We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Sill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Shelter Hope has the ability to reach many humans that have no idea about the five million animals killed yearly in America’s shelters. We are open five days a week and everyday I have the honor of speaking with someone about how they can help animals too. Truly I feel blessed that I get to do what I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Running a non profit is challenging. I am surprised daily at what gets put in front of me but the most challenging things can be the most rewarding. Interestingly I find it harder to work with the people problems than the animal problems. My friend and mentor Cheri Lucas, dog behavorist, taught me basic training that I can apply to all dog issues, however, those don’t work for people! Shelter Hope, my non profit, is different than other animal rescues, as we are in a mall and my staff is volunteers. I am most excited about sharing my knowledge with others. I plan on doing a series of talks about setting up a non profit, it will be like the TED talks. I want the world to know that anyone can have a dream, and make a difference if they follow their passion.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I would start at Paradise Cove in Malibu. We would share a seafood boil, and drink Martinis. We would take an Huber up the coast to Santa Barbara. We would spend a few days up there on the ocean, eat at incredible places and visit with some friends and family I have up there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Mary Cramer is an independent rescuer who lives in Taft California. She works all the time to save animals from death row. I take the dogs that she pulls from her shelters in Kern County and I find them forever homes down here. She is an inspiration to me. The area where she lives is like a third world country for animals, abuse, neglect and people who don’t care to understand what it is supposed to be like for a companion pet. she is a Rock Star!

Website: www.shelterhopepetshop.org
Instagram: shelterhope_petshop
Twitter: @kimsill123gmail
Facebook: Kim Sill

Image Credits
All images Demetra Canning