Sharon Castellanos is a long-time blogger and marketing communications professional. Currently she is the Editor-at-Large for LIFE+DOG Magazine where she contributes monthly editorial content. You can also find her online column on LifeandDog.com. Her mission is to educate others on the power of the human-animal bond.
In addition to founding the popular GrouchyPuppy dog blog in 2010, Sharon is an active Board Member of Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) a 501(c)3 organization providing for the comprehensive needs of companion animals of low-income seniors and people with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses. Based on her own experiences with dogs, Sharon believes strongly in the healing powers companion animals offer. PAWS provides essential caregiving to an often overlooked demographic found in every community, including San Francisco.
As a longtime San Francisco resident, Sharon supports local businesses and nonprofits, including Muttville Senior Dog Rescue and the San Francisco SPCA. To date, she has raised thousands of dollars and gathered in-kind donations from major brands to benefit nonprofits that she supports.
Sharon lives in San Francisco with her husband and her dog Cleo.
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Excerpts from Sharon's articles in LIFE+DOG magazine:
Like Richard Avanzino, the former president of the San Francisco SPCA who is considered the godfather of the no-kill movement, Mike Arms has significantly transformed how we view animal welfare as well as the field itself.
“Dogs already have our hearts, they need our minds” is a no-nonsense phrase you don’t expect to hear within the animal welfare movement; there is more often emotional hand-wringing from the many challenges. That perceptive phrase was spoken by Mike at a conference I attended, and is one reason why LIFE+DOG loves him.
Read a free digital edition of Sharon's article about Mike Arms and the Helen Woodward Animal Center from Issue 15 of LIFE+DOG magazine.
“Guilt and regret are what eat people up,” says Betty Carmack, RN, Ed.D, a San Francisco nurse who has been in pet loss counseling for almost 30 years.
30 years ago, veterinary practices and public attitudes were more abrupt and distant in regard to viewing dogs as family members. Those grieving over a lost dog found few resources to help prepare for grief, let alone help you through it.
Today there are resources available and widespread compassion to be found today in support of those who have lost a furry family member.
Read a free digital edition of Sharon's article which speaks to those who will, or have, experienced the loss of a loved one. You are not alone.
There are hidden treasures all over San Francisco that suggest why we have more dogs than children within the city limits, and why Tony Bennett left his heart here. One of my favorite outings with my dog is walking through the Presidio of San Francisco.
Depending on your particular mood, you can either socialize with people or escape into a grove of eucalyptus trees and onto a quiet path for solitude.
"Crissy Field must be the world’s biggest green welcome mat for dogs.."
Visitors often know about famous San Francisco landmarks such as Golden Gate Park, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge, but the Presidio, a former army base dating back to 1776, is a gem that people are surprised to discover when they visit the city.
Enjoy this free digital edition of Sharon's article on why San Francisco deserves its dog lover reputation.
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Interested in working with Sharon and Grouchy Puppy?
With more than 10,000 followers on Twitter and Facebook alone, Sharon's experienced voice reaches millions of additional followers each week through the LIFE+DOG network.
If you represent a brand that would benefit from a Grouchy Puppy Seal of Approval - consider a review or a brand partnership.
Interested in advertising on GrouchyPuppy.com -- we offer custom packages based on the advertisement, promotional opportunities and number of months included. Email grouchypuppy@yahoo.com
Have a cool product for a giveaway, we can host it here using Rafflecopter.
Still curious about Sharon, or want to know more about her dog Cleo? Read their unusual back stories
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Praise | Feedback | Shout-Outs
"Congratulations on a fine piece of journalism. The magazine is truly beautifully done. I'm honored, truly, to be in it. I love the way you captured what we talked about. Thanks for your kindness and sensitivity to the topic of pet loss." - Dr. Betty J. Carmack, R.N., Ed.D.
"You made me sound so intelligent, sensible and knowledgeable...you are a miracle worker!!!" - Shelah Barr, Happy Hounds Massage
I love Cleo! I always look forward to reading about her daily adventures.. I so enjoy your writing style and goals. - Hilary Lane
Each time I visit Grouchy Puppy I find something helpful and interesting, written by someone who really cares about animals. I know I can count on Grouchy Puppy for current, consistent and positive news, and that never makes me grouchy! - Peggy Frezon of Peggy's Pet Place
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View these favorite posts from the Grouchy Puppy blog:
It began with a mini-saga about Adoration (2010)
That's So Cleo: Influence Positively Demonstration (July 2011)
My First Old Dog, Guest Posts and Why Seniors Rule (Sept. 2011)
If my dog could talk to me, what would she say? (Oct. 2011)
All of the Influence Positively Interviews because they prove that our common love and respect for animals bring us together, and how animals can motivate us to be better people.
