About the Founders

I am a Peking-ista. My name is Alysia, pronounced ah-lee-sha (thank my mother for the spelling!). I am no foodie, travel guru or fashion plate, but Pekingese have my heart and soul. They are the center of my life’s purpose. It all started with a little Pekingese mix named Stetson. My stepfather, who I adored, gave him to me when I was a senior in high school. Stetson was by my side through college, through a tumultuous marriage and chapters of my career. He was the most reliable man in my life for over 18 years. As Stetson said, “Goodnight”, my husband, Dave came onto the scene. Dave never had dogs growing up, but I have helped make up for lost time! Two years into our marriage, I told Dave I knew my life’s purpose was to rescue Pekingese, high maintenance miniature majestic dictators! With Dave’s support, I wrote down my vision to honor lost souls who had been given up on. My vision turned into a hair storm! I have had Pekingese in my life for over 30 years. We have rescued well over 200 animals in the last eight years, namely hairy, flat-faced pooches. I have a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in education and have spent 3 years in a veterinary technology program. My full time career ladder has taken me through the ranks of public health, non-profit organizations, chairing at the university level and directing government branches and divisions, but my life, MY REAL LIFE, belongs to the Pekingese.