I'm going to double dog dare her not to go! Grr it's that time of year again. Grrr.. no I'm not talking about back to school. This is the time when my pack is split up for several days. Do you know how long that is in dog years? A really long time!

Professional photographer and lifetime animal lover, Brett Chisholm, is dedicated to combating the animal overpopulation crisis sweeping the country. To help educate and provide free and low-cost community resources, Brett gives his time and creativity to support Texas-based nonprofit SNAP (Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, Inc.). In 2006, Brett founded SNAPshots, an annual fashion fundraiser for SNAP that has successfully helped raise funds and awareness for the group, while becoming a must-attend event in Houston.

In 2010, Brett working with SNAP created Collars For A Cause, a new fundraising initiative involving one-of-a-kind dog and cat collars designed by artists, celebrities, fashion designers and more, all with the goal of increasing awareness and funds to end the cycle of animal overpopulation. At the same time, Brett followed his dreams and launched LIFE+DOG Magazine, a monthly publication celebrating "Modern Living with Man's Best Friend". As a dog lover and the Publisher of LIFE+DOG Magazine, Brett gives a fresh view of trends, products and individuals making a difference in their communities.

Heidi Ganahl is one of the country’s most extraordinary, respected and in demand women entrepreneurs. Heidi has triumphed over staggering adversity. Beginning with the loss of her husband at the age of 27, to losing a million-dollar insurance settlement, Heidi’s entrepreneurial spirit and extraordinary leadership skills have helped her pick herself up and emerge as a Top Dog of Camp Bow Wow, the $40 million leader in the pet and franchise industry.

Since starting Camp Bow Wow in 2000, Heidi has been able to realize her dream of creating a nonprofit organization, The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, which promotes the health of pups, ending overpopulation and the inhumane treatment of animals worldwide. "The lessons I’ve learned over the years fill my presentations – keep in mind that the world is your field of tennis balls and pile of sticks to fetch if you just put your nose to the ground and go after them! Tragedy, loss and misfortune can all be used to learn the lessons you will need to get past your fear and become a great leader or entrepreneur. So let’s play ball!"

 Heidi enjoys hiking, traveling and working on various charitable causes including her board positions with the Denver Venture School (denverventure.org), the Metro State Center for Innovation (www.centerforinnovation.org) and the University of Colorado at Boulder Leed’s School of Business. "My devotion to the importance of education and animal welfare issues keeps me busy!"

If you are headed to BlogPaws 2011 - like we are - Heidi will be a Saturday keynote speaker. We're honored and thrilled that she took time to join our interview series ahead of the conference!

Louise Hobson is the wonderful mama to @Petiethecat a 16 year old orange tabby. Peter is married to the beautiful Pandafur. Petie and his mama live in Winnipeg, Canada where they work together to help other kitties have a great life, just like his. Visit his blog Petie the Cat to see how you can help too. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness is lying on a beautiful beach, with no people in site with a good book

If you could come back as a dog or a cat, which one would it be & why?

I would come back as a cat because they are so naturally graceful and loveable (well dogs are loveable too, but I am all cat lover)

What is your pets most treasured possession?

My pet's most treasured possession is a painting of him done by @Zaziart. It was given to him for his 15th birthday by some very good friends of his on Twitter.

Your proudest achievement so far? My proudest achievement so far? likely watching my children grow up into well rounded, intelligent, articulate human beings.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My hero in real life is my husbands mother. She raised 5 children all on her own- working when she could- and all of those children grew up to go to University and be successful in their own right. when you look at that scenario- it easily could have gone another way. I have the utmost respect for this woman, who is my mother in law. She is a very special woman.

Shreve Stockton is a writer and photographer living in Wyoming. She is the author of two books: Eating Gluten Free and The Daily Coyote and the creator of three blogs: Vespa Vagabond, The Daily Coyote, and Honey Rock Dawn.