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Archived Issues

Meet the Pack

Connie Rhoades Founder and Editorial Director
I fell in love with a friend of mine's sweet little grey poodle, Elly. I began telling my husband we needed another dog. We already had one dog, a cat and numerous other critters, so I wasn't surprised when he immediately tried to talk me out of it. I tried to convince him of the wonderful ways our lives would be enhanced by having a poodle and he gave me lots of reasons we shouldn't get another dog. Finally, I decided since puppies are a lot of work, I wouldn't press the issue. Shortly thereafter, my husband came into the office with a somber look on his face and told me he needed to talk to me. I was immediately alarmed - my thoughts went to my daughter and what horrible event had happened. He walked me into the other room and firmly said, "Would you look in THAT box!" When I did, I saw the most adorable sight with four legs I had ever seen. Turns out, he had cataloged all the things I said months before, size, color, etc. and had been looking ever since to find the perfect addition to our family. Lilly-Bella truly is. I've always been animal crazy, but my love for her is the root of my passion for the magazine and helping other animals that deserve a family like she has. Anyone who knows me, knows that Lilly-Bella and I are a "packaged deal". I call her "my best four legged friend".

Stephanie Ponder Founder and Editorial Director
What kind of dog IS that? I never fail to get that question when people see Chacho for the first time. You would think it would get old after a thousand or so times, but truly I never tire of answering people. Sometimes I say, he was supposed to be a long haired Chihuahua. Other times I say I'm not sure, but I think - he's part Chihuahua and part Jack Russell. Sometimes people make their own predictions, or comment that he looks like a fox. It really doesn't matter WHAT he is...he is a Chacho. The only one I've ever seen and there is no other dog like him that I know of. He was a gift to me when I graduated college and was finally able to have time to care for a dog. I was so happy to have him. I think I looked forward to owning a dog more than my diploma (don't tell my parents!). Chacho has been by my side ever since. He is really smart and learns tricks in minutes, but seems to be hard of hearing when he knows he's in trouble. He's a bit crazy, but I wouldn't trade him for the world. Animals have always been a large part of my life and who I am, which is why this magazine couldn't have been a better fit for me! The magazine gives me the opportunity to combine my love for my work with my passion for animals.

Brooke Kempker Associate Editor
When I interviewed with Hudson Bryce Marketing and Advertising (publisher of TAME) one of the first questions I was asked was, "Do you like dogs?" I simply laughed and said yes, but I had no idea how much their love of animals would influence me to get a dog of my own. It only took a month of working with the girls, before they had me convinced! I knew I wanted a Miniature Australian Shepherd, but finding the perfect one I wanted was difficult. I searched high and low and it took me a while, but I finally found Memphis. He was everything I was looking for; a blue merle, marbled eyes, a big white blaze with a full collar, and most of all a wonderful personality. Memphis is the most loyal companion I could ask for. Working with Stephanie and Connie definitely has its perks, but the biggest reward I've gotten is having Memphis in my life. I'm so lucky to work with such wonderful people (and pets) and to have the opportunity to share my love for design and animals though TAME magazine.

 

Allye Contributing Writer
Pets are big part of my life. Without them, it would be lonely. People are always surprised to find out how many I have. My friends all think it's cool and love to come to my house. I love to write and learn about animals. Being a part of TAME is exciting.

 

 

 

 

Tim Rhoades Account Executive
I love being involved with TAME. I enjoy meeting people and sharing in their enthusiasm for the pet industry. I also get the fun job of taking photos at local events. My house is filled with pets and I would have even more if I left it up to my family. I couldn't get them all in the picture so Puck gets all the glory. He's been in our family the longest, so it's only fair. Like me, he loves to travel and never meets a stranger.