Pam Crump has had a passion for animals all her life. When she decided last year to take a couple of dog-grooming courses at Kilgore College, it wasn't with the intention of starting a new career. Pam's purpose was to help the Humane Society of Northeast Texas' shelter pets get adopted by making them look their best.

Born in Wisconsin, Pam and her family moved to Longview when she was 12. Her father raised and trained bird dogs and Pam cared for a wide variety of pets while growing up.

"The unconditional love you get from a pet is hard to find anywhere else," said Pam as she brushed out the mats on one of the shelter's furry friends. "They are so non-judgmental in giving their affection to someone. I'd take all of these shelter dogs home if I could, but I know it wouldn't be fair unless I could give each one of them the love and attention they deserve."

Pam enjoys getting creative and using her newly-acquired grooming skills to make the shelter's dogs look and feel better. Some of the transformations have been truly amazing (see the before-and-after poodle photos below), and almost all of the dogs she has groomed get adopted within two days of receiving Pam's special touch.

"It's like 'Extreme Makeover' for dogs!" explained Roxanne Hutson, the shelter's Executive Director. "Pam has a great talent for seeing beyond the shaggy, dirty coats some of these dogs have lived with for years and creating polished show dogs after a couple of hours. She's a wonderful volunteer -- so dedicated and hard-working. She definitely makes a difference in helping these cuties find homes."

Pam and her husband share their home with three chihuahua/pomeranian mixes she confesses are her pampered "babies". When not spending time with her family or volunteering at the shelter, Pam works full time for a chiropractor.

For information about volunteering with the Humane Society of Northeast Texas, please contact the shelter at 903-297-2170.