Mission Statement
The mission of Cayuga Dog Rescue (CDR) is to rescue stray, abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs in Central New York, as well as dogs that are deteriorating in regional shelters or are scheduled for euthanasia due to shelter overcrowding.
What We Do
We place rescued dogs into foster homes where they receive needed veterinary care, and emotional, physical, and social rehabilitation on their way to carefully screened permanent adoptive homes.
We provide ongoing consultation and support to foster homes and permanent adopters for the life of the rescued dog. We promote compassionate dog guardianship through our public education efforts.
Who We Are
Susan
Susan is the director and co-founder of Cayuga Dog Rescue. She has been a dog-lover since childhood. In 1993, she rescued and adopted her first dog from a decrepit shelter on Long Island. That beautiful, soulful Shepherd/Akita (and her dog-loving husband) awakened a relentlessly wonderful dog obsession in her that she has been nurturing ever since. She fostered for her local SPCA, as well as fostered, volunteered, and served on the Board of a regional nonprofit dog rescue organization. In July of 2005, she and Melissa formed Cayuga Dog Rescue to more effectively continue their dog rescue efforts. Almost nothing makes Susan happier than finding a loving, stable, caring home for a CDR gorgeous rescue dog.
Melissa
Melissa is the co-founder of Cayuga Dog Rescue. She came by her dog passion naturally, as her father raised English Setters during her childhood. Smitten with an enduring love and appreciation for all things furry, she has spent the majority of her adult life rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating people about dogs. During this time, she has fostered over 85 dogs and puppies, has interned with and served on the Board of a regional dog rescue organization, and is a member of Cornell Companions Pet Therapy Program and the Ithaca Dog Training Club. Her permanent home pack includes Jarvis, Jonah, Orion, Myrtle, Tobias, Giacomo, Zen, Skeet and Trill who fill her heart with love, endlessly make her laugh, and keep her continually vacuuming!
Melissa very actively co-directed CDR until 2009, at which time life took her in other directions. She is no longer associated with CDR, but continues to care for her large home pack of dogs and to long-term foster several hard-to-place Beagles.
Mike
Mike is the web maintenence man. It's hard for some of us to believe that web coding is an enjoyable hobby.
Shelly
Shelly is a visual and graphic artist living in Ithaca and Pooleville, NY. She is the graphics department for the Ithaca Bakery/Collegetown Bagels chain by day, an emotionally evocative painter by night, and a dog and cat lover at all times. Shelly greatly supports animal rescue work, and was happy to donate her talents to our rescue by creating our adorable logo.