Mother’s Day is a special day. We thank them for their caregiving, sacrifices, love, teaching, and the countless other responsibilities a mother takes on. And this day applies to “dog moms” too! Women with dogs often teach them and care for them the same way they would for a child. They give these dogs the loving home and companionship that they crave.

And some dog moms take it to the next level with their doggy devotion. Whether traveling the world with their crazy canine or becoming an animal advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves, these dog moms are pretty incredible, inspirational, and infectious when it comes to their love for their dogs. 

Photo courtesy of LoveLeoRescue.org

Sasha Abelson – Founder of “Love Leo Rescue”

Sasha Abelson is the founder and president of the nonprofit Love Leo Rescue. This organization is a foster-based dog rescue in Los Angeles, CA. It focuses on “rescuing and rehabilitating abused, injured, abandoned and forgotten dogs.” They provide medical care, training, and other services needed to prepare these dogs for their future forever homes. 

Love Leo Rescue was named after Sasha’s pit bull, Leo, who she rescued in New Jersey. Sasha has personally been involved in the animal rescue scene for over nine years.

When Sasha first moved to Southern California, “she had no idea about the serious pet overpopulation crisis that plagues this region.” In fact,
it’s pretty serious across the U.S. and throughout the world. “Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year.” And only about 2/3 of those animals get adopted. 

So Sasha began volunteering once a week with an animal rescue and quickly realized her calling and obligation to do more. This is how Love Leo Rescue came to be. Now she spends her time being an amazing dog mom to her own pups and helping thousands of other dogs find their new pet parents. 

sara-ortin
Photo courtesy of Sara Ortín via Instagram

Sara Ortín – Biologist, Primatologist, Full-Time Nomad

Sara Ortín is a self-proclaimed nomad who travels around in her campervan with her trusty sidekick, Ginger. She met and rescued her pup while spending a year at an animal sanctuary in Zambia researching chimpanzees. Now, Ginger travels around the world with her. The two of them love going on adventures together like paddleboarding, hiking, and camping. No matter where Sara goes or what research she is doing, Ginger is right by her side. 

You can find out more about the work she is doing to fight the illegal primate trade in Zambia with @zambiaprimateproject, or support her mission at: www.gofundme.com/f/help-zambian-monkeys.

betty-white
Photo courtesy of Betty White via Instagram

Betty White – Actress & Animal Advocate

Most everyone knew the beloved actress Betty White. But did you know that she was an animal advocate too? As a child, Bett’s parents would take in pets from people who could no longer care for them—especially during the Great Depression. 

She even created a TV show in the 1970s called “The Pet Set,” where she would introduce her celebrity friends and their pets and other animals. In addition to that, she supported numerous animal-related nonprofit organizations by means of fundraising, volunteering, and donating. She even volunteered at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens and eventually served on the board of trustees starting in 1974. 

Betty adopted her own pup from Guide Dogs for the Blind because he could no longer be a guide dog. She always used her platform and influence for the betterment of animals.

tori mistick
Photo courtesy of Tori Mistick via Instagram

Tori Mistick – Dog Mom Lifestyle Influencer & Pet Business Coach

Tori Mistick has been a dog mom for 20 years and even has her own online business called Wear Wag Repeat. It is all about the dog mom lifestyle and how to be the best dog mom ever! Not only does she provide helpful advice and resources for dog moms, but she also helps teach and coach other women in the pet industry with her podcasts and online course. 

On her website, Tori says, “pet parents love my blog posts about dog lifestyle tips, toy & food reviews, plus DIY tutorials and dog-friendly travel guides.” And, “I love to inspire my podcast listeners to go after their pet boss dreams!”

She also has two of her own furbabies. They love going on fun outdoor adventures together like hiking, paddle boarding, and traveling. She and her two pups have even been featured on Good Morning America, BuzzFeed, and Good Housekeeping! She has devoted her whole life to caring for her dogs—and helping others to do the same.

valerie reid
Photo courtesy of WhisperingWillowsSeniorDogSanctuary.com

Valerie Reid – Founder of Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary

Valerie Reid is the founder of the nonprofit organization Whisper Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary. She began this nonprofit back in 2017 in Hermitage, MO, and she currently cares for about 80 senior canines at any given time. 

“Around 12 years ago Valerie’s own Father was passing from cancer. His very own senior Doberman was needing placement and this brought about an awareness for senior dog care. This is where the dream began on Valerie’s journey.” Whispering Willows is a dog rescue that specializes in hospice care for senior dogs who only have a short time left to live. 

They have a special veterinary team that visits the rescue throughout the year to administer exams, checkups, and any other services needed to take care of these aging pups. “The sanctuary receives 60 to 100 requests per week. This highlights the overwhelming need for senior and end of life care in the pet community.” 

Whispering Willows has been able to care for over 600 senior dogs since they began. Their motto is that this is a place “where love is whispered to the last breath…”

miranda lambert
Photo courtesy of MuttNation.com/Foundation

Miranda Lambert – Singer-Songwriter & Founder of the MuttNation Foundation

Miranda Lambert is a well-known country music singer and songwriter. And she has always loved animals—especially dogs. She adopted her first dog, Delilah, while volunteering at various animal shelters. And then Delilah became her music tour companion. 

“To help shine the spotlight on rescue animals and shelters, Miranda and her mom Bev Lambert founded MuttNation Foundation in 2009 to ensure that as many dogs as possible would have a safe and happy place to call home.”

In 2019, she announced that her nonprofit would be donating $250,000 to pet shelters throughout all 50 states! This gave an extra $5,000 donation to every animal shelter. Tractor Supplies Co. has even partnered up with the MuttNation Foundation to provide funds for shelters and foster-based rescues across America.

Miranda also started an annual “Mutts Across America” fundraising campaign to help support animal shelters across the country. This fundraiser has supported “more than 350 shelters with over $1.5 million in grants.” You can check out the MuttNation Foundation website or Miranda’s Instagram for more information on how you can help!

All of these incredible stories are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dog moms and their love for helping animals across the country and throughout the world.

Looking for more articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice? Check out the Blog at TheDailyDog.com.