My name is Mia Bissette and I am 44 years old. I've loved animals so much ever since I was a child but only in the last few years have I learned all the horrible truths about everything from factory farming to puppy mills. Now all I want to do is help them. I've been a vegan for a year and a half.
I am of German descent and my athletic influence and abilities come from my father, who passed away when I was 6. He was an Olympic hopeful but never got his chance due to war. I excelled at tennis and volleyball for many years way back when but now particularly enjoy swimming and biking. I've had several professions.
athletic trainer
nutritional consultant
hair stylist for 15 yrs
then I finally had enough and just had to go to work for the animals. I just completed 2 yrs of Vet Tech school in May where I finished top of my class and received "student of the year" for 2 yrs in a row. Passed my National and State exams so I am now a registered Vet Tech. After working at a wonderful clinic for a few months, I decided I needed to be more involved with Animal Rescue! So, I had a brain surge while sitting in San Francisco staring out into the ocean back in April. I thought how cool it would be to do the Alcatraz triathlon....then I thought, why not do it to raise money for animals...wait....Alcatraz is (was) a jail....raise money to help dogs and cats get out of jail (shelters)!!! The whole theme started like that but since that particular tri is held early June there was no way for me to be ready this year. i then just decided to pick a triathlon, start training, choose a cause and go for it. I've thought about how lots of organizations do athletic events to raise $$ for their charities....particularly the Leukemia Society. They call it "Team In Training" and raise millions for Leukemia. Well, right now it's only me, but I hope to someday have a team of my own and raise tons of money for animal rescue, spaying and neutering, ANYTHING that will benefit the animals!!
I am happy about having gone to school and having the skills of a Vet Tech. I'd love to put them to use as well, if the occasion arises. Being a nurse to any sick animal and helping them to recover is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
I just really love physical activity and physical work. After all, I've been knee deep in mud in the middle of a canal with the Texas Marine Mammmal Stranding Network's Critical Care Team (of which I am a member) capturing a dolphin and transporting him to freedom into the Gulf of Mexico after he landed there courtesy of hurricane Katrina! That was one of the coolest things I have ever had the privilege of being involved in.
So, animals are my life and I believe animals are my equal on this planet and they have just as much right to a decent life as any human. I will spend the rest of my life serving them.
