About
The Pet Place, a 501(c)3 Organization, was created in 1990 by Fred Bergendorff under the name of Elevad, Inc. Initially, the Pet Place Television show aired on Charter Cable in Long Beach, CA with Fred as its host, but soon after, the show became a regular fixture on KDOC-TV 56. This was the beginning of local television being used as a means to promote pet adoptions. Fred continued hosting the show until 2007 when serious health issues forced his departure. Mickey Laszlo, his long time co-host and "Pet Place correspondent-in-the-field" assumed hosting duties. Dr. Marie Hulett joined the Pet Place in 1991. At that time, she was a Lieutenant with Veterinary Public Health and the Orange County Register Pets Columnist. Marie would showcase shelter pets, talk about coexisting safely with urban wildlife, and explain humane laws for Pet Place viewers. She later went behind the scenes to produce and direct the weekly program. Gary Lycan became part of the Pet Place Family in 1992, and served as producer, executive producer, and host. Gary served on the Pet Place Board as President until his death in the Spring of 2013. Marie is currently serving as the Pet Place President and welcomes suggestions and ideas from the public on how to better promote pet adoptions from shelters and rescues. All Shelters and rescues are encouraged to contact The Pet Place to receive free promotion. The Pet Place Board of Directors are: Dr. Marie Hulett, President Jeffrey Isbell, Vice President Hazel Wurfl, Secretary/Treasurer Kim Fraser, Member Ariana Isbell, Member |
After nearly 20 years, the Pet Place Television show aired it's last episode on KDOC in February of 2009, but The Pet Place has remained a leader in promoting animal adoptions, providing help to people and animals, and advocacy for animal causes.
When the Pet Place Radio show debuted in 2006 on KMZT, it was hosted by Fred Bergendorff with Dr. Bernadine Cruz and Marie Hulett. When Fred became ill, Marie took over Fred's duties and chatted with Dr. Cruz about everything animal related. Dr. Cruz left the program in 2008 to pursue television opportunities. Marie Hulett has been hosting solo ever since; long time Pet Place partner, Maryanne Dell, frequently makes appearances on the radio show to review books about animals and talk about dog training and pet safety. It's a great feature. In September 2013, The Pet Place Radio Show began airing on KJAZZ, 88.1 FM; in July of 2015 the show exclusively became a podcast on blogtralk radio to reach the online, world-wide audience. Marie is joined by her husband, Jeffrey Isbell, and daughter, Ariana Isbell, who leads the audience on a vegetarian or vegan cooking adventure during each episode. |