Meet our Pack!

My love for these lost souls stems from my beautiful mom. Growing up, she taught me empathy and love for the helpless dogs who would be left at our doorstep or at the vet and we took a vital role in helping them. Helping a dog in need is hard-wired into the person I am. My daughter spurred on the passion of rescuing dogs when she made the decision to be involved in a rescue when she was in her teen years. We jumped into the organized rescue world with both feet and we never looked back. Over 300 foster pups have come and gone through the doors of our home and we have loved every single one and it hurts when they leave but that is how we know we are doing our job as fosters correctly. Our job is to love them, send them on their way, and then look to the next pup(s) we can help.

I am so proud to be the one to lead this amazing group of rescuers in saving as many dogs as we are responsibly able to. Rescuing the abandoned and those left wandering is where my heart lies in this horrible, yet rewarding world of rescue.

Our partnership with HASRA in Alabama is so dear to me as we work together to save as many lives as we can. My heart is on the front lines of this ongoing battle. Bringing them to safety, working on getting them healthy and loving on them is my world of rescue and I will give my every last breath in making this happen for them. I am honored to be working with so many people who share the same passion in Alabama and Minnesota alike.

I have an amazing support system in my family. My husband Kevin sees the big picture of dogs in need and understands the need to go the extra mile. My amazing children, Billy, Robby, Madeleine (Robby’s wife) and Laura all love this rescue and support me at every turn. My daughter Laura is involved in the daily activities of the rescue and her passion for these dogs leaves me amazed every day.

I am so excited to see where Warrior Dog will be in the coming years. People always tell me that my dreams are sometimes too big. I say, nothing is too big of a dream for these pups.

I have been volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue for about 2 years and joined the board in January 2020.  I have done several things while involved with the rescue including, but not limited to: walking dogs in boarding, taking dogs to adoption events, fostering, helping at transport, home visits, adoption completions, assistance with whelping litters, bottle-feeding puppies, adoption coordinator, and board member.  If I could have a hundred dogs, I would!

By education, I am an attorney and a member of the Minnesota State Bar.  In my daily work life, I advise clients on income taxes, estate planning and taxes, and other financial planning matters.  I am also a trustee for a private trust company,

My husband Derek and I live in Lakeville.  We have had so many great foster dogs in such a short time and love being part of Warrior Dog!  In my free time, I can be found hitting the walking paths with my resident pup, Harley year-round.  When I get some quiet time, I also love to read, garden, crochet, do jigsaw puzzles, and cook.

As a child I grew up always having a dog in the house. They provided me with companionship and comfort during difficult times like my parents’ divorce, moving to a different home in a new school district away from my friends, and challenging social dynamics in school. For these reasons, and many more, I knew I wanted my four boys to grow up with a dog or two or TEN! We decided on a Golden Retriever and I trained her to be a therapy dog. I found training to be so rewarding and such a bonding experience for me and my pup, I decided to foster a dog and train him to be a companion dog for a military veteran. For me it was a win-win situation because I could give a dog a home and train him, as well as bring volunteering into our home to show my children how important it is to give.  

As the pandemic first hit in March of 2020, I made a decision to fill out an application to foster for Warrior Dog Rescue. We took in our first foster Memorial Day Weekend of 2020, and within a year I met my goal of twelve dogs in twelve months. I cry every time a pup goes to their forever home; sad tears for me, but happy tears for the pup and new owner(s). Showing these sweet pups what love is all about fills my heart. 

A favorite quote of mine is…“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog the world will change forever.” I am grateful to be a person who can help change a dog’s world, and I am honored to be a part of this organization. 

My heart for rescue dogs came from my mom and grandma. They taught me to love the ones who don’t have a voice and to do whatever it takes to help them. I talked my mom into getting involved with rescue and I have loved it every step of the way.

We have fostered over 300 dogs in my home and every single one is very special to me.
Watching them go from being broken to being whole is so rewarding. My happy place is at HASRA, our shelter partner in Alabama. Being there and seeing the look in their eyes when a
dog first feels safe is like no other feeling in the world. Being a voice for the voiceless has become my goal in rescue. My passion for the bully breeds is where my heart lies.

I help in many different areas in the rescue. Recently, I have taken on the role of one of the Intake Medical Coordinators. Transport time is a busy time and I am proud to be part of it.

I am so honored to be part of the rescue and stand beside my mom on this journey.

Hi everyone! I am Courtney and between volunteering and fostering, I have been with Warrior Dog since 2019. The beginning of my Warrior Dog journey came when a close family friend contacted my family asking us to foster a pup that was being left behind on a transport leaving Alabama in 30 minutes, as not tagged by a family. I have volunteered at dog adoption events, assisted at incoming transports, perform Zoom home visits, and was a driver as part of an eye-opening dog transport from Alabama to Minnesota. My family and I have fostered puppies and adolescent dogs, giving them a safe, loving home until they are able to find their furever homes.

I am currently studying at Concordia University for Sonography but continue my passion of caring for the pups that need us the most at the Dog House, foster additional pups, and volunteer however I am able.

Remember that pup mentioned above that was going to be left behind, our first foster? Well, he ended up becoming our first foster fail as well. We have adopted one additional Warrior Dog foster to bring my family’s 4-legged count to four (3 dogs & 1 cat). I like to think I am their favorite as I spoil them rotten with homemade frozen dog treats and many car trips for pup cups & ice cream!!

Hi all. My name is Chris Floeder (Winterfeldt on FB). I have been with WDR since August 2019. I currently wear many hats in the Rescue; Data Entry, Doug House Supervisor, Banking, and ANYTHING else Diana asks me to do!
I have always had a passion for all animals, but especially dogs. It is such an honor to be involved with such an amazing group of people who work so selflessly to save these animals.

I just recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to HASRA, our partners in Alabama, to bring back more dogs/puppies. I can tell you that the dedication and love they have for these dogs is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

I am so proud to be a part of this group and look forward to the many lives we have yet to save.

As an Adoption Coordinator, I help more with the behind the scenes aspect of Warrior Dog to help find all these wonderful pups their forever families. I am so glad I got involved with a group of people who share similar values and aspirations in life. I am proud to be a part of the Warrior Dog family, not only as an Adoption Coordinator, but also as a foster and adopter. If you share these same values of trying to save innocent lives, come join the Warrior dog family!

I’ve been volunteering as Heartworm Coordinator with WDR since May of 2019. The rescue’s holistic approach is unmatched by any other rescue I’ve worked with in the Metro area, and I am continually impressed by the seemingly endless amounts of generosity, energy and time that members give to ensure that each and every dog receives safety, health and happiness. I am grateful and proud to be a small part of this unconditionally loving team.

My Warrior Dog Journey started in February 2020. I went to a foster event to look at a puppy my daughter wanted and ended up coming out of the event with an application to adopt and foster! In talking to the volunteers at the adoption event I knew this was an organization I wanted to be part of. Everyone said, “you feel like a family” and I couldn’t agree more. My house has been full of pups since!

By day, I am a Director of Operations for a plus size clothing company. After work, and weekends I spend my time enjoying life with family, friends, and pups.

Volunteering with this rescue has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made!

Hi everyone! My name is Brittney Garwood and for as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with animals! My parents still point out to this day that way back in kindergarten I stood on a table and proclaimed to my fellow kindergardeners–and their parents–that when I grew up I was going to have a daycare for dogs and cats.. Turns out fostering dogs can feel pretty similar to that! I have two dogs of my own: Scooby and Scrappy. Scooby is 6 years old now and still the love of my life. Scrappy was one of my fosters that simply refused to leave so I adopted him too!

In the other parts of my life I am currently a law student with Mitchell Hamline School of Law, as well as being a law clerk with the Public Defenders office in Minnesota. I am also an Adoption Coordinator with Warrior Dog, but regardless of how much I take on, I still make time to foster. It is the best feeling when you take in a scared little dog and help them find their confidence and learn how great life can be! Watching these dogs that I have helped so much grow and find their forever families is one of the best things I think we can do. Warrior Dog is a wonderful place to be and will welcome you with open arms!

My husband and I live in South Minneapolis where you can find us hitting the trails with a local run club that we help lead – ask me what I’m training for next. We also enjoy camping, cooking, checking out local breweries, and adding stamps to our MN state parks and hiking club passports with our resident pup, Roma.

Hello, my name is Audrey and I’m a Supervisor at the Dog House. I have had the privilege of being part of this team since mid-2021. When not at the Dog House, I work full-time as an Executive Assistant at a large healthcare company and take care of my fur babies Dude and Grits. I love to volunteer and give back to the community. What better way to do this than spending time at Warrior Dog Rescue with all of the precious pups who need love, attention and a furever home to call their own.

Hi! My name is Leah, and I’ve been volunteering and fostering with Warrior Dog Rescue since early 2022 and became a supervisor late that same year. Fostering has been so rewarding, as has meeting the puppies at the doghouse and devoting my time to their care. I have a 5 year old resident dog who is my whole world. When I’m not at WDR, I’m working, writing, or traveling!

Hi everyone! I’m Michelle Christianson. It all started with cuddling puppies, which was the best “job” ever. Then I remembered the feeling I got when I received the email that said “you’re approved for adoption” for my Warrior Dog, Kep in 2020. Now, being an Adoption Coordinator, I get that same wonderful feeling sending that email to people adopting their new furry family member. I am very fortunate to be able to volunteer for many opportunities for WDR and look forward to continuing to be part of the team.

By day, I am married and a mom to 2 adult children. I am a Minnesota sports fan, which at times has me question my dedication! We have 2 dogs, Rio and Kep (a Warrior Dog). Spending time with them outside (in the sun) is one of my favorite things to do! I also work, but would much rather be volunteering 🙂

Hi! My name is Steve and I started volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue in July of 2022. I found out about WDR when my daughter adopted a dog from them and I came to a fundraising event with her. After meeting some of the wonderful people and seeing the adorable puppies I knew I wanted to volunteer. What started out as coming in to play with the dogs once or twice a week has turned into a great way to fill my days in retirement I have driven and worked transport, worked adoption events and recently became a supervisor at the Dog House. Being able to be a part of this team and helping these dogs find a new life is so rewarding. The best job I ever had!