August marks the 16th year since In Defense of Animals’ Mid-South Office, better known as Project Hope, came to be. On August 1, 1993 Doll officially opened the Sanctuary.

Technically, Doll had already been in Mississippi for several months investigating and working to shut down several dog-nappers who had been stealing people’s dogs off the street and selling them to research labs. Jerry Vance was one of the key players in this pet-theft ring and Doll eventually put him out of business.

Below are three news clips from WABG-TV in Greenville, MS that detail the case.

In the 16 years since Doll arrived in Mississippi, she’s helped better the lives of thousands of animals. Of course, she couldn’t do it without her network of other animal caretakers, whistle-blowers, sympathetic judges, prosecutors, sheriffs and other law enforcement.

I’ve worked with Doll on several occasions and I can honestly say that I have never met a harder working, more dedicated, compassionate and kinder person. Thanks, Doll, for all your hard work over the past 16+ years.

Please take a moment to send Doll an e-mail congratulating her on her 16 years of service to the animals of Mississippi.

-Eric P.