Merra’s love of animals began at a very young age. She grew up on an 11 acre ranch on the outskirts of a little town in Wisconsin, surrounded by all kinds of animals including guinea pigs, ponies, horses, cats, a dog, and even a goat! Animals have been a consistent presence in Merra’s life, and they continue to be a bright spot to the present day. Her current little furry companions are two cats: Bo, a tuxedo kitty, and Skye, her longhaired princess. When she’s not cuddling kittens and puppies in the lobby of the hospital, she enjoys reading quietly at home with a cup of tea.