The mission of the Foundation for the Protection of Animals is to promote responsible human interaction with animals and their environment for their protection and welfare. The FPA strongly believes that encouraging proactive, responsible pet ownership is the key to ending the suffering of homeless animals. Currently the FPA is working to further its mission through the funding of spay/neuter and humane education programs, and by participation in animal rescue operations during national disasters. The FPA also provides a limited amount of consultation and in-kind services to qualifying 501(c)(3) animal rescue organizations in the Four Corners area.
The Foundation for Protection of Animals was founded by Tiffany and Bob Haugen, inspired by their beloved felines Easy, Spitfire, and Slinky. Wendy Haugen, Bob's daughter, works as the executive director of the FPA.
Tiffany Haugen supported her education at University of Wisconsin Madison through a successful modeling career. She went on to become an attorney and was very accomplished in the business world as well as many facets of the Arts. Tiffany passed away in October of 2006 after a 6 year struggle with lung cancer.
Bob Haugen funded his education at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana by working at a local dairy. His father was a milkman. Bob earned his PHD in Investment Theory and went on to become a chaired professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana, and University of California-Irvine. Bob currently lives in Durango, Colorado.
Wendy Haugen has been passionate about animal welfare her entire life. She graduated with a BA from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She has worked as a veterinary assistant, an employee of the Dane County Humane Society, and a zoo keeper at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago IL. Wendy has 8 years experience as an animal control officer in the cities of Madison, WI and Portland, OR. She has taken nonprofit management courses through Portland State University and is a member of the Association of Small Foundations.
Wendy has earned FEMA certification in national disaster response and has completed several hands-on courses in technical animal rescue.
Wendy lives in Durango, Colorado with several four-legged officemates.