Meet our Pack!

Diana Bakken

Diana Bakken

Executive Director and Founder

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.

Meet Our Board Members

Marcy Anagnostou

Marcy Anagnostou

Board Member, Director of Development & Dog Training Coordinator

I was moved to foster “just one dog” when I saw  a post on the Warrior Dog Rescue Facebook page about a dog in need. Three and a half years later, and 66 foster pups later, I find myself feeling so grateful to be a part of this amazing rescue.

Each of the sweet fosters that have shared our home have taken a bit of our hearts with them as they journey on and find their forever family. There are tears shed with every departure, but being witness to a dog and their people coming perfectly together is an incredible gift that keeps us saying “YES!” to the next pup in need.

I am so thankful to my husband and my kids who support and share my passion for rescue..and for our own three pups- Bixby, Bailey, and Chloe for sharing their toys and space with all the fosters.  I am also incredibly thankful to have met some of the most caring and amazing people on this journey in rescue!  The team at HASRA has my whole heart. They are on the front lines of rescuing dogs from horrid situations, off the streets, and out of  kill shelters. I could not be more proud of our partnership with them. The Warrior Dog family has restored my faith in humanity and gifted me with knowing some of the most empathetic, and passionate people I have ever met. Grateful isn’t a sufficient enough word for what this rescue has brought to my life.

I have a varied professional background from Director of Operations for a financial planning organization, to teaching preschool. I am thankful each day to share this life with my husband, my three kids, my son-in-law, and the sweetest grandson that there could ever be. 

Leslie Kuehn

Leslie Kuehn

Board Member and Adoption Coordinator

My name is Leslie Kuehn and my dogs are my children!

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.

Spike Rickert

Spike Rickert

Board Member, Foster Mentor and Trainer

Hi.  My name is Spike and my love for rescue dogs started in 2014 with the adoption of my rescue, Hennie.  He was a 6 year old miniature dachshund that spent his first 6 years in a tiny kennel, only let out to breed. It sickened me that people could be so cruel to such a wonderful little soul. One year after saving Hennie, I decided to become part of the solution and started fostering.

Shortly after joining a rescue organization, I received an email to help find a lost dog, so I headed right over. That’s where I met my future best friend. Her name was……Diana.

Fast forward 2 months and after a very tough, 20 second conversation with Diana, I decided to join her in starting a new rescue.  Warrior Dog Rescue.

That conversation morphed into becoming a Foster Trainer, Foster Mentor, Virtual Home Visitor, Reference Checker, Utility Player and Board Member.  Every single minute has been worth it when the incredible team you are a part of saves over 1,600 wonderful dogs in its first 3 years.
I’m so excited to see how amazing Warrior Dog Rescue can be in the future.  I see our volunteers give so much of their time and hearts to save every single pup that we can and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of WDR.  Here’s to saving as many wonderful dogs as possible, paving the way for their Journey Home and the life they all deserve.
Wendy Laramy

Wendy Laramy

Board Member, Adoption Coordinator

Hi! I’m Wendy. My journey with Warrior Dog Rescue started when we adopted one of our dogs in 2021. From the start, I was impressed with how much this rescue cares about the dogs and finding the right fit for each of them that I started volunteering. What started out as hanging with the puppies at the dog house led to helping out at transports, events, reference checks, and then eventually fostering. As much as it’s hard to say goodbye, I love seeing my fosters find their forever homes!

My husband and I have two children and two rescue dogs, Luna and Rocket. I am a Product Manager by day. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization and grateful to have met some amazing people here.

Kori Ennen

Kori Ennen

Board Member, Foster Coordinator & Mentor, Dog Profile Coordinator, and Social Media Director

Hi all, my name is Kori Ennen. I started with “just one foster” back in 2019, and since then, Warrior Dog Rescue has become a monumental part of my life. Since 2019, our home has welcomed more than 75 foster dogs and became the permanent home to a few along the way.

Some of my favorite rescue memories include being on our first ever flight transport of dogs from Alabama to Minnesota in 2023 as well as bottle feeding an orphan puppy for 8 weeks until she found her forever home.

Since joining the rescue, life has taken my husband and I across the country with the military so my roles within the organization have shifted to accommodate the distance but my heart and soul are still right in Minnesota with these sweet pups. Since moving, we opened our home to our sweet medical needs pup, Honey Bunches in 2022. We then welcomed our first baby girl in December of 2023.

I currently am a Foster Mentor, a member of the Board of Directors, the Foster coordinator, the Dog Profile Coordinator, and the WDR Social Media Director with Warrior Dog.

I am beyond thankful every day for the wonderful people I have met through Warrior Dog Rescue and I can not wait to see what the future has to hold!

Meet Our Team

Hannah Anagnostou

Hannah Anagnostou

Dog Training Team

Hannah Anagnostou CPDT-KA, Family Dog Mediator™

I have been captivated by the canine species literally since birth. My parents have shared that as soon as I could walk, I would launch towards every dog I saw. Our family adopted my first dog, Doby when I was three and solidified my affinity for dogs. We started fostering for Warrior Dog Rescue soon after we experienced the incredible loss of her.  The wonderful (and sometimes crazy) experience of fostering now sixty-four dogs expanded my knowledge and grew our family by way of two foster fails. After two years of fostering, I attended Bergin University of Canine Studies, in Penngrove California, and graduated with an Associate of Science Degree in Assistance Dog Education. Since then, I have continued my education by passing the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers’ exam to earn the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). My education has evoked a love for teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. I have been working with Paws Abilities Dog Training since January 2022 where I truly found my niche in the community where I can make a difference in the lives of people and their dogs. I have used all that I have learned to assist Warrior Dog Rescue with their training program in educating fosters.  I am excited to share what I have learned through becoming a certified Family Dog Mediator™ through Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S. program. The education I received through their program furthered my understanding to the vastness and complexities of the canine species. My knowledge and education empower me, and I hope to share the same with dogs and their people so they can live happy and fulfilling lives together.

Laura Bakken

Laura Bakken

Medical Intake Coordinator

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.

Cody Oertling

Cody Oertling

Dog House Supervisor

Hi everyone! My name is Cody Oertling and I joined WDR earlier this year and I have already learned so much in the short time that I’ve been here! I’m originally from Louisiana and moved to Minnesota in 2016 after spending 3 years in Alaska with the Army. I can’t remember a time in my life growing up where dogs weren’t around. Not only did we have our own dogs, but my mom was like the neighborhood dog mom so we would always have lots of fur babies at our home visiting!

Currently I’m a Flight Attendant and that doesn’t make it ideal to have a dog of my own but I knew I still wanted to get involved in some way helping dogs that have had a rough start to life. After doing some research I came across WDR and fell in love. The passion, love, knowledge and care that the people here have is simple amazing and I feel like I learn something new every day.

When I’m not at WDR I’m either flying the friendly skies, fishing one of the many lakes Minnesota has to offer, going to a concert, or serving as a proud member of the Minnesota National Guard. Hope to see you volunteering at our facility or at a WDR event soon!

Courtney Kaufhold

Courtney Kaufhold

Dog House Supervisor and Dog House Volunteer Coordinator

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!!

Andrea Riolo

Andrea Riolo

Dog House Supervisor

Hi my name is Andrea Riolo and I’m the proud momma of two wonderful fur babies (Moose pictured above.) Moose is my three year old Dachshund and I also have a 10 year old Jack Russel named Dozer. I grew up in California and for as long as I can remember my family was always rescuing and taking in lost or stray animals. I started volunteering at WDR this year and quickly fell in love with the mission, dogs and people. I mean how can you not?

When I’m not volunteering at WDR I’m working in corporate America as an accountant. My dream is to retire with enough land to have multiple fosters and continue to rescue as many animals as I can (Shhh don’t tell my boyfriend.
I fully believe we as humans don’t deserve the love of animals and I just want to give back everything I can because they deserve so much better!

Chris Floeder

Chris Floeder

Dog House Manager and Data Entry

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.

Kaylea Hoenigschmidt

Kaylea Hoenigschmidt

Dog House Supervisor and Adoption Coordinator

My name is Kaylea Hoenigschmidt; I’m an Adoption coordinator with Warrior Dog Rescue. When I’m not helping save dogs, I’m an American Sign Language Interpreter. My journey with Warrior Dog Rescue started with the plan to foster one dog. Soon after, we learned our house was a good place for the more troubled pups to learn how to live in a house and be a dog. As of today, we have fostered more than 35 dogs, driven transport from Alabama, bottle-fed puppies, and even found my fur baby.

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!

Kayla Lanes

Kayla Lanes

Heartworm Medical Care Coordinator

Hi, I’m Kayla, a full grown, Norwegian mixed breed. I was born and raised in Minnesota, but am still adjusting to the winter weather. I’m fully house trained and love riding in the car looking for new adventures. Every dog I meet is my new very best friend (the bigger the better) and I enjoy playing inside and outside. I love to be around all children and most adults, although I prefer to live in a house without cats. I like to learn, and I’m VERY food motivated.

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.

Coral Feltault

Coral Feltault

Medical Intake Coordinator

My name is Coral and I am an advocate for four legged fur babies who do not have a voice of their own. I started fostering and volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue three years ago to try to find a good fit for my resident dog, Mitzi. Well, we found our match in our second foster, Duke (now known as Cubby) and we adopted him. Then we kept fostering. We have fostered well over 50 dogs now and my heart is so full knowing that they all have better lives!

In the midst of fostering and volunteering with the rescue, I am also employed full time, married to an amazing husband and am a mom to two amazing children who share my passion in saving these pups. My patient and amazing children have broken some of our fosters out of a shutdown state when I couldn’t. They have experienced birthing a litter and crying tears of happiness when fosters leave our house for their forever home. These experiences are life changing and no words can describe how happy I am that my family is a part of this journey with me.

Life is busy and chaotic (a good chaos!) and for as crazy as life can be, I know that we won’t ever turn our backs on a dog in need.

Jen Ochoa

Jen Ochoa

Transport Coordinator

Hi! My name is Jen Ochoa. I am a proud mom of two adult girls and two Warrior Dog fur children. I am extremely grateful that my kids, both human and fur, share my passion for saving pups.

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!

Brittney Garwood

Brittney Garwood

Adoption Coordinator and Event Planner

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!

Sarah Less

Sarah Less

Dog Training Team and Medication Coordinator

I started volunteering with WDR in the beginning of 2019. I thought I was getting into it for the puppy kisses and cuddles but I have gained so much more! I believe volunteering is medicine for the soul and everyone involved benefits! We all need to make the time to slow down, evaluate what is important, and reconnect. I love taking a break throughout my day to play and cuddle with the puppies we foster as well as my own two resident dogs. I love being able to put my time and energy into helping these pups because it gets me out of my own head space! I love using some of my strengths to help the rescue in any way I can. I love all the new friends I have met and see them being life long connections. I love being a part of something that is growing, and changing, and making a difference in the world! The dogs get saved, the rescue gets the help they need to keep moving forward, and on a personal level…I get an emotional recharge!
Kelly Loeffler

Kelly Loeffler

Photographer & Instagram Manager

Hi My name is Kelly and I am a volunteer with WDR doing photographer to give dogs their best possible profile photos. I love using my photography ability to help rescue pups get adopted. Shortly after moving to Minnesota I was lucky enough to find WDR and start volunteering. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and photographing so many amazing rescue dogs since. I have also been fortunate to meet many amazing rescue volunteers and fosters. If my photos help even one dog get noticed and find their furever family then that’s a win in my book. My photographer business is K Schulz Photography
Christine Upton

Christine Upton

Medical Records Manager and Vetting Coordinator

I was a lucky kid that grew up in a household surrounded by dogs that others did not want. While volunteering for different charities, I came across Warrior Dog Rescue (WDR). That was it for me.

Within WDR, I have a daily reminder of what people can accomplish when they take action and the difference it can make in the life of a rescue dog.

Outside of WDR, I manage a restaurant and spend time reading and hanging out with my 4-year-old German Shepherds, Daisy Bear, and Tinker.

Shanna Braun

Shanna Braun

Medical Spay & Neuter Manager

I’ve had dogs in my life from the day I was born! My interest in being involved with a rescue was inspired by my sister who volunteers with a North Dakota-based rescue, but I didn’t think I had the time in my life. That changed at the onset of Covid when my husband and I found ourselves home way more often than not. We began fostering with a rescue in fall of 2020 and joined the WDR team as fosters in fall of 2021. I continue to be impressed with the sense of community, caring, support, and fun that surrounds the WDR volunteer family! In addition to fostering and volunteering as the post-adoption spay/neuter coordinator, I also help with transports whenever I can. It’s my favorite day of the month! I love having a role in helping these pups come from Alabama into the unknown and seeing them flourish in their forever homes.
Professionally, I’m a senior environmental scientist and vice president at an environmental consulting firm. In this role, I assess environmental and regulatory implications of development projects and work with teams to find ways to achieve project goals in a way that minimize environmental effects.

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.

Audrey Stein

Audrey Stein

Dog House Supervisor

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.

Hannah Bohrer

Hannah Bohrer

Dog House Supervisor

 Hi! I’m Hannah and I’m one of the supervisors at at The Doghouse. I started as a volunteer in September of 2021 and became a supervisor in early 2022. When I first started at WDR, I was just looking to be a helping hand and snuggle with dogs on the weekends in my free time. Well, that turned into pretty much being there all the time! I’m so thankful I found WDR and cannot put into words the joy these dogs bring me. It’s almost like free therapy! I thought I knew so much being a “dog person” but I’ve gained so much knowledge here. My heart is so full knowing I’m a part of something that matters and working with a team of selfless and wonderful people. These animals didn’t ask to be abandoned and left in the horrible conditions they’re found in. I wish we could save them all! But when the many we do save come to us, it’s so fulfilling to know they’re finally in safe hands. It’s sad when they leave us because you grow to love them so much. But knowing they’re going to a loving home and getting the life they deserve is so wonderful.

When I’m not at the rescue, I’m usually with my husband, Max, our two dogs, Zoey and Bailee (who are both WDR Alumni) and our two cats, Bella and Peaches.

Lindsay Lanz

Lindsay Lanz

Foster & Reference Coordinator and Event Planner

My name is Lindsay Lanz and my husband Zack and I moved to Savage in 2018. We’ve been married for 4 years and have an 11 month old son, Finn, who is my whole world. I work as a Clinical Pharmacist helping patients with their medications. We are serious dog lovers and rescued our current dog, Ollie, when he was 4 months old. We love going on walks as a family and watching football (we are a house divided – I’m a Vikings fan and Zack is from Wisconsin). We are so excited to be able to foster and help out however possible for these very deserving dogs!!
Erin Lewison

Erin Lewison

Dog House Supervisor

Hello! My name is Erin Lewison, my boyfriend and I joined the WDR family in August 2020 when we adopted our first fur baby, Winston. We then adopted our second fur baby, Mazie in April 2021. I’ve always been a huge dog lover and couldn’t imagine life without them. I recently completed my nursing degree and began my first hospital job so with that weird schedule I needed something to fill my days off. However, it wasn’t until Fall 2021, that I learned about all the different volunteer opportunities and amazing people WDR had to offer. I quickly began volunteering at the dog house each week with sleepovers and day shifts and falling more in love with each and every dog. I am now a volunteer, foster, warrior dog momma and Volunteer Coordinator and couldn’t love it more!
Leah Putz

Leah Putz

Dog House Supervisor

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!

Mia Blundetto

Mia Blundetto

Dog House Supervisor

Hi, my name is Mia Blundetto, and I was born and raised in Apple Valley, MN. When I was a little girl, I remember saying that when I grew up I wanted to be a “vegetarian” (meaning to say, Veterinarian!). Though I have taken a different route in life my love for animals, especially dogs, is bigger than I could ever imagine! I love all creatures and critters that walk the earth, but dogs will forever have a very special place in my heart.

I have been fortunate enough to rescue 4 dogs over the past 7 years, 3 that came from family members and 1 that came from Warrior Dog Rescue! I’ve known for a while now that a passion of mine is helping dogs and it was because of adopting Nala (formerly Bippity from the Cinderella litter) that I have now found myself as part of the Warrior Dog Rescue team.

When I’m not volunteering, you can find me finishing up my graduate degree in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine and spending my time with my own two pups, Charlie and Nala.

I could not be more excited to be a part of something bigger and I look forward to working with everyone and supporting such an important cause and mission.

Michelle Christianson

Michelle Christianson

Adoption Coordinator

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 🙂

Julie Thompson

Julie Thompson

Foster Mentor

My name is Julie, I have been with WDR since October 2022. I have a passion for saving these sweet animals. I am recently remarried, have two grown children and two bonus grown children. My husband and I reside in Maple Grove. When I started with WDR I had one resident dog and cat and now have added a foster fail, Montego. My hope as a foster mentor is to help make this experience the best possible and guidance along this journey in any way I can. This foster journey, as some of you know, is not always easy, however, it is so worth it and very rewarding. You may not be fostering a dog right now, but that’s ok, know whatever help you can give is greatly appreciated. Whether that be temp fostering or helping at events, it is all needed and very much appreciated. I am blessed to be on this beautiful journey

Traci Hall

Traci Hall

Temporary Foster Coordinator

Hi, my name is Traci Hall and I started volunteering with rescues when I was a child. I have done just about everything including walking, training, taking pictures, planning events, and of course adopting. After my fur baby passed, I struggled to find a reason to walk and looked for an organization to walk and train dogs. I found Warrior Dog Rescue and started volunteering in March 2022. That spring, I temp fostered a bunch of dogs and met my girl, Mary. I was fortunate to find WDR and Mary in my short time in Minnesota. Mary and I are nomads now and we travel around and volunteer remote. I love volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue so much I didn’t want to stop even after we moved. Temp fostering is great because you get to meet so many amazing dogs and their amazing fosters and you know when you commit how long you will have the dog. Warrior Dog Rescue is great because of the team, the support, and the resources you get that most rescues do not offer. Reach out and see how we can help you!

 Steve Thieking

Steve Thieking

Dog House Supervisor

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!

 Sarah Groskreutz

Sarah Groskreutz

Event Coordinator

My name is Sarah Groskreutz. By day, I am an Attorney who manages a Claims Department at a local insurance company. By night, I wrangle twin
teenagers and the chaos that ensues. We have several pets in our
household, and I cannot imagine life without them! My cat, Louie, was
adopted just before the pandemic and is lovingly referred to as my ‘therapy
cat’ because he waits patiently for me every night and keeps my lap (and
bed) warm.

I started volunteering at The Dog House with my family in 2021. We were
looking for a way to give back, while also spending time together. After a
few months, I was asked to help plan an event, and the rest is history…. I
now assist with the planning and coordination of the weekly adoption events
and the fundraisers (from small classes to flower deliveries, to the large
annual events.) I feel like planning and organizing may be my superpower,
so I am happy to help. I love making connections within the community,
working with the diverse group of volunteers, getting to know the fosters,
and seeing the happy families meet their new pets. The puppy kisses and
wiggle butts are the icing on the cake!

Sarah Cox

Sarah Cox

Foster Mentor

Hello! My name is Sarah and my journey with Warrior Dog started with adopting one of their amazing dogs. Through the process of adoption, we got to see the love that everyone had for the dogs and the passion they had around their purpose. I knew I wanted to get involved and I signed up to make cute blankets that each pup gets to bring to their forever home but before I had a chance to even make one of those blankets, I was signing up to foster a pup from Alabama. My husband, two boys and resident dogs have welcomed quite a few fosters into our home and helped them find their forever family. There is something so rewarding to see how these pups are often a missing piece to their families. I love being a foster mentor and helping others on their journey of opening their homes and more importantly their hearts to dogs of all sizes, ages, and situations. I know how scary fostering can be but at Warrior Dog I never felt alone, and I hope that I can help other foster parents feel empowered and confident to say “yes” to saving a life. Whatever your talent, passion and skills are, you can find a way to be a part of the Warrior Dog Rescue family!

Megan Ritchie

Megan Ritchie

Foster Mentor

Hi! My name is Megan, and I am thrilled to be volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue. We adopted our first Warrior dog, Crosby, in January 2020. My son and I started volunteering at the Dog House in 2022 because he wanted to help with the puppies. Our second Warrior dog, Una, came our way in February 2023. I love helping dogs find their forever families.

In my everyday life, I am married and we have four boys along with our two dogs. If I am not working, I am either watching a soccer game, driving my kids to practice, trying new recipes or reading a book. Our family loves traveling and I am always planning our next trip.