My story began when I was only 10 days old and I almost died. I was taking to San Francisco, CA, and my life change because beside God giving me life, Dr. Edwin Boldrey, an amazing Neuro-Surgeon, gave me the chance to be here. It was God and my amazing parents, Victoria and Mauricio Batlle, that made me stronger.  I was blessed with the gift of playing the guitar and singing, which brings so much peace in my heart and soul. I have 3 amazing sisters and a brother, who is my best friend. I love my 3 nieces and 2 nephews. They are such a blessing in my life.

Since I was a little girl, I have loved animals. I was 4-5 years old when I got my first dog. It was a Cocker Spaniel named "Toifel". He was my shadow and my best friend. He died at the age of 13 years old. Our house in El Salvador was always full with animals, especially German Shepherds because my dad loved the breed. 

I was 15 years old when I composed my first song. I knew between animals and music, my world would be brighter and from that moment my life change. Animals had been always my passion they bring out the best of me and I make me feel alive. I know my purpose to be here is to be able to offer aid to them as much as they have heIped me throughout my life. I truly believe that our destiny has been written in the book of life and we are in God's hands until he decides where we will meet him again in Heaven. 

We moved to Miami when I graduated from High School and in Miami I learned English at different schools. I then went to the University of Miami to study Music Marketing. I used to travel all over with the music industry, but I knew there was a calling for me besides music.

I moved to Nashville, Tennessee 20 years ago from Miami, Florida with my 2 dogs, Princess and Maggie, Miniature Pinschers. I was married at the time. Then Travis, the Dachshund, came along sick and so malnourished and the story began. I started helping animal rescues, working in transports, picking them up from shelters, taking them to the vet, doing home visits, and getting more involved in animal welfare. It was so rewarding seeing those cute faces finding their forever homes. I starting getting to know more about puppy mills, animals suffering for being over-bred, and people selling them without proper veterinary care. A friend once told me, " We all have a past and we all have a story to tell." I am pretty sure these animals suffering with neglect have a story to tell, as well. I love Basset Hounds and the main founder of the New England Basset Rescue asked me for help. Karen Fortier was amazing to work for and she taught me so much. I will never forget her determination and love for the Bassets in need. She was one of the BEST people I met in rescue.

I started watching the ASPCA programs and reading about difficult cases of cruelty, and it was so overwhelming seeing the suffering of these animals being starved to death, being beaten by their owners, or left behind for no reason. I realized what I needed to do. I contacted the ASPCA in New York to start a chapter in the state. I filed a non-profit status to do it the right way for people to understand the need of helping the animals in Tennessee and Southern states. The SPCA of Tennessee was founded in December 2005 and we got our status in 2006. 

We do not receive any monetary funding from the ASPCA - every SPCA is usually a shelter with animal control. My mission is to build an animal sanctuary where animals can run free, have special training, be checked and cared for as soon as they arrive, and give every animal the chance they deserve. I have a great Board of Directors and we all are volunteers with full time jobs (we receive no money for our work with the SPCA and rely on 100% donations). 

We all love what we do and we hope that with donations, our hard work will make our dream come true. I have gone through so many dogs in my home that they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and I miss them dearly. Currently, I have 12 loving dogs that keep me busy and I never have a dull moment at home. However, there was a dog that won my heart that will last a lifetime. I rescued him from the streets, and every time I was going to find him a home, I cried and I begged my ex-husband to keep him. He finally said YES. I named him Bebe Snowman. He was my soulmate and my true best friend. One day I will see him again. It was a true bonding I had never experienced and I know he is watching me from Heaven - I miss you Bebe so much - Celina Batlle