Founder
Monique Bonnaffons
Monique Bonnaffons is the Founder/Executive Director of Take Paws Rescue located in New Orleans, Louisiana. A native New Orleanean, she completed her studies at Franklin College and a successful career as a Court Reporter. She went on to pursue a passion and opened a boutique in Lakeview, during which time she experienced a situation which would change the course of her life and bring her to her calling. In 2015, after rescuing Clarence from a life or death situation, Monique followed her heart and, with the endless support of her husband and five children, started Take Paws Rescue.
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Always having a love for animals and pulling for the underdog, there was no going back. With Monique’s constant nurturing of the rescue, it’s grown from 40 dogs a month to its current size of nearly 200 dogs monthly. She has surrounded herself with hundreds of amazing volunteers that continue to grow the rescue operation across the state of Louisiana and beyond. Through this calling, Monique has proven to be a tireless advocate for animal rights and is determined that Take Paws will make a difference in the lives of countless rescues and fosters on their journey to their forever homes.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Ann Cardinale
President
Mary Ann Cardinale has been a devoted animal lover since childhood. Inspired by her mother, who regularly opened their home to stray and unwanted dogs and cats, Mary Ann grew up surrounded by animals and learned early the importance of compassion and rescue.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Mary Ann became deeply involved in organized animal rescue efforts while seeking help for her own German Shepherd. Witnessing the dedication and sacrifice of rescue volunteers who came to New Orleans to help displaced pets and animals inspired her lifelong commitment to rescue work.
Over the years, Mary Ann has dedicated countless hours to fostering, transporting, bathing, capturing, and caring for rescue animals. She has also contributed behind the scenes through event work, planning, paperwork, social media, and coordinating rescue efforts — including the occasional late-night “saving mission.”
When she is not spending time helping animals, Mary Ann is a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, insurance agent, and partner in a home remodeling business.
She can be contacted at maryann@takepawsrescue.org.
Kelly Adair Loisel
Secretary
Kelly is a native New Orleanian and attended the University of New Orleans for undergraduate studies, followed by Loyola Law School. She oversees the administration aspect of the Board and also provides pro bono legal assistance when needed. She is a lifelong dog lover and was inspired to dive into the world of rescue by Monique and Mary Ann many years ago. What started as volunteering at events has evolved into fostering puppies and participating in transport needs.
Kelly divides her time between New Orleans and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, but New Orleans will always be home.