What types of animals does your organization respond to?

Valley Mastiff Rescue is a dog sanctuary and we have aligned our efforts on rescuing Mastiffs (Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff etc) and Bulldogs. Our sanctuary welcomes the homeless, neglected, unwanted, the sick or abused. It is a place of healing and love where we replace pain with happiness. We have rehabilitated many dogs rescued from puppy mills over the years. Our partnering with local SPCA’s and Humane Societies, world animal organizations like HSI, leading rescues and passionate individuals, allows us to make bigger strides toward helping & rehabilitating Mastiffs in need. When we work together, we save more lives; it’s as simple as that.

 

When did you make animal rescue a part of your life? And how did your adventure in animal rescue begin?

From humble beginnings in 1985 at the age of 12 years old, I was already a dog lover and animal rescuer at heart. The local newspaper mentioned my efforts for rescuing birds and small animals that year. I had always been surrounded by animals from a very young age. My first job as a teenager was at a local boarding kennel. I learned about breeds, nutrition, grooming, behavior, and everything in between. Then my life took a turn and I left home at 15. Although we didn’t know each other, my now husband was also on the streets at that time. We wanted to be rescued. We know what that feels like. The idea of the sanctuary came from both our experiences. To offer dogs a haven, a safe place was our wish. Valley Mastiff Rescue is a registered charity and has grown from our hearts. The future lies in the same place that it all began – with caring individuals with big hearts who want to make this a kinder world for our pets. Our sanctuary would not be what it is today without the help of our team of dedicated volunteers and without the ongoing support of people that believe in what we do. Every day, we move forward: together.

 

What were some of the obstacles that you faced when starting your foundation? And What are some of your ongoing challenges?

When rescues started it was the beginning of a miracle for so many animals. Small groups of animal lovers like me started taking in the “unwanted’” rescuing them from high kill shelters. With time, care and patience, the majority of these animals found loving forever families. This at a time when there was no internet or adoption networks. It was those baby steps from caring animal lovers that lead to what our rescue is today.

 

Because our mission can only be achieved when like-minded organizations and individuals come together, our true challenge lies in bringing rescue groups together to collaborate, hold fundraisers together, adoption events & public education campaigns to raise public awareness. Inspiring people to get involved is the first step towards change.

 

Puppy mills are a major contributor to animal homelessness. Valley Mastiff Rescue is working hard to combat puppy mills, through supporting public awareness groups, legislative work, and educating about adoption over the purchase of pets.

 

What future goals do you wish to accomplish with your rescue group? 

At the heart of Valley Mastiff Rescue is the Sanctuary, where, at any given time, more than 15 dogs are turning their lives around, receiving the medical help they need, and getting love and healing to help them overcome their past and begin a new life. While searching for their forever homes, they live in the country in a healing loving environment among human and animal friends. Dogs are often months sometimes years at our sanctuary. Our future dream is to expand the sanctuary so that we can help more dogs. Our vision is one of rolling fields, vast acreage for the sanctuary and a state of the art housing facility for the dogs. We then might have the opportunity to make the sanctuary more functional with grooming rooms & baths, geriatric care, palliative care, pools, outdoor pens and nature paths. Our goal is to rescue and help more dogs. After all, it’s all we wish for, every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What rescue experience moved or inspired you the most?

I think it is the case for every rescuer: we forever hold a special place in our hearts for every animal

we rescue.

 

Our little Nina was born along with her 4 siblings in the emergency shelter in Lachute Qc a few days following the largest puppy mill seizure in Canadian History ( 527 dogs) in September 16th 2011. Walking into that facility that was sheltering over 500 dogs is quite an experience in itself. That moment took my breath away.

 

Our sanctuary decided to welcome Nina & her Great Dane family when she was 6 days old. Once they were nestled comfortably in the nursery, we noticed little Nina had something different with her right back leg. It was deformed, small, twisted and only had 3 toes. We were in complete shock. We decided to never treat her any differently for her siblings. We were told by many to euthanize her. I wanted to hear nothing of that because I knew her strength and her heart. First thing we knew, she was standing strong at 3 weeks old, and learning to balance herself with her tail (which she still does to this day). Dr. Madore at DMV in Lachine Qc amputated the leg when she was 2 months old and upon her return home, we challenged her every day. Nina doesn’t even know she is different. She learned to go up and down stairs and to run in the field, soon faster than all the others. Nothing could stop her. In June 2012, we got a phone call. A lady sobbing on the other end of the line had just laid to rest her special needs dog and was touched by Nina’s story. I thought to myself: this is the perfect family for Nina; they met soon after and it was love at first sight. We recently celebrated her 1 year anniversary in her new home. Nina is happy, has her own RV and enjoys camping and BBQ chicken. Nina thought me about heart, courage and to never live down to other people’s expectations. My forever hero: Nina.

 

When you are not saving animals what do you like to do?

I don’t think there has ever been a moment in my life where I wasn’t caring for animals. You can always find me caring for the dogs or walking them at the sanctuary. It is my happy place. There is no other place in the world I would rather be. I never had to decide what my life would be; it always came down to my passion of animals. My other hobbies include growing herbs & vegetable gardens, studying nutrition and unconventional alternative medicines. Inspired by wanting to do more for my dogs, I have also acquired a certificate in canine nutrition. I am passionate about the power of fresh natural food for dogs and how they can heal. My hope is to pursue my education in that field to one day become a certified canine herbalist where I could apply the power of nature in canine nutrition. If you could give pet owners one piece of advice what would it be?Listen to your dog. Establish that magical bond that will make your dog a part of you. Find that special connection, after all it’s what prompted domestication thousands of years ago. Once that bond is forged, a dog will love his owner more than anyone else on earth. From grooming to walking, from massages to car rides, from playing to play dates, no matter the breed: never pass up an opportunity to truly connect with your beloved pet. It’s what he lives for: loyalty.

 

In the end our message is to spay & neuter your pets and always give a pet a second chance by adopting from a rescue or a shelter.