R.E.B.E.L Dog Rescue, established in February 2020, emerged from the collective vision of dedicated young women who shared a love for dogs and an unwavering commitment to the principles of animal welfare.
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Each founding member brought valuable experience gained through volunteer work with another local dog rescue, fueling their enthusiasm to embark on this new endeavor. Motivated by a determination to uphold ethical standards and moral values, the team worked to establish a dog rescue organization distinguished by commitment to integrity.
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R.E.B.E.L Dog Rescue operates as an all-breed rescue, with a specific focus on dogs facing the threat of euthanasia or enduring dire circumstances. Our rescue efforts extend across geographical boundaries, encompassing regions in Texas, local communities within Ontario, and areas in Northern Canada. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide a lifeline to dogs in need, offering them a chance for a brighter and secure future.
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R.E.B.E.L is an acronym that stands for Rescue, Educate, Believe, Empower, and Love Dogs. As such, the team partakes in community outreach initiatives and travels to the communities where our dogs are rescued, such as Texas, to assist with the dog overpopulation crisis directly.
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As a non-profit organization, run by volunteers, R.E.B.E.L relies soley on donations and fundraising efforts.
About US
Meet Our Leadership Team
Leah - Founder, Director of American operations
Leah fell in love with the world of rescue after volunteering for a local organization. She has three rescue dogs, all from the South. Otis and Waylon, both came from high-kill shelters in Kentucky. Otis was a particularly special case as he appeared to suffer from neglect and took many months to gain confidence. Today both dogs are thriving and are total cuddle bugs. Her most recent adoptee is Sofia, a senior RDR Alumni who stole her heart! Leah is passionate about the 'underdogs', and has a soft spot for medical cases and seniors.
*Sofia has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge*
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Kathryn - Founder, Director of canadian operations
Kathryn fell in love with rescue when her first dog Lloyd from Korea came into her life in 2018. Since then, she has added Winston, a rescue from Texas to the family. Kathryn has worked through a wide range of behaviours with her own rescue dog Winston, and has extensive experience with over sixty foster dogs. Kathryn has previous experience working in the non-profit sector and spent a portion of her life on mission work trips throughout the world. She has two kids, the occasional foster and adores dogs with big 'stand up' ears!
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Sarah-
Foster Coordinator
Sarah always dreamed of having a dog growing up but didn’t get her first dog, Bentley until she bought her home in 2015. In 2019, she began fostering rescue dogs and in late 2020 she “foster failed” and adopted her second dog, Evie. In 2024 she adopted a Rebel alumni, Theo. All 3 pups are spoiled by Sarah, her husband, and their 2 sons.
Sarah has a soft spot for Bully breeds and big goofball dogs. She dreams of living on a big piece of land with a pack of misfit rescues but for now she is content volunteering and advocating for the dogs who can’t speak for themselves.
Mere - Training Consultant
Mere has been volunteering with RDR since she adopted her dog Hank in 2020. She was inspired to help after learning more about the homeless dog crisis in Texas. She is an animal welfare enthusiast and enjoys helping people as they navigate through various training issues. She continues to further her knowledge on animal behaviour and training through apprenticeships with well respected dog trainer. Mere is passionate about setting these dogs up for success! Mere adopted another Rebel Dog, Freya in 2023.
Michelle - director of communications
Michelle grew up in a rural setting surrounded by animals. These early years set the foundation for a lifetime love of animals and a desire to help animals live healthy, happy, love filled lives. In June 2021, her family fostered Jasper from RDR in the hopes he would find his forever home. He did, with her, yes Michelle is a “foster fail”. That same year, Ariel was adopted from RDR completing “The Pack”. Michelle and her family currently are active fosters for RDR dogs in need (it is a family affair). As Michelle lives further from most of the other volunteers, she is able to support RDR raising awareness through social media. RDR is active on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Rebel Dog Rescue is a registered not-for-profit incorporation, however it is not a Registered Charity and therefore cannot administer tax receipts. We hope to apply in the near future!