Meet the Humans
Hooves & Paws animal rescue is a volunteer based animal sanctuary in Louisa, Virginia. Our animals are cared for on a daily basis by a very dedicated group of volunteers. Our volunteers are available 24 hours a day to provide the animals with round the clock care when sick or injured. All animal caregivers are carefully trained to provide the best care and treatment for all our rescued dogs and other animals.
Michele Padilla- President and C0-founder
Michele Padilla has extensive experience with animals. Since an early age she has had an affinity for animals and pets. Michele has earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Management from the University of California at Davis. While at UC Davis, she participated in a number of internships at the campus veterinary hospital as well as at campus horse and farm animal facilities. Following graduation, Michele volunteered with and worked for a number of Los Angeles area animal rescue organizations and veterinary hospitals. She has dedicated her life to helping animals and to promoting a more compassionate world for all.
Michele Padilla has extensive experience with animals. Since an early age she has had an affinity for animals and pets. Michele has earned a B.S. in Animal Science and Management from the University of California at Davis. While at UC Davis, she participated in a number of internships at the campus veterinary hospital as well as at campus horse and farm animal facilities. Following graduation, Michele volunteered with and worked for a number of Los Angeles area animal rescue organizations and veterinary hospitals. She has dedicated her life to helping animals and to promoting a more compassionate world for all.
Joey Travers – Vice President and Co-founder
Joey Travers’ love of animals was nurtured from a young age. His earliest memories were of his father rescuing and caring for injured animals. Joey has carried that love and nurturing for animals into his adult life as a founding member of Hooves & Paws. Joey’s work experience has revolved around artistic endeavors and he has extensive experience as a musician, carpenter and tattoo artist. But, Joey’s passion for animals is displayed every day in his devotion to Hooves & Paws as he uses his carpentry skills to build our shelter facilities and he uses his creativity to provide our animals with enriched and happy lives.
Joey Travers’ love of animals was nurtured from a young age. His earliest memories were of his father rescuing and caring for injured animals. Joey has carried that love and nurturing for animals into his adult life as a founding member of Hooves & Paws. Joey’s work experience has revolved around artistic endeavors and he has extensive experience as a musician, carpenter and tattoo artist. But, Joey’s passion for animals is displayed every day in his devotion to Hooves & Paws as he uses his carpentry skills to build our shelter facilities and he uses his creativity to provide our animals with enriched and happy lives.
