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.

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.

Hello! I’m Kaitlyn, and I have been fostering with Warrior Dog Rescue since early 2020 when I foster failed Bernie (now Rocky)! Ever since, I have been fostering “just one more,” but only if my husband is asking (LOL). As a true dog lover, my family has always called me the “dog whisperer.” I cannot imagine a life without several dogs always with me. The more, the merrier, in my opinion!

Over the years with WDR, I have fostered 20+ dogs in my home, temp fostered countless more, assisted at transport, volunteered at events, and most recently moved into the foster mentor role. Fostering is such a rewarding experience, and I am so happy I can be a mentor to my peers as they help these dogs with their journey home.

By day, I work full-time as an Accountant. After work and in my free time, I am a wife to a VERY patient man, a bonus mom to three amazing kiddos, a dog mom to two Shepherds and one WDR alumni, and a cat mom to a rescue cat. I also typically have 1-3 foster dogs at my house at any given time!

Getting involved with Warrior Dog Rescue was one of the best decisions I have made in my life, and I hope for many more years together in this journey saving dogs.

Hi! My name is Erin Andrews and I am a supervisor at the dog house. I was born and raised in Seattle and lived in San Francisco and Marina Del Rey, CA, before moving to MN in 2000. I live with my husband, Scott, in Eden Prairie. We have 3 adult children – Chance (23), Eli (21), and Daniella (19)…plus our current fur babies, Lulu & Moose.

My journey with WDR began in June of 2022 when my family decided to adopt a rescue puppy. Almost a year later, after losing our 12-year-old Beagle to cancer, we decided to adopt another rescue puppy to keep Lulu company. So in May of 2023, we adopted Moose.

Our experiences with adopting from WDR had been so impressive that my daughter and I started volunteering once a week. Since I was there weekly, I got to see how the rescue worked and met so many great people who were helping in a variety of ways. I immediately said yes when asked about becoming more involved. As a supervisor at the dog house, I still get to cuddle puppies while also helping a team of people committed to providing hope, comfort, and homes to all the dogs that come through WDR.

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! 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.

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 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!

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! 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!

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 recently branched out within WDR to the Foster Mentor role. I’ve found my foster mentors to be so supportive and encouraging in my fostering journey, and I am looking forward to providing that support to other fosters. I have a 5 year old resident dog named Frodo who is my whole world. Outside of WDR I have a full-time job and am also a published author! When I’m not volunteering, working, and/or writing, I am traveling the world!

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!

Hi, my name is Jennie Schlumpberger! I have been volunteering with WDR since 2021. I handle a lot of behind-the-scenes work at Warrior Dog Rescue, including data entry for transport vetting and tracking medications for pups at The Dog House. I also conduct reference checks for potential adopters, fosters, and volunteers. In addition, I’m part of the vaccination team and I foster.

I am a retired RN with a lifelong passion and love for animals, along with a strong commitment to advocating for their well-being. My parents also loved animals, I have memories of my dad stopping traffic on busy streets in Minneapolis to rescue stray dogs.

In 2021, we adopted our beautiful, sweet Warrior Dog, Annie (pictured). She was an Anatolian Shepherd who had endured terrible abuse and neglect before being rescued by our wonderful rescue partner, HASRA. I lovingly called her my Anatolian queen. Sadly, she developed advanced Lymphoma and was only with us for a couple of years. She was the start of our journey with WDR.

I love being a part of such an amazing rescue. Volunteering and fostering is so rewarding. It is always hard to say goodbye to foster dogs, I love them as if they were my own babies, but it’s so wonderful to see them go to great furever homes.

I live in Golden Valley with my husband, Jon, and have an adult son. I enjoy sitting out in nature, doing anything dog-related, knitting, and spending time with family and friends. I am truly blessed to be a part of the WDR family.

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!

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.

My journey in animal rescue began in 2021 when my husband and I adopted a bonded pair of senior black Lab mixes, Ruby and Sapphire, from a rural shelter in Kansas. Although we sadly lost Sapphire, Ruby remains a beloved part of our family—and we’ve since added Jet, another rescue dog, to our pack. That first adoption experience sparked a deep passion for animal welfare and a lifelong commitment to helping dogs in need.

I began fostering with a local rescue before joining Warrior Dog Rescue in 2024, where I proudly serve as a Foster Mentor. As of April 2025, we’ve welcomed six foster dogs into our home. Beyond fostering, I stay actively involved by assisting with reference checks, event setup, fundraising, nursing mom and puppy engagement, and transport coordination.

With a background as a social worker and current experience working in higher education, I bring a strong foundation in support, advocacy, and empathy to my role in rescue. These skills translate seamlessly into the world of dog rescue—whether it’s guiding new fosters, supporting adoptive families, or building community connections around a shared love for animals.

I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of rescue dogs and deeply value the relationships formed with other compassionate, like-minded individuals along the way.