Paul and Hobo back in 1988

A love and passion for animals and a deep concern about their well-being has defined the way Paul Eiseman has lived his life.

Eiseman came from a family of animal lovers but it wasn’t until he and his wife Doreen met Hobo, a thin little cat that took up residence outside their house, that they became aware of the magnitude of the stray animal population. Deciding they couldn’t just sit idly by while so many animals were in need, they worked tirelessly to help find homes for as many strays as they could while also helping to reunite people with their lost animals. It didn’t take long for word to catch on about the Eiseman’s work and they found more and more people starting to depend upon them when help was needed with an animal. But the work was never-ending and even with the assistance of a third animal lover, they soon realized that something would have to change if they were to continue to be effective.

Paul, Duchess, Doreen and Zulma at our first Loving Touch luncheon in 2001.

That change happened in February 2000. That was the year the trio met Duchess, an old, beat-up, flea and tick infested dog that was also pregnant. Living among rats and broken glass, this sweet dog clearly needed their help. The experience of helping this dog get a new life was the catalyst for starting their new group, “Loving Touch”. And in the process, Duchess became the “Loving Touch” Mascot!

“There are many rewarding things about rescue work but first and foremost is saving the lives of innocent animals,” says Eiseman. Unfortunately, he adds, there’s also a lot of heartbreak involved when your best efforts fail to save a life.

Effort is a word Eiseman knows well as he has been constantly trying to balance job, family, and rescue work. This has been no easy feat and he has long been looking for a way to simultaneously provide for his family while working for the animals. That opportunity arose one night while listening to the radio. A man was discussing how he was earning a great living off the website he created and at that moment, Eiseman said, “it dawned on me, that is what I need to do.”

Eiseman hopes his website will enlighten the public about the enormous stray animal population and the ways they can help turn things around, such as making sure their animal companions are spayed/neutered. He also encourages people to post stories about their animals as well as all the other animals they encounter in their day to day lives. The more people learn about animals, the better position they will be in to help.

He believes a change in the plight of animals starts with each person taking responsibility, both for the animals they live with and for the ones not fortunate enough to have a good home. “Instead of looking the other way, try to lend a helping hand,” he says, invoking the credo that he has lived by his entire life.