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Women of Distinction

having to learn to handle animal law cases ery morning with a purpose, then it makes to know this is if they are interested in
with no other attorney to ask as there was your day better and makes you feel more pursuing their passion in life, then there
no other law firm precedent, however, fulfilled as a woman.” will be doors that will try to close. There
before long she developed a successful Suzana has many types of cases will be naysayers, people that might say
practice and one with a list of happy involving animals however, the one that you can't do it. You shouldn't do it. Listen
endings saving animal lives and in favor of gives her the most satisfaction is when she to yourself. I have found that my intuition
advancing the rights of animals. saves an animal’s life. She fights against has guided me well and led me to the
Ironically, Suzanna laments that she some of the worst atrocities, such as some path where I am now. Always follow your
wasn’t allowed to get her own dog until animal shelters that just place animals in passion.
she was 16. Prior to that, when she was pens and don’t walk them or care for them Suzana is happy to see that some states
a child, her first dog, George, a feisty properly and then put them down if they are changing their laws to support No Kill
Chihuahua was not allowed to stay in fail to be adopted. “When I'm able to save in animal shelters. She suggests to anyone
her dwelling unit as her building did not those animals from euthanasia, then that's looking for a pet to consider going to shel-
allow pets. Fortunately, her mother found very gratifying work as I see each one as ters or rescues before thinking about going
George a loving home, but this injustice an individual.” to breeders. There are so many wonderful
fueled inside her for a long time. Years Suzana referred to one case where she pets that are waiting for loving homes.
later, when Suzana was in the hospital saved a 2-year-old horse whose owner was A current project that Suzana is
with pneumonia and German measles, going to put the beautiful horse down be- working on is completion of her upcom-
her mother asked what she wanted when cause the animal was lame and she could ing book which focuses on the emotional,
she got better. Expecting her to say a car, no longer ride the horse. Suzana searched spiritual and biological bond that we
as would most 16-year-olds, or even a trip out and found a rescue that took the horse share with animals. She says “It is a call to
to some exotic location, Suzana surprised and would give it a forever home. action book written for animal lovers of all

Photos by Lily Markovic

her mother and said, “I told my mother Suzana and her husband Peter, who ages. It has a mainstream appeal and gives
that I wanted a dog and nothing else. is a surgeon, have two children, Andrew readers my perspective as an animal rights
Mom drove me to the pet store the day I 13 and Brad 11, and share their home attorney and an animal rights advocate. I
left the hospital, and I ended up adopting with three furry friends: Lily, a beauti- provide readers with insight on the cur-
a sweet Papillion dog named Sasha. I was ful German Sheppard dog, Freddie, an rent situation with animal rights and prog-
so excited. He lived until he was almost adorable miniature Poodle dog, and a ress made, but also the inconsistency in
20 years of age.” After I got married, we cool cat named Jackson, that puts up with how we treat animals, the disposability of
rescued a dog, a charming Pomeranian the dogs. They love their life in Canada, their lives, and what we can do to change
named Charlie, and he became my best but after living in California during her the system for them. It makes readers
furry friend and beloved companion for husband’s medical training, they hope to think about what they can do to help give
almost 16 years.” come back to San Diego to retire one day voice to animals instead of simply turning
I asked Suzana if she was seeing big or at least have a vacation home there. a blind eye. My book gives readers hope
changes in animal rights laws. “We realize I asked Suzana for any words of wis- and provides them with an action plan.”
that animals also have feelings, thoughts, dom that she could share with our readers. Watch for an upcoming feature on
and emotions. And so, I do think the tide “I'd want them to know that they should Suzana’s book. I know I can’t wait to read
is turning in a positive way.” never take no for an answer. I like to think it! If you would like to be notified when
After speaking with Suzana, it is clear I'm positive and determined to make a Suzana’s book is available for purchase,
how strong her passion is for animals. “I difference in the world. I truly believe the contact her through her website: www.
love what I do, and I truly believe that if adage that when one door closes anoth- suzanagartner.com and you can subscribe
you pursue your passion and wake up ev- er one opens. The reason I want them to her blogs.

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