Sunnye Chew spent her time at USC working at the Ostrow School of Dentistry, where she helped organize seminars, plan menus, and welcome guests. Her role allowed her to connect with a wide range of individuals, including Janette C. Brown, Assistant Vice Provost of the USC Emeriti Center and Adjunct Faculty at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Sunnye continues to stay involved with USC by volunteering for the Emeriti Center and attending its events, reflecting her lasting connection to the Trojan community.
Since retiring from USC, Sunnye Chew has dedicated her time to a deeply personal mission—improving the lives of animals through education and advocacy. She founded Pet Care Basics 101 (http://petcarebasics101.org), a business focused on educating both new and experienced pet owners about the responsibilities and commitments of pet parenting. Her work centers on preventing the cycle of abandonment, abuse, and neglect that so many animals face due to a lack of knowledge and preparation among adopters.
Sunnye believes that Fur Babies—her affectionate term for pets—deserve the same thoughtful consideration and preparation that goes into adopting a foster child. Through Pet Care Basics 101, she provides certification programs and courses that teach the fundamentals of pet care, helping individuals become responsible pet parents and siblings. Her initiative stresses that adoption is a lifelong commitment, not a casual decision, and that with proper education, families and animals alike will thrive.
The organization’s mission is not only to educate but also to advocate. Sunnye emphasizes that animals cannot speak for themselves, so it is up to informed individuals to be their voice. She continues to inspire and lead a growing community committed to changing the way pet adoptions are handled—ensuring that every Fur Baby finds a loving, permanent home. Sunnye’s passion and leadership have made her a powerful force in reshaping how society views and prepares for pet ownership.