Cindy DidioN

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

I have been a Wisconsin resident all of my life and currently reside with my husband in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

WHERE DO YOU WORK/WHAT IS YOUR CAREER?

I would describe myself as a career volunteer, serving the past 25 years on several boards and volunteering with various non-profit organizations.  I currently serve on the board of Paddy’s Paws Rescue, a local transport and adoption organization and Racer Placers, Inc., a Standardbred harness racing horse rescue and adoption organization.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU SERVED ON THE WFHS BOARD?

I joined the Wisconsin Federated Humane Society board in 2017. 

WHAT KIND OF PETS DO YOU HAVE?

I live on a hobby farm that includes…one donkey, two goats, ten chickens, two dogs, 9 cats and two Welsh ponies, many of them rescues.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SERVE ON THE WFHS BOARD? ​​

My passion has always been working within communities to improve the care of and instill respect for our animal companions. During my 20 years serving on a humane society board and working at a shelter, I have reached out to the Wisconsin Federated Humane Society more than once for assistance.  With their guidance, we were able to implement change in policy and procedure at our shelter and improve the lives of both our sheltered animals and the staff who works so diligently to care for them.  By serving on the Board I seek to “pay it forward” and offer a helping hand to any humane organization in need.  The animal welfare world is constantly changing both in Wisconsin and the rest of the nation.  The WFHS is a valuable resource for legislative updates, networking, and continuing education.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

I belong to the Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trails Association and enjoy helping maintain our beautiful trail system. I especially love riding the trails in the Kettle Moraine forest with my pony Scout.

WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN WISCONSIN IN REGARDS TO ANIMAL WELFARE?

I would like to work with the WFHS Board to implement positive changes in animal welfare by encouraging Wisconsin shelters, including rescue organizations, to share resources and communicate more effectively. I hope to promote WFHS membership to all Wisconsin animal welfare groups and encourage them to embrace our mission.

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?

I have two grown daughters who, I am proud to say, are also involved in animal welfare.