The blonde is Elaine Hendrix http://www.elainehendrix.com She has starred in a bunch of movies, one being the parent trap.

The shelter has found that having the people actually helps the adoption rates. In a shelter situation it really is not feasible to do cats by themselves. Too dangerous for them.

They really seek out celebrities to come have photos made with the animals. Psychologically, that makes sense as if a celebrity you see on TV likes the animal, it must be worth liking.

Its becoming a very chic thing to come have your photo made at the shelter.