05/19/2026
Starting a rescue was one of the hardest, and most rewarding, things I’ve ever done.
In the beginning, I had the passion, the love, and the drive to help dogs, but figuring out how to actually get started felt overwhelming. I started in Wisconsin trying to find a dog locally that needed help. I probably sent close to 100 emails and had a handful of rescues and shelters tell me I was “too new” or didn’t have a following.
Of course I didn’t. I had just started. I had zero connections.
Door after door kept closing, but I refused to give up. I knew I had the heart for this work, and I knew I would save dogs somehow.
So I changed directions.
I told myself, “Alright Wisconsin, I’ll go somewhere else and find my dogs.” And I did. Texas had the need, and I met every qualification. Rescue work isn’t done until all the paperwork is finalized, so it took conversations, patience, and persistence, but eventually I found a reputable rescue partner and got my first pup.
Baxter.
At first, I told myself not to get my hopes up, but that was impossible. After all the closed doors and discouragement, it finally felt like all the hard work paid off.
Baxter traveled from his original shelter, to another shelter, to the airport, onto a plane, and finally to us. When he arrived, he was terrified. You could see the sadness in his eyes. In that moment, none of the followers, numbers, or legwork mattered anymore. What mattered was that this dog deserved love, safety, patience, and a real chance at life.
Day by day, Baxter gained trust. He was loved then, and he always will be.
One thing I was told early on was, “Don’t get too attached.” I honestly could not disagree more. Get attached. Love these dogs. Advocate for them. Fight for them. They need good people, good homes, and unconditional love.
I’ve seen so much good in rescue work, and I’ve also seen how closed off parts of it can be. But at the end of the day, we are all supposed to be on the same team, saving dogs.
That’s what matters most.
So to the rescues that have been doing this for years, I urge you to stay open to new rescues and new people trying to help. We believe in this work just as much as anyone else.
And if anyone ever wants to start rescue work or has questions about how to begin, please feel free to reach out. I would truly love to help.
