This week I’m featuring a woman with a very hard job. She’s got a job I’d truly never have the strength to do. Every day, she interacts with people who say things like “I’m moving and can’t take my cat with me.” (Uh, last time I checked, cats were allowed in every city in the world.) They also say things like, “We had a baby and we don’t want our dog anymore.” (Absolutely brutal.) And she does it with a smile…Well, 99% of the time! 😉
She also gets to save lives, create second chances and make many people very happy!
She’s the Adoption Manager for the Michigan Animal Adoption Network. Her name is Chris Wisswell and lemme tell you: She’s fabulous at what she does AND she’s a stronger woman than me!
Chris Wisswell
What city did you grow up in? I was born in Detroit, moved to Warren when I was 3, then moved to Shelby Township when I was 7 years old. I have been here ever since!
What was your first job? Data entry clerk at a lawyer’s office in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Where did you go to college? Macomb Community College
Tell me about your business/company. I work for the Michigan Animal Adoption Network (MAAN). MAAN rescues animals, educates pet owners, provides low-cost spaying/neutering and low-cost vaccination clinics, adopts out cats and dogs and provides food, straw and love to animals in need.
What makes it unique? The main subsidiary of MAAN is the Animal Care Network (ACN). The ACN goes “onto the streets” to make a difference in animal’s lives. Dedicated volunteers go out each weekend, year round, rescuing and providing relief to outdoor and indoor animals. Some of the supplies provided include: dog houses, straw, food, water, bowls and leashes. The Animal Care Network also hosts two low-cost vaccine clinics in Pontiac every year. At each clinic, over 1,000 animals are vaccinated. These are animals that probably would not have been vaccinated if it wasn’t for the clinics.
What do you love most about what you do? I make a difference in the life of an animal. I am able to match up surrendered animals with their new forever families.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you (hidden talent, etc.)? I like to roller skate when I have a chance.
Outside of work, what are some of your passions? Gardening, reading
What do you think is the biggest misconception about this state? That Michiganders are rude.
What things draw you to downtown Detroit? Red Wings, Thanksgiving Parade
Lighting Round:
MSU or U of M? No preference
Ford, GM or Chrysler? Chrysler? Always have driven Chrysler vehicles and never had a problem with them.
Lions, Tigers, Pistons or Red Wings? Red Wings
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Favorite local radio station? WRIF
Favorite local TV station? WDIV
Favorite local brand? Faygo
Favorite restaurant? Anita’s Kitchen in Ferndale. And “I Luv Pizza” in Shelby Township is the best place for pizza!!!
Favorite place to vacation in Michigan? “Up North”
Favorite place to take out-of-towners? n/a
Lindsay Warren's Blog 
I love this 10 Questions format and I think I might start doing it, too, with some awesome women I know, in 2011!
Thank you, Meg!!!! I’d love to read them!!!!!
What a good interview. I do a similar job and I know how difficult it can be so I love reading about others in the field! Thanks for a great posting.
You’re welcome, Lynne. Thank you for taking the time to read it!
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