Natalie A. Negri

 Natalie Negri grew up on Long Island, NY and always had a passion to create.  Her love for art started at a very young age.  She was one of many talented artists in her family.  She learned most of her techniques by ‘trial and error’ and admired her mother and grandfather’s artistic talents; learning a great deal from them. 
            Her love for animals began at the tender age of 3 when she was introduced to her first puppy named Lupa. At the age of 18, Jasmine entered her life and became her 2nd companion for the following 13 years.  Lupa and Jasmine will forever be a cherished memory held close to her heart.
            Nurturing and unconditional love led to a lifetime of devotion to every animal in Natalie’s path.  Instinctively, she rescues strays and returns them to their grateful owners or makes sure they are safe.
            Natalie now resides in West Islip, NY with her third companion, Mayzakee, who brings love and laughter to her daily life.  She claims, “My life wouldn’t be fulfilled if I didn’t have a dog.” 
            After graduating High School, she studied at the University of Stony Brook and graduated with a BA in psychology; however, Natalie’s insatiable passion for animals and art led to her creation of Natalie’s Nook LLC, a small business showcasing her work. 
            Natalie and Jessica are life-long friends who have combined their talents and love for animals with this unique creation; a treasure chest of man’s best friend.

Jessica A. Alicea

J. Alicea grew up on Long Island with dreams of someday becoming a veterinarian.  A true lover of animals, she was the only kid in the neighborhood who brought home a puppy while trick-or-treating- insisting that, “he followed me home.” She was the little girl who brought home stray animals with hopes that she could keep them. Although there were many attempts, she was only successful once. Her very first rescue was a calico cat she named, Frisky. Jessica and Frisky enjoyed many sunny, summer afternoon walks around the block. Frisky may be the only cat that snuggled in a doll carriage, while her proud new owner introduced the new family member to anyone who would listen to the rescue tale.
            After high school Jessica went on to college at the University of Rhode Island. Still having aspirations of becoming a vet, the University had an excellent pre-vet program and seemed to be a good fit. It wasn’t until she learned of her “fear of blood” that these dreams were interrupted. She returned to Long Island and later graduated with a BA in education from Hofstra University. She also earned a MA in education at Stony Brook University and began teaching soon after graduation. She taught sixth grade for eight years at a middle school in Suffolk County, NY. She also started a small dog bakery business in 2006 and named it The Beggin’ Beagle Bakery.
            As her business grew, she started forming relationships with animal rescues and shelters. She started to realize how many animals were in need and wanted to make a difference!