Guest Profile

Carmen Leal

Carmen Leal didn’t know enough about rescuing dogs, okay she knew nothing, but, despite her complete lack of research, she ended up adopting her tail-wagging friend who was, and continues to be, perfect for her.

 

Carmen relocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, and has become an awesome dog mom. She is the author of twelve books including I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans and many articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories.

After a suffering a traumatic brain injury, Carmen adopted Coconut, the dog who not only saved her life, but gave her a purpose and a way to use a lifetime of experience and passion. Over the course of four years, Carmen used her marketing expertise to rebrand an independent rescue shelter which included writing dog bios, grants, fundraising events, and other projects which led to the rescue and adoption of 6,500 dogs.

 

Carmen is a storyteller, Coconut's mom, and a reluctant gardener. She is an active member of the Oshkosh Southwest Rotary Club, part of her neighborhood association's leadership team, and she is an adjunct professor for Fox Valley Technical College's award-winning E-Seed Entrepreneurship workshop. When she is not writing and speaking Carmen reads, cooks, and is a major bargain hunter at consignment and antique shops.

 

A portion of every book sold is donated to Second Chance North, an area foster-to-adoption group that helps to rescue more dogs. Follow Carmen on Facebook at #rescuemoredogs.