Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Chase.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sure! Thank you so much for asking me. Firstly, in my career as an actor, I studied theatre at a college in NH, performed regionally and it eventually brought me to Orlando in 1995 where I was cast at Universal, Disney and Nickelodeon. After a decade living amd performing here I felt I wanted to find a cause that would help my community. Where my passion lies is animal welfare. So it made sense that in 2004 I started A Better Life-Pet Rescue. We consistently found stray dogs and cats on the street. We also rescued them from a local “kill-shelter”. These two things solidified our need to establish a non-profit status and continue the much-needed work to rehabilitate and place these animals in forever homes.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s one of the bumpiest roads you can take. Volunteer Rescue work is a roller coaster of emotions on a daily basis. One minute we are struggling to get a dog or cat out of a negative situation with very little help and the next minute, wonderful people step up, foster and we find them great homes. Here are some of our consistent struggles: Lack of fosters (safe places for a dog or cat to live until a forever home is found) lack of funds to care for the neglected/abandoned animals. Including medical attention, good food and accessories needed. Finding good solid homes that understand a dog or cat’s needs. The adopted cat or dog is being returned and we have no place for them. Thankfully my career as a performer has been a little less bumpy. Of course, this past year not withstanding.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been an improv/sketch comedy entertainer for over 25 years. It’s hard to pinpoint what I’m most proud of because I’ve been involved with so many wonderful projects and worked at the coolest places. If I were to pick one, I would say the role that I created at The Citizens of Hollywood at Hollywood Studios. I performed there for 20 years as Paige Turner and she will always be special to me. What sets me apart? Hmm… I came into the theme park world at a time where live entertainment was thriving. We call it the “golden years”. I have been super lucky and I’m forever grateful for the number of incredible opportunities and experiences that I fully embraced. As a volunteer pet rescuer I try to not only save lives but educate people so fewer lives will need saving. As an actor I’m always looking for more work but as a pet rescuer, I’m hoping for less.
What were you like growing up?
I was always outgoing. I always loved creating funny characters, singing and was never afraid of standing out. I was always sensitive and empathetic. I never had a problem with being outspoken if I felt there was some kind of injustice (both human and animal) on any scale. I grew up in southern New Hampshire. I always loved animals growing up but it wasn’t until I went to college and went out on my own that I learned to become an advocate for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Betterlifepets.com
