and were reproducing. She adds proudly that thanks to intense media coverage, almost all of them have been adopted. Before adoption, many of the dogs’ find a temporary home with Bissell, as well as those of her partners. Currently, Bissell is fostering four dogs that came from a trailer park and from a hoarding situation. Bissell is grateful to her husband Charley, who’s very tolerant and knows she’ll never stop rescuing pets, and to her three adult sons, who have helped and been very supportive throughout the years and who love animals. While Bissell says rescuing stray dogs can be exhausting, frustrating, and even depressing at times since there are so many dogs, and her organization can only do so much, she also says it’s rewarding. She cautions that people who don’t choose to spay or neuter need to understand that the burgeoning dog population is a social, economic, and availability issue. “People need to take this seriously,” Bissell warns. “It’s a big problem.” For tirelessly working around the clock, seven days a week, to rescue dogs and find them loving, forever homes, for advocating for spaying and neutering, and for setting an example to the public about how to responsibly care for dogs, we present Elise Bissell with our Very Inspiring (Pet) Parent award. Editor’s Note: To learn more, volunteer, or donate needed funds to help rescue dogs through the Dallas Street Dog Association, visit dsda.org. Get your BEFORE BABY body back! Cosmetic Consultation & Specials: Create-Beauty.com Richardson & McKinney 972.470.5000 Rockwall 972.470.1000 Our Very Inspiring Person Award honors the everyday, and not-so-everyday, heroes in our midst. Those whose tenacity, integrity, and courage inspire others to exemplify the same character and put their families and community first, in spite of the challenges life has thrown at them. For complete details or to nominate, visit goodLIFEfamilymag.com or email Tricia@goodlifefamilymag.com.