MEETĀ THEĀ TEAM
āTo serve the vulnerable is to weave threads of hope into the fabric of Humanity."
āTo serve the vulnerable is to weave threads of hope into the fabric of Humanity."
š š¾ CHERIĀ ROSENQUIST-BENSON š¾š
CHIEF GUARDIAN OF PAWSĀ
(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.Ā
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 itās 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) ā 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 ā leaving behind the office walls and city noise ā Ā and said goodbye to her charming home in Willow Glen, CA ā to follow her lifelong dream. And with her husband and greatest supporter ā Scott Benson ā bought a heavenly property in the redwoods of Felton, California, to birth the beginning of BR Paws Dog Havenā Ā a sanctuary for at-risk, senior and special-needs dogs. Her mission is simple yet profoundly important ā to create a safe, loving place whereĀ every paw has purpose, every bark is heard, every tail wags, and every furry-legged soul, knows love, before its final rest.
Cheriās compassion runs deep ā 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.Ā
Today, Cheri's sisters marvel in awe watching their Big Sister lead the way to make a shared dream come to life ā together ....and with other Soul Sisters and Brothers who believe in Cheri's vision, mission and haven for "special senior paws."Ā Itās as if destiny itself wagged its tail and said, āWoof! Now, is the time.ā
A devoted (non judgmental) vegan for over ten years, Cheri believes that every life ā human or animal ā embodies a worthy divine light. Her faith isnāt 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 ā big or small.
To Cheri, BR PAWS is more than a rescue shelter ā itās holy ground, where healing grace walks on four legs ā sometimes lessāproviding healing grace to those who take care of them too.
Those who have had a chance to visit BR PAWS's sanctuary, often say thereās something magical about the place ā there's a peace that hums between the wagging tails and redwood trees, laughter that meets every kind ofĀ bark, and a courageous, devoted woman at the center of it all who somehow makes you believe in goodness again.Ā
Because Cheri doesnāt just rescue dogs ā she rescues humans by giving them the opportunity to create a hope, dignity and compassion for these special senior furry beings.
If youāve ever looked into the eyes of a dog whoās 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.Ā
And every rescue is a gift, a teacher, and healer.
For over ten years, Iāve opened my home ā and honestly, my heart ā 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: Ā "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 ā a home ā 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 ā 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 ā 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 Iām part of something far bigger than myself, and that this dream of mine is no longer alone.Ā
So thank you ā for visiting, for caring, for believing in what we do. This sanctuary isnāt just built on sacred land; itās built on collective love, faith, dreams & prayers. Whether you adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply send love our way ā youāre part of this love story, this mission, and the BR PAWS DOG HAVEN Family.Ā
Board Member
Scott Benson is a veteran educator, wrestling coach, and lifelong animal advocate whose life reflects service, integrity, and compassion. A long-time English teacher at Bellarmine College Preparatory, Scott is known for his engaging and unconventional teaching styleāone that encourages critical thinking, authenticity, and a genuine love of learning. Students remember him as a teacher who challenged them, believed in them, and made them feel seen.
Alongside teaching, Scott spent many years as a wrestling coach, mentoring young men in discipline, resilience, humility, and respectālessons that extend far beyond the mat.
At BR Paws Dog Haven, Scott serves as a board member and devoted supporter of the mission. As the husband of the organizationās founder, he shares a deep commitment to rescuing and protecting senior and special-needs dogs, ensuring they live their lives with dignity, safety, and love. Scott brings a steady presence, thoughtful insight, and a hands-on willingness to serve wherever neededāembodying the heart of BR Paws in both action and spirit.
Board Secretary | Communications CreatorĀ
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 organizationās 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 ā 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 ā 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.
š A Note from the Board Secretary & Communications Creator š
Welcome ā weāre so glad youāre here!
BR Paws Dog Haven was born from a simple yet powerful belief: that every dog deserves safety, dignity, and love ā 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 lifeās 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 ā 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 ā and you are now part of it too.
Thank you for being here. Whether youāre 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.
Board Member
I am an avid animal lover, especially dogs! They are such a gift, they expect nothing but love and companionship. They offer loyalty, unconditional love and friendship.Ā
I have an extensive background in senior leadership, scaling companies from a sales and marketing perspective. This BR Paws startup tugged at my heart strings: adopting dogs in need and rehabilitating them into loving homes.Ā
Nothing to me is more important, as we are here on this earth for a short period of time--why not make it better by sharing love and companionship with the most loyal species? Fur babies need love, deserve loving homes and make the world and our lives more fulfilling and a better place.
Board MemberĀ
"For me, animals have never been ājust petsā ā they are earthly angels, sacred companions I have always felt a deep, intuitive connection with since childhood. My lifelong reverence for animals, combined with my passion for rescue and care, is what draws me to serve on the Board of BR Paws Dog Haven."Ā Jenn
Jenn brings over 25 years of distinguished corporate leadership to the organization, including pioneering a groundbreaking āLiving Environmentsā program for a multi-trillion-dollar global company. Rooted in her belief in the healing power of nature, her vision transformed workplaces into sanctuaries ā integrating bio-diversity, habitat restoration, interior gardens, and outdoor spaces designed for human and ecological well-being. What began as a bold idea has since been adopted worldwide, influencing how organizations think about health, environment, and connection.
This same philosophy guides Jennās work at BR Paws. Whether she is helping shape the future of the sanctuary or spending her āside-hustleā hours lovingly caring for the pets of neighbors and friends, her life is dedicated to nurturing and protecting living beings. A trusted caregiver in her community, she believes every rescue dog and cat is a gift deserving safety, dignity, and love.
Jenn is honored to blend her high-level strategic expertise with her soul-level devotion to animals, helping BR Paws grow as a place where compassion leads, nature heals, and every paw finds its way home.