(949) 600-1964
Michelle’s passion for helping animals in need started at a young age. As long back as she can remember, her family took in dozens of animals, little did she know, this passion of hers would turn into helping run a dog rescue. As an adult Michelle’s first real rescue was a sweet little dog named Bailey. Bailey had been tossed into a dumpster and left to die. Michelle took her home with the intention of finding her a good home. She quickly realized that she was there to stay but that sparked a fire in her to take rescue to the next level. She began fostering for Promise 4 Paws in 2018 and decided right away that she needed to be more involved. “I’ve always loved animals, loved being part of the community and getting people involved. What better way to bring it all together than to help run a rescue. Rescue animals have taught me so much about life and the unconditional love that they have for you, never fails to amaze me with all they’ve been through. They truly have made me a better person.” Michelle is the proud mama to four kids, one kitty and two dogs and is very involved in the daily functions of Promise 4 Paws. She finds rescue one of the most rewarding jobs she’s ever had.
(949) 600-1964
I started out volunteering at my local animal shelter and then began fostering dogs that needed a place to stay untill their forever homes could be found. I am now a board member with Promise4Paws and there isn’t a day that goes by that we’re not all working to rescue the dogs that need our help.
(949) 600-1964
Animals have always been a part of my life, and my passion for rescue began in the 1980s when my family took in our first stray, Freeway. That experience led me to co-found The Animal Rescue Foundation of Dana Point, which later became The Pet Project Foundation, providing pro-humane animal services for our community. After 25 years of shelter volunteering, fundraising, and leading rescue efforts, I was invited to run the dog program at The Ark of San Juan Capistrano, where we significantly expanded the number of dogs saved through fostering and volunteer support. When The Ark discontinued its dog rescue program in 2019, Kevin and I, along with a dedicated group of fosters and volunteers, founded Promise 4 Paws. Six years later, we’ve saved countless dogs and cats, and none of it would be possible without the incredible people who make this rescue community so special. It truly takes a village!
(949) 600-1964
In 1980 someone asked if my wife Sue and I if we would foster a collie mix that had been rescued from running around Doheny State park near the freeway entrance. He didn’t have a collar and no microchip could be found when we had him checked at our local veterinarian. He was such a great dog that after a few months and no owner trying to find him, we decided to adopt him and called him FREEWAY. From that day forward my wife and I have been rescuing and finding new loving homes for lost, abandoned and abused dogs. We realize that rescuing is an up hill task and that without a Spay/Neuter policy in place we will always be just scratching at the surface knowing that millions of dogs each year will be Euthanized due to over population. People ask how can you continue rescuing knowing that so many dogs will be PTS. Short answer, the joy that we get from seeing a poor helpless dog find a loving forever home is priceless. GOD [dog backwards] wanted dogs to be mans best friend because they give UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, much needed in today’s climate. Please FOSTER for us, we can save more lives.
I started fostering animals almost 8 years ago when I was at a really low point in my life, in chronic pain and depressed. Taking care of the animals gave my life purpose, made the pain tolerable, and helped me focus on something positive. They say fostering saves lives, but it's not just the animals lives that are being saved. I truly believe that. I've always loved animals, had cats and a dog growing up, have my own cats as an adult, but wanted more. Helping to rescue animals rescued me. Animals are so resilient, even when they have suffered unimaginably. They just want to give and receive love. Now, I cannot imagine ever not fostering and doing my part to rescue animals. I am honored to have volunteered with Promise 4 Paws since its start and blessed to work alongside such amazing, caring, giving, and strong individuals who care so much about saving animals and making this world a better place.
I’ve worked in and volunteered in shelters and rescues in Washington, New York, Mississippi and California. Promise 4 Paws is the cream of the crop. I choose to support them because they are truly saving and rehabilitating animals in need and finding them quality life-long, loving homes. They promote animal well-being and never sacrifice in the care the animals receive, be it medically, emotionally, through needed training, socialization, etc. Their fosters are well supported and there’s a wonderful feeling of community in the group. I am proud to be part of the Promise 4 Paws pack!
I've been surrounded by animals my entire life, caring for a wide range of pets and spending my childhood looking after horses and farm animals. This passion led me to earn a degree in Animal Science, deepening my understanding of animal care and behavior. When I moved from the UK to California with my working cocker spaniel, I was heartbroken to see how overwhelmed the shelters were and how many incredible dogs were being euthanized simply due to lack of space. I knew I had to do something. Finding Promise 4 Paws was a turning point—not only has it allowed me to help save these wonderful dogs, but it has also introduced me to an amazing community of like-minded people who share the same passion for rescue. Volunteering has been an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for me but for my two daughters as well. They've learned so much about dogs and the importance of rescue work. It’s been a gift to show them the power of compassion. Being part of this rescue has changed my life in ways I never expected. I’m grateful to play a small part in giving these dogs the second chances they deserve.
Dogs, specifically rescue dogs, have been a part of my life since day one. Growing up, the only dogs we had were rescued, and I can honestly say that they were the best! When my husband and I returned to California over a decade ago, we knew it was time to get a dog of our own, and we began fostering thought a local Los Angeles rescue. We fell in love with our very first foster and we foster-failed within a week! When life brought us to San Juan Capistrano, I knew I wanted to get more involved in animal rescue, and a random neighborhood walk led us straight to Promise4Paws. We began volunteering and fostering almost immediately, and it brought us so much joy to save these precious lives. When we lost our own dog in 2023, we knew he would want us to carry on his legacy, and so we continued fostering, finally foster-failing again in January with our sweet girl, Camille. Promise4Paws is doing such incredible work in the face of the overwhelming shelter crisis here in Southern California, and I am honored to be a part of their journey, helping out wherever I can!
Linda has always had a deep love for animals. Growing up with dogs and cats, and later caring for a horse, her passion only grew stronger over the years. Her home became a haven for animals of all kinds—thanks in part to her children, who brought home everything from stray pets to a pig, ducks, and bunnies.
With a background in medicine, Linda uses her skills to care for pregnant dogs and their puppies, offering vital support through birth and adoption. Her journey into rescue began with fostering a pregnant dog for “just one night”—a decision that changed everything. Seven years later, she still has that dog and has fostered many more.
Today, Linda devotes her time to saving dogs from kill shelters and helping transport them to safe, loving homes—even across borders. For her, rescue work is all about second chances—and she cherishes being part of every one.
I have been in dog rescue for many years and get so much joy being a part of saving dogs lives. Volunteering has been so rewarding and gives dogs a second chance at a happy life. I feel so blessed to be a part of Promise 4 Paws and making a difference.
Jeff has always helped Regina when it came to fostering but last year when he heard about the P4P Canada transports he eagerly volunteered to assist. His greatest reward is knowing that he’s helping to bring these hopeless dogs to their new and loving “furever” home. Regina has been fostering dogs for nearly 10 years. You ask her and she’ll tell you that she loves dogs more than people! She loves the purity of their souls and their unconditional love she receives in return. She’ll also tell you that dog is “God” spelled backwards for a reason!
I started volunteering with Promise4paws about three years ago. I had been thinking about getting a dog but was unsure of the breed I wanted so I started fostering. It was so rewarding taking in these dogs that, for whatever reason, were being rescued and going to be given another chance for a forever family. I did the foster route for about a year until I found my forever dog. I don’t have the time to foster anymore so now I help with the accounting each month. Now I am inspired by the generosity of the people who donate money to this great organization each month. Thank you for your generosity it is truly appreciated.
