Diane Calkins

When Diane and her husband Chris began their life together, they assumed they would adopt a dog and a cat.

However, neither could have imagined the sheer number of creatures who would share their lives. Since they added their first dog in 1968, they have adopted and fostered more than 70 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds.

Each of those beings enriched the lives of Diane and Chris and their children Jennifer and Mathew but also introduced them to the plight of homeless animals. Diane learned even more as a volunteer at three animal shelters. Those experiences led her to become involved in changing the system

She has written for a number of outlets including Fancy Publications (especially Cat and Dog Fancy), Pets.com, the Los Angeles Times, and The San Diego Union-Tribune. In 2019, Diane made her first foray into children’s literature with 'One Happy Chicken," A Certified Great Read. Last year "A Very Naughty Beagle Named Bonnie" was released and has been followed by "What to Do With a Ginormous Puppy" in 2023.

For years, Diane has worked on a memoir called "An Ark of Sorts." The book takes the reader through the highs and lows of animal rescue and tells the stories of Mouse the cat with no eyes (but sonar vision), Bob the duck, Chauncy the black Lab abandoned at the beach, and many, many more.

Finally, "The Ark of Sorts" will come to life in 2023.