Current Board Members

Chairperson

Shannon Wilkinson

Vice-Chairperson

Gilda Garcia

Treasurer

Gael Hill-Parkinson

Secretary

Susan Long

Shannon Wilkinson

Chair

Writer/Consultant

Portland, Oregon

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Having one dog diagnosed with Addison’s disease changed my life. Having a second dog diagnosed with Addison’s was practically unbelievable. Not only did I want to help my own dogs feel great every day despite their health issues – I wanted to help others learn about this disease and take better care of the animals that share their lives. To do that, I started reading, asking questions and taking classes and workshops on all aspects of companion animal care and alternative and complementary modalities. Now, I am a certified Tellington TTouch practitioner. I work with private clients as well as teach classes and workshops. I also am a freelance writer. My articles (many on holistic care for companion animals) have appeared in the Dog Nose News, the Whole Dog Journal and various breed and club publications.

Gilda Garcia

Vice Chair

Art Director/Graphic Designer

North Hollywood, California

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I'm crazy about my poodles. Before my dog Taz nearly died of misdiagnosed Addison's Disease, I was naive and uneducated about what it really means to be a responsible caretaker. I thought you just gave them some prepackaged food from the local store, had them trained, got them vaccinated on schedule, took them for checkups and trusted the vets. Taz's Addison's disease has changed me forever. It's made me stronger, more compassionate and proactive. My deepest desire is to help people assist their AD dogs live full and complete lives.  In addition to being an educational resource, I see AddisonDogs.com as a way to have a positive affect on the way ADogs live, and to celebrate these dogs and their humans. I also want to be able to provide a vehicle for those who are interested in promoting awareness of Addison's disease.

Gael Hill-Parkinson

Treasurer

Buisness Owner

Phoenix, Arizona

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Saying that Ms. Penny, our almost 9 year old white West Highland terrier, is the focus of our world would be a bit of an understatement.  Even before she was diagnosed, our friends have always felt we were a bit over the top with her.   Like most Addisonian parents, we knew nothing about this disease and searched frantically everywhere for as much information as we could absorb.  Not only did we find information, but we found a family of support for all the times we just couldn't get things right.  Educating ourselves and learning along with our vets has been a struggle over the past four years, but happily Ms. Penny is thriving and living large again. Being a part of the ADog group is my way of giving a little of that support back.  Doing whatever we can to help educate others about this disease and what we've learned is paramount.  Maybe the next diagnosis won't have to struggle quite so hard or long and maybe those 'pet parents' won't feel so isolated and scared.  I'm so honored to be a part of something so important.

Susan Long

Secretary

Darkroom Technician

Knoxville, Tennessee

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Having a companion animal develop a serious illness is one of the most scary helpless feeling you can go thru. In summer of 1999, my great dane, Hercules, was diagnosed with Addison’s disease.  With most health issues, I think you tend to rely on your vet for knowledge and direction.  Though stable, I found with Hercules too many unanswered questions, too many health issues seemingly not of concern to the vets.  I knew more could be done to better his life and so began our wonderful journey into wellness for the whole dog, the whole human.  With everything in life, it is how you embrace it.  Hercules, through his disease, taught me to embrace life, spirituality, he taught me a world I never knew.  Above all, taught me he had a voice and as his human, I must speak for him.

In June of 2002, Hercules passed due to difficulties associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. In honor of him, all that he taught me, all he gave me, I remain active in the Addison's disease world as his voice, hoping to share, there is so much more you can give your companion animal and they you.

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