As the founder of Home for Life Animal Sanctuary, Lisa LaVerdiere has addressed a critical area of need in the care and support for animals requiring an adoptive home. Recognizing the unfortunate reality that the binary outcome associated with traditional animal shelters is inherently unfair since an animal will enter a shelter and experience one of two vastly different results: They will either be adopted or they will be subjected to euthanasia.
In order to provide an alternative option to these two outcomes representing devastatingly polar opposites, Ms. LaVerdiere founded the Home for Life Animal Sanctuary, a charitable organization that takes in the animals that could not find adoptive homes and provides them with the attention and veterinary care they need along with plenty of space for the kind of play and exercise every animal so thoroughly enjoys.
Ms. LaVerdiere has devoted her entire professional career to helping those most in need. For 15 years, Ms. LaVerdiere practiced law while specializing in toxic tort law as well as product liability. It was in this capacity that Ms. LaVerdiere was able to advocate on behalf of many individuals who were unfortunately exposed to the devastating effects of lead poisoning, and her career as a lawyer was marked by a consistent focus on protecting the rights of those most in need of a staunch and supportive defender.
Founded in 1997, the Home for Life Animal Sanctuary has been of tremendous benefit to countless animals throughout the course of its existence. Ms. LaVerdiere has created a wonderful and necessary alternative to traditional animal shelters, thereby making it possible for animals to find a permanent and loving home in which they are cared for in the manner they so clearly deserve and have all of their needs met.
What was your best/favorite subject in school?
History was often the subject I looked forward to most while I was still in high school, and I also enjoyed studying the work of John Stuart Mill and others while taking the philosophy courses included in my pre-law program.
What was your first job?
Throughout high school and college I mostly focused on volunteer work, although I did offer tutoring services to fellow students. My first true job was with a law firm that focused on toxic tort law.
Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
I have always had a passion for standing up for those who don’t feel like they have a voice, so once I began to really understand the plight of animals in traditional animal shelters it was only natural for me to create Home for Life Animal Sanctuary.
How have those jobs prepared you for what you do now?
My professional career reinforced my belief that we have a responsibility to do all that we can to help those in need.
Describe the best day of work you’ve ever had.
I get to spend my days with so many wonderful animals that have gotten a second chance, so every day is always my best day.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I’m so busy with the sanctuary that I cannot afford to ever lack motivation.
What kind of business ideas excite you most?
I really believe that all businesses should provide some sort of social good and not just be aimed at generated revenue.
Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
We are open to any marketing strategies that make people aware that we are willing and able to care for animals in need of a permanent home.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
The work I did as a lawyer has always been a source of pride, and I am certainly proud of my current work with Home for Life Animal Sanctuary.
What wisdom would you have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
I would have simply reminded myself that all of the time and effort is always more than worthwhile when it’s all said and done.