Meet Our Team
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Foxy - Legacy Dog
Foxy was rescued from a local shelter in 2021 with a large tumor on her chest. We were able to remove the tumor and her future was looking bright! Foxy wiggled her way into the hearts of everyone who met her. She had an infectious smile and spirit and showed everyone the living definition of "Unconditional Love". Unfortunately, in the fall of 2022 her cancer returned and there was nothing more that could be done. She left the world surrounded by so much love from all her favorite people. After Foxy passed away we took a pause and relooked at why we do what we do. It was because of Foxy that we changed direction from "No Kill" to "No Birth" and our renewed focus is on educating people to the plight of shelter dogs and the dangers of back-yard breeding. We miss this special girl every day and fight for each dog in her memory. Daisy - Top Dog
Daisy was rescued from a local shelter as a young and rambunctious puppy with a broken leg but not a broken spirit! She instantly became a staff and volunteer favorite and our Founder knew she just couldn't let her go. She was adopted into the Barks of Love family and now she attends events, showing people how special rescue dogs can be. |
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Ashley Cunningham - Founder & President
Ashley founded Barks Of Love in 2008, while attending Law School in Orange County, CA. Originally from Arizona, Ashley grew up with dogs and always had a special love for all animals. At one time, she fostered two dogs, a turtle, and a rabbit in a one bedroom apartment! She graduated from The University of Arizona, and also holds a J.D. from Western State University, College of Law. Ashley is a passionate animal lover trying to make a difference one rescue dog at a time. She shares her love for animals with her two young kids, Emily and Jackson, her husband Chris, BOL alum Annie, as well as her extended family who have adopted two Barks of Love dogs: Jack and Mulan! |
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Joyce Bigelow - Medical Coordinator/Adoption Coordinator
Joyce lives in Garden Grove with her husband, Wil, and their dog Elizabeth. They have been joined by Barks of Love hospice and medically needy foster dogs for the last two years. When Joyce retired four years ago from a thirty-four-year career as a teacher of students with special needs, she knew that it was time to find another way to contribute. That's when she discovered Barks of Love and knew this was the organization she was looking for. As much as she loves the dogs, she says that "working with the wonderful young, enthusiastic,talented volunteers who give their time and dedication in pursuit of loving homes for dogs in need is an honor. |
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Jennifer Smoliga - Fundraising Coordinator
Jennifer is a Cali girl with a little bit of country that loves all animals. She grew up in a family that has always had lots of animals and I could not imagine life without them. Jennifer works for Disney but in her spare time she loves to travel the world and she brings her dog as much as she can on those adventures. Her Corgi has definitely rescued her and she does not know where she would be without him. She has a creative mind and is excited to use those skills to help raise money for Barks of Love and help some pups find their FURever homes. Emily Cunningham - Little Barkies Ambassador
Emily was born an animal lover just like her mom, Ashley. Emily is in 5th grade and enjoys cheerleading, being in nature, and giving and dog she sees kisses and hugs! She is excited to show other kids how much fun it can be to help the animals in our community. |
Meet Our Board of Directors
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Paige Lefever - Chair
Paige is a native Orange County girl! She currently lives with her husband Scott and their Pit Bull/Chihuahua Mix Ruby. Paige has always been passionate about animal rescue and enjoys volunteering with Barks of Love because she believes in what we stand for and what we do for pets in need. Paige currently works as a Visual Merchandising Manager for IKEA. She enjoys traveling, gardening, sewing and painting. Paige and her husband are die-hard Angels fans! Jennifer McLaughlin - Secretary
A native Bostonian, Jennifer is the Editor-in-Chief for Los Angeles Travel Magazine and Orange County Travel Magazine. She relocated from Providence to Orange County in 2003 after graduation and has been a Southern California resident ever since. She was written for a variety of magazine and websites and has served as President for the Orange County Chapter of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. Jennifer's commitment and motivation to save animals showed at a very young age when she fell in love with a dog named Miller. After nearly a decade of hospitality endeaveors this former Executive is currently a go-to expert for luxury travel advice, beauty on the go tips, wordly fashion, dining, and pet friendly travel. She lives in Newport Beach with her husband and two rescue dogs Lucia and Murphy. |
