Christine Hunsaker, Owner
Christine Hunsaker is owner and founder of Paws, Whiskers & Wags, Your Pet Crematory. The company was built on a strong foundation for the love and commitment to animals, especially her personal pets. Christine is one of the nations leading cremationists, and has and continues to build, run and lead some of the worlds largest human cremation companies. It is her acute understanding of the honesty and integrity required to operate a sensitive cremation business that shelters and cares for the loved ones of others, that has built a business un-matched by others. Christine shares her home with her partner Kellie Rowker, a pet lover and a trauma nurse at Childrens Health Care of Atlanta; a black lab, Myrtle; a small poodle mix, Suki; a big wonderful orange tabby, Red; a chocolate standard poodle, Mocha Java; and a horse, Phoenix (Mocha and Phoenix not pictured).
Lori Murphy, Business Manager
Lori is an accomplished veterinary professional with twenty years of experience in the field. She joined the Paws, Whiskers and Wags Team in May 2010. She and her family moved to the metro Atlanta area eight years ago and consider Georgia their home. They have three wonderful pets, Whisper (pictured w/ Lori), Flash (Whisper’s littermate) and Dash – a Jack Russell Terrier.
Lisa Barr, Vice President of Sales
Lisa was first introduced to Paws Whiskers and Wags after losing her pet a few years ago. As she experienced the team’s compassion and quality of care, Lisa became a raving fan, and began spreading the word to others. Paws Whiskers and Wags recently brought Lisa on full-time as Vice President of sales.
Lisa brings over 20 years of sales business development experience to Paws Whiskers and Wags. She has an excellent track record in sales, account management and win-win business partnerships. Lisa is the recipient of many sales awards including Rookie of the Year and several years in the Million Dollar Club for Real Estate. Lisa’s outgoing personality; along with her passion for the business make her a true asset to the Paws Whiskers and Wags team.
Lisa’s interests also include biking, hiking, tennis, travel and spending time with her two rescue dogs, Stella and Riley.
Jill Burgtorf, Customer Service Supervisor
Jill was born in Decatur, GA, and although has been back in the city for twenty plus years, still considers Dallas, TX, her hometown. She is proud graduate of Clemson University. She joined Paws, Whiskers and Wags in February 2010, bringing extensive retail and customer service expertise to the team (she previously owned and operated an upscale retail furniture store). She found herself pet sitting and dog walking while between jobs and realized she had a special gift with animals. Jill has one fur child, a wonderful Golden Retriever named “Steel” AKA, Steelie Bob.
Graham Gulden, Fleet Supervisor
Graham Gulden has been a Paws Whiskers and Wags employee for 2 years. He and his wife Heather have opened a pet supply store (Tucker Pet Supply) in Tucker, GA. Recently he has rescued 2 pit bull terriers and have one pass the Canine Good Citizen test. His other dog competes in dock diving. Graham enjoys auto racing, reading, and playing music.
Jamie Shelley, Crematory Operations Supervisor
Jamie Shelley is a native of South Carolina and now lives in Decatur, GA. Jamie has been employed with Paws Whiskers and Wags since February 2010. Jamie is a graduate of Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service. Jamie is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in South Carolina and Georgia. He is a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. Jamie has a 3-year old English Springer Spaniel, McKenzie. Jamie also enjoys reading, movies, hiking, hunting and fishing.
Rick Westbrook, Driver
Rick is a native Atlantan who became familiar with PWW when he was Executive Director at P.A.L.S.. He and his partner of 17 years share their home with their yorkie – WONKA and any other strays that are thrown their way til they find their forever home.
Nigel Johnson, Crematory Operator / Driver
Nigel has been with Paws, Whiskers and Wags since February 2010. He is one crematory operator as well as driver. He has two children and three dogs; Quevo, Baby Boy, and Princess. Nigel is best known for his smile and courteous service.
Dr. Cindi Branch, Co-Founder
Dr. Cindi Branch is a devoted pet lover and help found Paws, Whiskers and Wags in 2005, following the death of her beloved poodle, Casey. She has twenty years of experience with the largest provider of funeral, cemetery and crematory services in the world. Her passion for service is evident and she works to help pet owners through the grief process. Cindi initiated the Company’s Grief Training program and helps maintain our strong relationship with the University of Georgia. An avid “Bulldawg,” Cindi makes her home at Lake Oconee and shares it with her two Poodle kids, Rudy and Lucky Girl. She enjoys the outdoors, boating, sports, movies and reading.
Lisa Newton
Lisa was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and has lived her whole life in and around the city. She is a 1983 graduate of the University of Alabama and has spent twenty years in the hospitality industry. Her love of animals led her to the veterinary field for eight years and then to Paws, Whiskers and Wags. She shares her life with many fur babies — Max is pictured here with her.
Jane Bassler
Jane BasslerWe welcome, Jane K Bassler! A Salt Lake Native, pet lover and lover of life. Jane joins PWW as our blogger of love and laughter. Jane’s wonderful gift of the pen makes her a perfect fit to our team and editorial staff. Many of Janes thoughts about pets and life come from her experiences shared with her own pets, “Muffy the Lady” and “Taffy the Tramp”. In addition, Janes personal landscape is colored by over 40 years as a 5th grade teacher. Jane is a wonderful addition. Enjoy her thoughts as they come from the heart.
