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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Hi, I’m Erin! My husband and I joined the WDR family in August 2020 when we adopted our first fur baby, Winston. 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, falling more in love with each and every dog. I am now a volunteer, foster, and warrior dog momma, and I couldn’t love it more! We’ve since adopted two more pups and have fostered countless wonderful souls. Being a part of this rescue is something I didn’t know I needed until I found it, and now I wouldn’t trade it for the world. When I’m not at the rescue, I work full-time as a registered nurse, love watching any MN sports teams, especially Gopher football, and enjoy spending time up at our cabin with friends and family!

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!

In 2018, my husband was secretly thinking about getting a dog, and unbeknownst to me, he was scouring the internet for rescues. He finally let the cat out of the bag (so to speak), and on a whim, we attended a WDR adoption event, where I fell head over heels in love with our Miko (formerly known as Palomino). We soon attended a couple of fundraising events, and then I started volunteering at The Dog House. I quickly fell in love with WDR’s mission, the people, and the dogs.

In my other life, I work in the Quality department for a medical device company in the south suburbs. My husband is now retired, and Miko still makes us laugh every day.

If you have an inkling to volunteer, my advice is to just do it! Please reach out. I promise we’ll find a way to use your unique talents. I’m proud to be part of this dedicated and generous community and eager to help Warrior Dog save more dogs!

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.

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.

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

Diana Waserman; B.S., ABCDT, CPDT- KA, R+ certified

I’m based in Eagan and have been training dogs professionally since 2011. My main focus is rehabilitating and training shelter and aggressive dogs.

Why I became a dog trainer:
I love dogs and want dogs and people to live in happy symbiosis. My motto is “everything is fixable,” meaning you might not be able to train every dog out of every behavior, but it’s up to us, human parents, to adjust our thinking habits to build our dogs up to be confident, brave, and successful.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
I love seeing dogs being successful and happy, and seeing their human parents more relaxed and able to really understand the language of their canine companion.

My #1 dog training tip:
Consistency.

Service areas:
Twin Cities Metro, Minnesota, or remote anywhere in the continental US.