Keeping People & Pets Together During Crisis
PAWS-n-PURRSIST, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting the human-animal bond during times of crisis.
We provide temporary foster care, emergency boarding, veterinary support, pet essentials, advocacy, and connections to community resources.
Our goal is simple: remove the pet-care barrier so people can seek safety, treatment, housing, medical care, and stability without losing the companion they love.
It’s NEVER goodbye. It’s always, “I’ll see you soon.”
About Us
Meet the Hearts Behind PAWS-n-PURRSIST Compassion leads our mission.
Our volunteer Board of Directors brings together experience in animal care, recovery support, nonprofit service, financial stewardship, and community outreach. Together, we guide PAWS-n-PURRsist with one shared belief: people and pets belong together, especially during life's hardest moments. empathy, and service to the community we serve.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication, wisdom, and heart they bring to this mission every single day.
Suzanne Tolman, President & Founder
Suzanne is the founder and driving force behind PAWS-n-PURRsist. Her vision grew from personal experience, compassion, and a deeply held belief that no one should have to choose between getting the help they need and keeping the pet they love.
With a background in animal care management and years of hands-on experience working with dogs and pet families, Suzanne understands how unexpected life circumstances can create barriers to safety, stability, recovery, and healing. She is passionate about building partnerships and solutions that help remove those barriers while protecting the human-animal bond.
Suzanne leads PAWS-n-PURRsist with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to serving people and pets with dignity—creating a community where healing can happen without heartbreak and where the love of a companion animal can remain a source of strength through life’s hardest moments.
Jessica Ashby, Vice President
Jessica is deeply committed to serving her community and supporting individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances. As the leader of the Cardinal Grace Foundation, she brings firsthand nonprofit leadership experience and a strong passion for creating meaningful change.
As Vice President of PAWS-n-PURRsist, Jessica brings compassion, initiative, and experience in community outreach. Her dedication to both people and animals strengthens our mission to protect the human-animal bond and helps build connections that expand the support available to families during times of crisis.
Jessica leads with empathy, purpose, and a genuine heart for service, helping PAWS-n-PURRsist continue to grow its reach and serve people and pets with dignity and care.
Ashley Barnett, Secretary
Ashley brings years of hands-on animal care experience and heartfelt dedication to her role as Secretary of PAWS-n-PURRsist. With experience caring for both dogs and cats, she understands that pets are family and approaches every animal with patience, compassion, and respect.
Her strong appreciation for the human-animal bond aligns naturally with our mission. Whether supporting a nervous pet, helping behind the scenes, or assisting with the day-to-day needs of the organization, Ashley brings reliability, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the people and pets we serve.
As Secretary, Ashley helps maintain organization, communication, and continuity within PAWS-n-PURRsist. Her attention to detail and dedication to our mission help keep the organization moving forward as we provide safe, temporary support for pets while their people navigate times of crisis.
Ashley’s compassion, experience, and unwavering love for animals make her an invaluable part of the PAWS-n-PURRsist family — and a trusted advocate for the pets and people we serve.
Zoë Perusse, Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator
Zoë’s deep love for animals is rooted in compassion and shaped by life experiences that have given her a meaningful appreciation for the human-animal bond. She understands how the presence of a beloved pet can provide comfort, stability, and hope during life’s most uncertain moments.
An active member of the community, Zoë participates in service projects and is passionate about creating meaningful connections that benefit both people and animals. Her commitment to community involvement aligns naturally with the mission of PAWS-n-PURRsist.
As Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator, Zoë brings creativity, compassion, and enthusiasm to building community support, engaging volunteers, and expanding awareness of our mission. Her ability to connect with others and inspire involvement helps strengthen the network of people who make our work possible.
Tonya Pelfroy, Treasurer
Tonya brings a strong background in accounting and extensive nonprofit experience to her role as Treasurer of PAWS-n-PURRsist. She is committed to financial transparency, integrity, and responsible stewardship, helping ensure our organization remains accountable and financially responsible as we grow.
A devoted animal lover, Tonya shares her home with six dogs and understands firsthand the powerful bond between people and their pets. Her compassion for both animals and people strengthens her commitment to the families and pets we serve.
In addition to her work with PAWS-n-PURRsist, Tonya works full-time with another nonprofit organization and brings valuable experience identifying funding opportunities and supporting organizational sustainability. Her financial expertise, nonprofit knowledge, and heart for service help strengthen PAWS-n-PURRsist today while preparing us for continued growth.
Abbey Anderson, Resource Director
Abbey serves as Resource Director for PAWS-n-PURRsist, helping connect individuals, families, and their pets with vital resources during times of crisis. With a passion for helping others and a strong ability to organize and build connections, she plays an important role in identifying support services, strengthening community partnerships, and helping clients access the assistance they need.
Drawing from personal experience, Abbey understands the importance of having compassionate support systems during life’s most difficult moments. That understanding drives her commitment to helping remove barriers related to safety, recovery, housing, medical care, and other circumstances that can threaten the bond between people and their pets.
Known for her positive attitude, caring nature, and dedication to service, Abbey continues to expand PAWS-n-PURRsist’s network of resources and community connections—helping ensure that people facing crisis have more options, more support, and greater hope of remaining connected to the pets they love.
