Receptionist / Rescue Coordinator

Chamblee grew up in Cherokee County and earned her degree in Journalism from The University of Georgia in 1991. Chamblee worked in a law firm as a paralegal and recruiter for 13 years before making a career change to working with animals at The Village Vets in 2008. Chamblee's love for animals came from growing up on a small farm with dogs, horses, ducks, chickens and other small pets that she and her three sisters cared for daily. It was the abundance of dogs "dumped" at her family's rural address that got Chamblee involved in rescue in the late 90's, and that's how she eventually came to The Village Vets, with dogs she'd rescued needing vet care. In 2008, Chamblee co-founded Southern Animal Rescue and Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare, the organization behind the successful lobby to outlaw gas chambers in Georgia animal shelters. Chamblee and her husband, Cesar, live in Decatur with their five dogs: Boo, Sam, Murphy, Toby [pictured] and Wylie, who was a Village Vets Rescue dog.

Why she does this:  "Domesticated dogs and cats are not native species. We put them here, so it's our duty to cherish and protect them."

Receptionist

Cat was born in Decatur and has spent her whole life in this area.  She enjoys reading in her spare time as well as creating art (specifically mosaics).  Cat says she also LOVES to cook. Cat does not have any pets at this time but she and her boyfriend, Fitz, are planning to adopt a Pit Bull from a rescue organization in the near future.

Why she does this: "Working with animals gives me a sense of satisfaction that has not been equated by any other career I have tried.  The other people I work with here all feel the same way and that's a combination that's as good as it gets!"

Receptionist

Since 2009

Misty is originally from Tennessee, but relocated to Decatur in 2001 to attend Agnes Scott College.  She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology in 2005 and has since remained in the Decatur area.  She married her husband Tim in 2007 and together they have adopted four pets, all of which are rescues.  In her spare time, Misty enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, their dog Bobo, and three cats, Eddie, Joey, and Oscar.

Why she does this:  "I love animals and getting to meet others who share that same passion is exciting.  I also really enjoy helping others, especially when they are funny and in need!"

Receptionist

Since 2011

Aida (pronounced eye-ee-dah) was born in Breaza, Romania and moved to Georgia, in the United States, when she was eight years old.  She has three older sisters, one who lives in Georgia, along with her parents, one sister is in Lousianna and another in Madrid.  Aida and her husband, Kyle, whom she married in 2010, now live in the Decatur area.  She enjoys watching movies, playing board games, singing and spending time outdoors.  They have three cats and two dogs.  The cats are - Stankonia, Thomas and Dirty Harry and the dogs are Shoe, a bischon terrier mix and Griphook, a Brussels-Griffon terrier mix.  Aida is currently working on her bachelor's degree in Biology at Georgia State University.

Why she does this: "I love animals and could not see myself doing anything better than working with them and their owners".

Receptionist

Since 2011

Nicole said she has spent most of her life living in the Gwinnett area.  She and her son, Weston (6/07) now live in Lilburn.  She has one brother who is younger than her, Chase Jonas, who lives in south Georgia.  Nicole said her hobbies include spending time playing with Weston, reading science-fiction novels and doing crochet.  She said her son, by far, is her greatest achievement of all. 

Why she does this:  "What I love about The Village Vets is the close comraderie of the co-workers.  It's like having another family outside of home".

Receptionist

Since 2011

"Sam" was born in Loudoun County, Virginia.  After graduating high school she moved to the Atlanta area to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography.  Sam has a brother, married and living in Raleigh, North Carolina and her parents still live in Virginia.  Sam's hobbies include playing and watching soccer, running, photography and spending time with her dog, Rook, an Australian shepherd.  Sam is now a student at Georgia Tech University.  She says the most notable achievement in her life thus far has been her decision to go back to school and pursue a career in veterimary medicine.

Why she does this:  "I feel proud to work with such a great team in a setting where we get to help these amazing animals who deserve the best care".  

Receptionist

Since 2011

Courtney is the youngest sibling with three older sisters, who live in New York, New Jersey and Georgia.  Her parents live in New York and Courtney herself was born on Long Island, NY.   Before moving to Atlanta in 2010, where she now lives with her boyfriend, Dominick, Courtney moved often - particularly throughout the southeast.  Her hobbies include outside sports and activities, such as surfing, snowboarding. sitting in the sun, swimming and road races - and she has also competed in a triathlon.  Courtney's pet is a sun conure parrot named Peppina,   Her many achievements include an internship as an assistant marine mammal trainer at Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, having her own travel service website - specializing in North America and India and her many years of being a lifeguard and swimming instructor.  Courtney has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities.

Why she does this: "I have always been interested in animals of all kinds - especially exotics.  Being a part of the team at The Village Vets gives me an opportunity to learn about cats and dogs, and work with people who are passionate about pet welfare causes".