💛 🐾 CHERI  ROSENQUIST-BENSON 🐾💛

CHIEF GUARDIAN OF PAWS 

(FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)

Cheri Rosenquist-Benson

Chief Guardian of Paws | Founder

For as long as anyone can remember, Cheri has been a safe haven for all souls with fur. 

As one of the most loving, grateful and hilarious humans on the planet, Cheri has spent the last decade rescuing, nurturing, and re-homing abandoned, abused, and special-needs dogs, while managing a demanding full-time job, and caring for her big family. Whether it’s calming a terrified, trembling senior dog, nursing a wounded, abandoned stray, or walking a joyful parade of seven tails at once (while somehow still holding her morning cup of coffee) — Cheri does it all, with humor, grace, and a heart that never seems to run out of room to love and give.

In the summer of 2025, after years of juggling a full-time corporate career and her innate "Calling," Cheri made a leap of faith — leaving behind the office walls and city noise —  and said goodbye to her charming home in Willow Glen, CA — to follow her lifelong dream. And with her husband and greatest supporter — Scott Benson — bought a heavenly property in the redwoods of Felton, California, to birth the beginning of BR Paws Dog Haven—  a sanctuary for at-risk, senior and special-needs dogs. Her mission is simple yet profoundly important — to create a safe, loving place where  every paw has purpose, every bark is heard, every tail wags, and every furry-legged soul, knows love, before its final rest.

Cheri’s compassion runs deep — perhaps because she knows what it feels like to be chosen, found, and loved again. Adopted as an infant, she grew up never knowing she had two full biological sisters, until later in life. And by a beautiful twist of fate, both her younger sisters (Klaudeen & Jennifer Shemirani) had also carried a childhood dream of creating an animal sanctuary too. 

Today, Cheri's sisters marvel in awe watching their Big Sister lead the way to make a shared dream come to life — together ....and with other Soul Sisters and Brothers who believe in Cheri's vision, mission and haven for "special senior paws."  It’s as if destiny itself wagged its tail and said, “Woof! Now, is the time.”

A devoted (non judgmental) vegan for over ten years, Cheri believes that every life — human or animal — embodies a worthy divine light. Her faith isn’t bound by doctrine, but by a daily practice of gratitude for the daily miracles she witnesses and embraces: like the way an old abused dog learns to trust again, and the way human hearts melt open when they feel inspired to make a difference in a meaningful way — big or small.

To Cheri, BR PAWS is more than a rescue shelter — it’s holy ground, where healing grace walks on four legs — sometimes less—providing healing grace to those who take care of them too.

Those who have had a chance to visit BR PAWS's sanctuary, often say there’s something magical about the place — there's a peace that hums between the wagging tails and redwood trees, laughter that meets every kind of  bark, and a courageous, devoted woman at the center of it all who somehow makes you believe in goodness again. 

Because Cheri doesn’t just rescue dogs — she rescues humans by giving them the opportunity to create a hope, dignity and compassion for these special senior furry beings.

📝 A Message from Cheri Rosenquist-Benson 📝

🐾  Chief Guardian of Paws | Founder of BR PAWS  🐾 

If you’ve ever looked into the eyes of a dog who’s been through abuse and abandonment, and still chooses to trust, then you will instantly know why I do what I do.

For me, every rescue is a reminder that love is the greatest healer there is. 

And every rescue is a gift, a teacher, and healer.

For over ten years, I’ve opened my home — and honestly, my heart — to dogs who were abandoned, aging, neglected and harmed. I never planned for this to turn into a full-time calling… but apparently, the Universe and a few determined Labs, Pits and Chihuahuas knew and paved the way. And somewhere between adopting and walking 5-7 dogs at a time, and finding forever homes for the rest, I realized:  "This is what I was gifted with and born to do."

When I founded BR Paws Dog Haven, I wanted to create more than a rescue shelter. I wanted to create a sanctuary — a home — where every dog, no matter how old or wounded, feels like they belong, and experiences the love they deserve. The kind of love they give so freely — unconditional love.

Here in the redwoods of Felton, I get to witness the wounded and abandoned ones become alive again, and remember what it feels like to feel safe and loved again. Every tail that thumps with love, and every gentle sigh of a resting senior paw — is a song and hymn of gratitude and purpose for me. And it comes with a reminder that each rescue is really rescuing and healing a part of us.

And now, with my all my soul sisters and brothers, and my husband by my side, I know I’m part of something far bigger than myself, and that this dream of mine is no longer alone. 

So thank you — for visiting, for caring, for believing in what we do. This sanctuary isn’t just built on sacred land; it’s built on collective love, faith, dreams & prayers. Whether you adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply send love our way — you’re part of this love story, this mission, and the BR PAWS DOG HAVEN Family. 

Meet Klaudeen Shemirani 🐾 

Board Secretary | Communications Creator 

Klaudeen Shemirani is a compassionate communicator, spiritual guide and healer, and interfaith reverend who supports BR Paws Dog Haven through governance, communications, and community connection. As Board Secretary, she helps steward the newly established organization’s vision with integrity, clarity, and heart. And as the Communications Connector, she is also helping shape BR Paw's website, and future newsletters and updates that invite others into the mission. Klaudeen is also one of two sisters that adore and support the Chief of Paws' mission!

Apart from BR Paws, Klaudeen is also the founder of SoulBody Wisdom – Coaching, Healing & Rituals, where she has spent over 15 years guiding individuals and groups through transformational healing, authentic self-expression, and sacred ceremonies and rituals. She also brings a strong background in public speaking training, having facilitated workshops and programs that have helped over 3,5000 people find their authentic voice, presence, and confidence — skills she now uses to amplify the voice and values of BR Paws.

With experience spanning high tech corporate communications, spiritual leadership, and community-building, Klaudeen serves as a bridge between strategy and soul. At BR Paws, she is committed to its mission, values and stories that reflect the deep love and care at the heart of the sanctuary.

📝 A Note from the Board Secretary & Communications Creator 📝

Welcome — we’re so glad you’re here!

BR Paws Dog Haven was born from a simple yet powerful belief: that every dog deserves safety, dignity, and love — including the seniors who have been harmed, disabled, abandoned or lost their owner. When you step into this space, whether online or in person, you are entering more than a rescue organization. You are entering a sanctuary rooted in compassion, faith in life’s goodness, and deep respect for every being who crosses our path.

As the Board Secretary and the voice behind much of what you read and see here, I consider it an honor to help share the stories of these extraordinary dogs — and of the humans who rise to meet them with open hearts. Story is how we build trust, how we grow community, and how we remember why this work matters. Every wagging tail, every healing moment, and every adoption/foster family is part of a larger story of hope — and you are now part of it too.

Thank you for being here. Whether you’re visiting as a potential adopter, volunteer, donor, or fellow animal lover, your presence matters. Together, we are creating a place where love leads, healing is possible, and every paw knows it belongs.