About Moe Dog Rescue Mission & The Team
Established in Okotoks in 2018, Moe Dog Rescue Mission is an Okotoks based Non Profit that prides itself on a very simple goal. Rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming as many dogs as possible. We are passionate about ensuring no dog ever needs to feel scared, unloved, hungry or in pain. We believe every dog deserves a chance at a better life.
meet the team
Meet Katie - Founder/Owner
Katie has been an avid equestrian for 20 years. She has been running her own business teaching people how to ride and train horses.
2018 was the year that sparked Katie’s passion for helping dogs. While on a trip in Cuba, Katie noticed just how many dogs were in need down there living in squalor in need of medical care, food, shelter and love. Katie and her husband ended up rescuing a starving female dog off the beach and brought her back to Canada. Once home, Katie provided the dog medical care and love before finding her a forever home. Since then, Katie has been travelling to California each year to rescue dogs off the euthanasia lists in high kill shelters. She then brings those dogs back to Canada for a chance at a life. Katie has also taken it upon herself to rescue dogs directly from people who have been mistreating them and continues to fight for every dog that needs more in this world.
Meet Sam - Co-owner
Sam’s passion for dogs has been life long. From a young age he always felt more of a connection to dogs than people. After 15 years of working in law enforcement Sam found himself on disability with PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. It was then that he entered into the animal rescue by chance and found a passion that he had all but forgotten about.
Sam found a deep connection with the lost and broken souls of dogs in need. He quickly realized his greatest passion was for working with the difficult dogs. He studied and learned and grew to really dive into behavioural issues and bring the dogs around
that people thought were un-adoptable. Since then Sam has worked with dogs with behavioural issues in his community for free prior to becoming involved in Moe Dog Rescue Mission.
In 2024 Katie had rescued a dog named Tikka that had an extensive bite history for such a young dog. Tikka was incredibly fearful of everything and Katie needed some extra support. That’s when Katie found Sam offering his support and free training which began a friendship over their mutual love for saving dogs.
Meet Samantha - Operations Manager
Samantha has had a life long love for animals, with her earliest memories being that of her around horses and dogs. For over 20 years she has been an active member of the equestrian community and friends with the founder/owner Katie since kindergarten.
Earlier this year Samantha was diagnosed with cancer and while on medical leave she decided to help fill her time fostering/volunteering for our rescue. Although her first foster was a complete foster fail and they welcomed Dalton Jr. to the family, Samantha found a purpose and a joy in helping dogs find the love and families they deserved. Her passion, kindness, and dedication to not only the dogs in her care but our rescue could not be unrecognized!
Meet Bailey - Coordinator of Events, Social media, Fundraising and Volunteers
Born and raised in the Foothills, Bailey grew up following in her parents’ footsteps riding and training horses. In adulthood, Bailey got her first dog, Dally, which ignited a new passion for dog training, behaviour and wellness!
Most of Bailey's free time is spent learning with my two Aussie Shepherds! They have dabbled in numerous dog sports such as flyball, agility, barn hunt, herding, tricks, dog sledding & scootering, dock diving, sprinters, obedience and Dally has even done some film work!
Over the years, Bailey honed her skills working in many animal focused jobs including farm-sitting, pet retail, dog daycare, boarding, walking and training. She is very immersed in the local dog community and have recently started her own pet care business, Sage Coulee Canine
One of Bailey's greatest joys comes from helping animals and improving their lives through education and advocacy, so naturally she was drawn to the animal rescue community! Her passion for dogs, paired with her interest in event planning led Bailey to volunteer with Moe Dog Rescue Mission and the rest is history