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Melanie Lehmann
President
I have shared my life with large-breed dogs for as long as I can remember, but my journey into rescue truly began in 2009 when I adopted my first rescue dog—my second Weimaraner, Stickney, who is pictured above. When I lost him to lymphoma two years later, despite pursuing every recommended treatment, including chemotherapy, I was left heartbroken and searching for a way to make meaning from that loss. In that moment, I made a promise to myself: if I could not save him, I would do everything I could to help save others.
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That promise led me to volunteer with a nationally recognized rescue organization, where I devoted more than a decade of my life—first as a volunteer and later as a member of its Board of Directors for nearly nine years. Those experiences shaped my understanding of rescue work, leadership, and the importance of building compassionate, capable teams.
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After a brief hiatus, I felt called to create something of my own—an organization rooted in integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the dogs we serve. With that vision, Love4Paws was born.
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Today, I am honored to serve as President and Founder of Love4Paws, working alongside an extraordinary network of volunteers, fosters, adopters, and supporters who share the same belief: every dog deserves a second chance and a loving forever home.
Heather Viviano
Vice-President
I’ve been dedicated to animal rescue since 2016. Just prior to that, a deeply personal journey with my heart dog, Zeus, changed the course of my life. I helped Zeus through cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and amputation, and that experience pushed me to dig deeper into canine care, advocacy, and resilience. It ultimately inspired me to help as many dogs as possible.
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What started as volunteering with a local rescue quickly snowballed into a lifelong passion and a leadership role. As Vice President, I bring years of hands-on experience to rescue work, especially in one of my greatest passions—helping lost dogs. Whether it’s a beloved family pet or a stray dog in need of help, I have years of experience tracking and trapping lost dogs and find that work incredibly meaningful.
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Over the years, I’ve owned and loved a variety of breeds, mainly pitties, along with a Vizsla, mutts, and now a growing love for poodles. I’ve loved dogs—especially big ones—for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I told my parents I was going to grow up and have six large dogs, and that love has only grown stronger over time. Another passion close to my heart is advocating for breeder moms, ensuring they receive the care, respect, and second chances they deserve.