Ann Johnson

Dedicated to keeping pets with the people who love them

Ann discovered her passion for helping animals in high school when she briefly adopted a stray Husky mix. “At the time, I lived in a very small town in the country. I probably had the dog for a year or so.” This experience opened her eyes to the passion she had for animals, and ever since, she’s been dedicated to adopting and giving stray animals a home.

While Ann lived in several places throughout her childhood, she spent the majority of her time in Utah where she attended college at Weber State University. After multiple moves around the country for work, she’s now been in Seattle for a little over six years.

Already a passionate animal lover, she initially connected with Seattle Humane via her assistant, who was a volunteer. “She told me what a great organization it was.” She immediately jumped into action co-chairing the 2021 Tuxes & Tails and ensuring the first-ever virtual version of the event was a major success. Ann officially joined the board a month following Tuxes & Tails.

As a board member, Ann enjoys feeling that she can make an impact in animal welfare and provide community education and programs to service everyone.

“Providing a safe, loving home for these amazing family members brings me great joy. Joining the board has enabled me to assist even more in finding animals their furever homes.”

When thinking about what’s next for Seattle Humane, she’s dedicated to helping pets stay with the people who love them.

“I think what’s most important is helping people that may be going through housing transitions, or facing other issues, stay with their pets. Anything we can do to provide veterinary services, food or other support to help these folks is what matters most.”

She’s also especially passionate about rescuing dogs. “There are so many animals in high-kill shelters. We have a tremendous opportunity to truly make a difference.”

Outside of her board work, Ann is the Corporate Vice President at Microsoft where she works in cybersecurity, and she enjoys spending time with her daughter and her pups on her boat, as well as cooking. “I grew up in an Italian family so cooking is a passion.”

Currently, Ann has three dogs, one of which is a Seattle Humane alum named Mariah who she adopted a little over two years ago. At the time, Ann had recently lost her mastiff, Peyton, who she had rescued while living in New Jersey. “Peyton was one of the best dogs ever and we unexpectedly lost her during a surgery. I was devastated.” Ann still had her senior weimaraner, Landry, who was in need of a furry companion after losing his sister and so Ann came to Seattle Humane. “I walked by Mariah’s kennel and it was love at first sight. She’s smart as a whip, full of life and has reenergized Landry. She runs the house, and my daughter named her Mariah because she’s a diva.” Outside of Mariah and Landry, Ann and her family also have an English bulldog named Duncan who she rescued from the Long Island Bulldog Rescue.