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
Meet Calla - Foster Coordinator
Life as a busy mom of three, is beautifully chaotic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I moved to Alberta in 2006 from BC for my career and I have called Diamond Valley my home ever since. I have been married to my incredible husband, for 15 years, and together we’ve built a home filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of furry friends.
Animals have always been a part of my heart. As a kid, I was the one bringing home strays, convincing my mom we *had* to help them. That passion never faded. Over the years, we’ve rescued and fostered countless animals, giving them a second chance. Our two cats, Freya and Onyx, joined our family in 2021, after losing our pups Stanley (16) and Cooper (14) It was so heartbreaking, took me until we found the right one, then our sweet rescue Luigi joined in 2023. Our newest addition, Kaia joined a few months ago, my very first "foster fail," because sometimes, they just belong with you.
This past year was one of the hardest I’ve ever faced, and in the midst of it all, I found my purpose in rescue. These dogs, with their resilience and unconditional love, helped me heal in ways I never expected. Being part of Moe’s Dog Rescue has been an amazing experience. I love how fostering has taught my kids all about responsibility, compassion, and what it means to truly care for something so innocent.
Life is wild, unpredictable, and messy, but through it all, these animals have given me so much joy. And I can’t wait to keep making a difference, one rescue at a time.
Meet Jordyn - Events and Social Media 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.”