About Moe Dog Rescue Mission & The Team
Established in Okotoks in 2018, Moe Dog Rescue Mission is a registered charity dedicated to a simple but powerful goal: rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming as many dogs as possible.
We’re committed to ensuring every dog feels safe, loved, nourished, and cared for. Every dog deserves a chance at a better life, and we’re here to make that happen.
meet the team
Meet Katie - Founder
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-Founder
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 Bailey - Events and Volunteer Coordinator
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
Meet Linda - Adoptions Coordinator
I’ve always had dogs in my life so when I retired in 2017, I knew I wanted to become involved with rescuing dogs. I joined a rescue in Saskatchewan as a volunteer and foster and then transitioned to Intake Director.
Moving to Diamond Valley in 2023 with my husband, I missed the rescue world and was looking for the right rescue to volunteer with. Moe Dog Rescue Mission was the right fit as it shares my values.
I’m honoured to be part of such a great team and rescue where I can make a difference in the lives of so many.
Meet Jordyn - Social Media and Events Coordinator
Jordyn’s love of dogs began at a young age when she and her mom would help reunite lost dogs they’d find with their families. These early experiences shaped her passion for animal welfare that has stayed with her over the years.
She was thrilled to begin volunteering with Moe Dog Rescue Mission, where she combines her interest in event planning with her love of pups. As a dental hygienist by day, and dog mom to a blue-tick hound named Buck, her work is guided by a genuine desire to help others.
Volunteering with Moe Dog Rescue Mission has given Jordyn the opportunity to unite even more dogs in need with their forever families and she’s grateful to be part of a team dedicated to giving dogs a second chance!
Meet Kylie - Dog Education Specialist and Training Coordinator
Hi, I’m Kylie and if you ever see me I will be covered in dog hair. It’s considered an accessory now and I wear it as a badge of honour that shows I get to work with and love on a bunch of doggos!
I previously volunteered for Manitoba All Shepherd Rescue as a foster and dog trainer before moving here. I had a permanent foster who came to me with fear aggression, anxiety, completely unsocialized, never walked on a leash and many medical issues. I was lucky and had over 3 years with him before he passed. I was able to put in the work to get him to a point with wonderful manners and he ended up being a giant cuddle bug who loved meeting new people! His name was Mr Rexaroo and he was an amazing boy and I was lucky to be chosen as his person. He really ignited my passion further for behavioural training.
I used to be terrified of German Shepherds/ large dogs because I saw my Grandparents friends do protection training, their dogs looked terrifying and it was never explained to me it was a sport. German Shepherds are now my favourite type of dog and the bigger the dog the better!
I always go for a more “difficult” dog with behaviour issues because when I got Luna she came from an abused and neglected house with 0 training at 7 months old. I put in the work with her and saw how amazing it is to help a dog through their insecurities and watch them grow. She is my training assistant and is the laziest adventure doggo you will meet. I adopted Kneesa my shepherd/mastiff/mutt runt a couple years ago from my previous rescue. She has insane energy and loves a good long adventure, especially if it includes water! We are also welcoming our third dog - Bruin (previously Loki) from Moe Dog Rescue. He has that German Shepherd attitude I have come to love, and is doing well integrating with our pack.
I reached out to Moe Dog rescue in 2024, as they are a newer rescue out in a smaller city that does wonderful work and aligns with my values. Everyone on our team and all our fosters love dogs and it shows! It is a great bunch of volunteers to work with and it allows me to live out my passion outside of my “adult” job.”
Meet Chelsea - Dog Intake and Foster Coordinator
I’ve had a lifelong love for dogs and have always felt a deep connection to them. From a young age, I took joy in caring for our family dogs, and that passion has only grown over the years.
As a registered massage therapist, I focus on wellness and healing—and that includes offering massage for dogs, some of my favourite clients! I also love spending time outdoors, especially hiking and connecting with nature.
Volunteering with the rescue has been a dream come true. It’s an honour to help give dogs the second chance they deserve. Witnessing their resilience and watching them find safety, love, and forever homes fills my heart and reminds me why this work means so much.
Meet Chloe - Fundraising Coordinator
I adopted one of my dogs, Bruce, through Moe Dog Rescue Mission, and my other dog, Jake, was rescued 12 years ago. Both of them have completely changed my life—they’ve taught me about patience, unconditional love, and the joy that comes from giving a second chance. As a mom, I see every day how much they add to our family and how important that bond is.
The impact they’ve had on me is what drives me to give back. I’m so grateful for the chance to volunteer with Moe and to be part of a team that helps other dogs find the same love and safety Bruce and Jake found. I care deeply about animals, and I’m honored to support the rescue that gave me one of my best friends.
Meet Linda - Medical Coordinator
I have always had animals in my life and supported different organizations that help animals, but always wanted to do more. My family teases I have a zoo - but far from it - so being able to move into a property that would allow me to have this dream zoo with fostering and rescue just really fit.
We moved to the area, and since we had three dogs, some cats, and birds, we needed a vet. The realtor we had highly recommended Dr. Marco, who had just opened Vet Direct.
I mentioned to him that when construction finished on our home, I would love to foster - fulfilling my dream of lots of animals and being able to help them and give back to our community. I kept seeing notices that so many rescues were full to the max and it was winter, so I called Dr. Marco and asked him to recommend a rescue. He did, and it brought me to Moe Dog Rescue Mission—and, well, we haven’t looked back.
My husband, who is the behind-the-scenes guy, builds me whelping boxes or puppy yards and always helps. Even though he says this is my thing, it’s now become our thing.
Fostering really warms your heart, knowing that you are giving this helpless life a chance. Often, they have come from difficult situations, and basically, the only thing they want is love—and the love they give back is priceless.
As I became more involved, seeing how the rescue was growing since the need is so great, I felt ready to jump in even a little more now to help out the fantastic group of volunteers and owners who give so much to the rescue and care of these four-legged sweethearts. This is one of the most fulfilling roles I've ever had, and as my pack grows, so does the appreciation I have for all the volunteers and rescues out there doing this work.