Experience Paws Humane from one of our team members

Pierce embarked on her journey in animal services in March 2003 when she assumed the role of Intake Manager at the Muscogee County Humane Society. In 2007, she joined forces with Paws of Columbus, contributing as the Adoption Counselor and Intake Coordinator for two years. Following the merger of Paws of Columbus and Muscogee County Humane Society, giving rise to Paws Humane Society, Pierce seamlessly transitioned into the position of Intake Manager. Subsequently, she served as an Animal Control Officer for Columbus Animal Care and Control from 2014 to 2015. Her path then led her to the nationally acclaimed BestFriend’s Animal Society, where she excelled as the Community Cat Coordinator.

In 2017, Pierce reunited with Paws Humane, taking on the role of Director of Admissions and Adoptions. Fast-forwarding five years, she now proudly holds the position of Executive Director at Paws Humane. With an impressive 19 years of experience in animal services and advanced dog training credentials from the Animal Behavior Institute, Pierce is a valuable asset not only to Paws Humane but also to the broader animal service community in Columbus, Georgia, and the Chattahoochee Valley. Her impact extends beyond professional capacities, as she has cultivated enduring relationships with both the community and the Paws Humane staff.

Expressing her passion for animals and the local community, Pierce is enthusiastic about her role and enjoys collaborating with the exceptional staff at Paws Humane to enhance the well-being of companion animals and contribute to the betterment of Columbus. She shares, “I have always been deeply passionate about animals and our community here in Columbus. I am super excited to work alongside our amazing staff to serve our community and contribute to making it a better place for our companion animals.”

Leanne Smith-Bishop is a licensed veterinary technician with a career that spans nearly three decades. In 1995, she began her journey in the veterinary field in the Columbus area as a receptionist, quickly transitioning to a veterinary assistant role due to her passion for animal care. In 2001, Leanne relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned her veterinary technician license. There, she gained significant experience working in the Emergency/Critical Care and Internal Medicine departments at a large specialty veterinary practice.

After meeting her future husband and starting a family, Leanne moved back to the Columbus area to be closer to extended family. She joined Paws in March 2013 as the Adoptions Manager and transitioned to the clinic in April 2014. Now serving as the Director of Clinic Operations, Leanne leverages her extensive background and diverse experience to enhance the services provided by the clinic. She is committed to the mission of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to essential veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of the human-animal bond.

Outside of her professional life, Leanne embraces the role of a soccer mom, attending her three children’s soccer games on weekends. When not on the soccer field, she enjoys reading and exploring the walking trails of Harris County. In addition to her husband and human children, her family also includes a dog, three cats, a hamster, a bearded dragon, two guinea fowl, a flock of chickens, and a very bossy pet pig, all of which add to her rich experience in animal care.

Leanne's dedication to veterinary medicine and her community is evident through her nearly 30 years of service, her active family life, and her wide array of pets. Her unique perspective as Director of Clinic Operations at Paws is a testament to her commitment to the welfare of both animals and their human companions.