Paige Anderson was the Clark Kent/Superman of the Dallas animal scene. Her daytime life was a stylist for stars, socialites and catwalk beauties. Her off-hours job was heading up Beast Agent, where she represented dogs, cats, parrots and, yes, even red-tailed hawks like Mira and Mr. Chitters the owl for such companies as Neiman Marcus, JC Penney, Brookstone, Procter and Gamble, Purina, Dillard’s and countless others.
For some, Paige might have reminded them of Tinkerbell with her twinkling eyes, blonde hair, size-one figure and sparkle.
But besides the glitz and glamour of the runway and the repping of animals with advertising agencies, Paige saw and undertook the very ugly reality of the animal world as executive director animal cruelty investigator at Animal Investigations and Response (AIR).
The wee blonde was a role model for many. Sure, she probably weighed less than an SUV’s tire, but she loved animals. While others may have thought that Paige favored adorable Malteses and Bichon Frises, she was a Pit Bull girl in her home life. It was amazing to see the petite Paige with the muscular bulls that melted in her arms. But that was just the way Paige was, whether it was with people or pets.
And yet, let her sense an abusive or neglectful situation, then the ferocity of a volcano immediately took place. In skinny blue jeans and with her thatch of blonde hair, she marched through mud and all kinds of poo-poo to rescue those held captive in cruel conditions.
That march didn’t waiver in recent months when Paige was diagnosed with a very rare form of ovarian cancer.
According to AIR Co-Founder/President Monica Ailey, Paige passed away early this morning. “She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four days after AIR launched and four days after AIR was awarded the Justice Award by the Legacy Humane Society. Paige fought a long year battling a very rare form of ovarian cancer. She gave it a run for its money that’s for sure! Even though she is no longer with us, I believe she won her battle. She won her battle because of the impact she made on this world and everyone that knew her! She won because we are all better people for having known her. She saved so many lives and she would want us to continue to do the same…..in her name. She would say that AIR is our future….that we are going to do big things in Texas and save a lot of animals! I plan to make her proud of our future as I know she will be by our side every step of the way!
“We are squaring away plans for a celebration of life event to honor this amazing hero and all the lives she saved and touched! I will keep you posted on the details as they become final.”
Paige was 50 years young, but the difference she made in so many lives, both human and critters, was simply incredible. The world is a better place because of her efforts. Those on the other side of the rainbow bridge are welcoming her with wags and purrs.
According to Kristina Browman, one of Paige’s dying wishes was that “We would continue AIR… and we intend to make her proud.”
Our most sincere condolences go to her husband Chris McGilivray and innumerable friends and critters.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, at Manny Rodriguez’s studio. Tears are to be left at the door and cheers will be welcomed.
* Photo credit: Kristina Bowman ** Photo provided by Facebook
Monica Ailey says
Thank you Jeanne for such a spot on piece on my bestie a and partner in crime fighting. <3 She will be missed by many!