About Animal-Angels Foundation & COTTON

  Cotton CEO - Chief Enrichment Officer (CEO) & Head of Advocacy 

email Cotton directly:  Cotton@Animal-Angels.org

From Rescued to Remarkable

Cotton’s story didn't start in a studio; it started in a high-stakes rescue. She, along with her brother and sister, was one of the many survivors of a severe backyard breeder case in Tennessee. Life was loud, scary, and uncertain until the team from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society arrived on the scene.

Cotton was transported to Alabama, where she finally felt the touch of a kind hand. She was placed into a foster home with her siblings to begin the long journey of healing.

The "Foster Failure" That Changed Everything

Cotton had a secret plan, though. While her siblings found wonderful new homes, Cotton set her sights on her foster mom. Between the head tilts, the soulful eyes, and her spunky personality, she made it impossible for her foster mom to say goodbye. That "Foster Failure" was the best mistake ever made—it was the spark that eventually led to the birth of the Animal-Angels Foundation.

A Busy Life in the Spotlight

Today, Cotton has traded the backyard for the boardroom. As the Chief Enrichment Officer, she oversees all foundation operations with a wag of her tail and a strict "treats-for-meetings" policy.

When she isn't busy leading The Cotton Campaign—advocating for stronger pet protection laws to ensure no other pups suffer like she did—you can find her in the recording booth. As the co-host of the "Wagging Tails & Whiskers" podcast/video series, Cotton uses her platform (and her signature blue headphones) to educate the "hoomans" on everything from spay/neuter benefits to the perfect belly rub technique.

Cotton’s Mission: "I was saved by a community that cared. Now, I’m here to make sure every pet and person gets their 'happily ever after' too."

BJ Adkins - Executive Director

email Bj directly:  BjAdkins@Animal-Angels.org

From the disciplined life of a "Navy brat" to a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, BJ Adkins has spent a lifetime navigating change and channeling it into purpose. Born on August 14, 1960, BJ’s early years were defined by the transient, high-energy lifestyle of a military family, moving frequently and developing the adaptability that would define their future endeavors.

Following in the family tradition of service, BJ joined the U.S. Navy. While their time in uniform concluded as a disabled veteran, the commitment to mission-driven work remained a core value. Transitioning into the civilian world, BJ first explored the intersection of art and communication as a graphic designer, honing a sharp eye for visual storytelling and brand identity.

BJ’s deep-seated love for animals eventually shifted from a personal passion to a proactive mission. After years of fostering animals and witnessing the heartbreak of full shelters firsthand, BJ recognized that the animal overpopulation crisis required more than just reactive care—it required a movement.

"Recognizing the need for proactive programs to combat the growing overpopulation crisis, BJ founded the Animal-Angels Foundation."

Through this organization, BJ has worked to bridge the gap between animals in need and the resources required to save them, emphasizing community education and sustainable solutions.

Never one to stop evolving, BJ returned to academia later in life to expand their creative toolkit. In 2019, BJ graduated from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Videography. This achievement represents a powerful synthesis of BJ’s past experiences: the precision of a veteran, the eye of a designer, and the heart of an advocate—all now funneled through the lens of a filmmaker.

Today, BJ continues to use their diverse skillset to give a voice to the voiceless, proving that it is never too late to learn a new craft or start a new chapter in service of a greater good.