President
My rescue experience began in 2011, when I attended a Valentine’s Day photo fundraiser in support of a local rescue with my pride and joy; Keely (age 11) and Tora (age 10). Keely is an Akita/Bullmastiff/Rottweiler/Shepherd mix and Tora is a pittie mix. I was lucky enough to be the fur mom to Charlie, my big Boxer boy for 4 amazing years. Sadly he left me in 2017.
I first began fostering and quickly realized I wanted to be involved in other areas of animal rescue as well.
I met Jessica Dial in 2011 through volunteering with a local animal rescue and we became fast friends. We both worked in the legal field and shared a huge love for animals.
In 2012, Jessica founded Hope Lives Here Animal Rescue. Together, we poured our hearts and souls into HLH. Jessica in Red Deer and myself heading up the Edmonton branch.
In 2016, Jessica, our founder, started a family and, with her blessing, I became the President of Hope Lives Here. Hope Lives Here will forever have a special place in her heart, and I was honoured to take over what she had created.
Since taking over, Hope Lives Here has secured a much larger presence in Edmonton and has continued to grow in Red Deer. We now have foster homes that span all the way south to Calgary and West to Spring Lake.
Dog Adoption / Foster / Behavior Coordinator
I have been involved in Hope Lives Here for 11 years and throughout that time I have worn many hats. I started my journey as a foster home and before long became the Foster Coordinator. When the opportunity arose to become the Adoption Coordinator I definitely jumped at the chance to be the face of adoptions and fostering.
Animals have always been a huge part of my life from a little girl and rescue has set my soul on fire. There is nothing within the rescue I haven’t been a part of. My biggest love is fostering medical dogs & momma dogs with babes. A mega Esophagus pup, a pup with a 50/50% chance of walking again (now he’s running), two neurological pups I have done it all !! Hope Lives Here has some amazing like minded volunteers on our team and I couldn’t imagine them not being a part of the HLH family.
I plan to be a major part of this group for many years to come!
Fundraising & Events Coordinator
I’ve been the Fundraising and Events Coordinator since September 2019. Being honored with this position came as quite a surprise to me. One second I’m adopting my big boy Blu; the next, I’m creating my own fundraisers and raising money for the cause because I was determined to make a difference.
My goal is to create as many different fundraisers/events trying to reach a different demographic each time. The more people/families Hope Lives Here can reach, the more exposure we can get to help the most vulnerable communities.
I’m forever grateful for our supporters, sponsors, donors and the businesses that partner up with us. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. I’m looking forward to my years ahead with Hope Lives Here.
Community Liaison
Cat Coordinator
I joined the rescue in March 2020, although my love and work with cats started when I was a young girl. At the age of 14, I volunteered at a vet clinic cleaning cages and helping with reception. It was not the most glamorous job, however it was to me, as I got to spend time with the animals.
On the weekends, I would bring cats home to my mother, who would immediately exclame that they couldn’t stay. However, before Monday came, we would have either found homes for them, or made room in our home. I was lucky to have such an understanding family.
Fast forward to now, not much has changed. I currently have 6 cats in my care; which includes one sick foster kitten. I love working with sick kittens and cats. I find it very rewarding to watch their progress as day by day they become stronger and healthier. However, my favorite aspect of this role; is adoption. Knowing our kittens and cats have found their furever home, where they can live full happy lives makes everything all worthwhile.
Cat Team Administrator & Cat Coordinator
I joined the rescue in March 2020, although my love and work with cats started when I was a young girl. At the age of 14, I volunteered at a vet clinic cleaning cages and helping with reception. It was not the most glamorous job, however it was to me, as I got to spend time with the animals.
On the weekends, I would bring cats home to my mother, who would immediately exclame that they couldn’t stay. However, before Monday came, we would have either found homes for them, or made room in our home. I was lucky to have such an understanding family.
Fast forward to now, not much has changed. I currently have 6 cats in my care; which includes one sick foster kitten. I love working with sick kittens and cats. I find it very rewarding to watch their progress as day by day they become stronger and healthier. However, my favorite aspect of this role; is adoption. Knowing our kittens and cats have found their furever home, where they can live full happy lives makes everything all worthwhile
Cat Coordinator
Fundraising Coordinator
I’ve been involved with HLH for only a few months. I joined in February 2024 to help with social media. Quickly I wanted to do more to help, so I jumped on the opportunity to coordinate events and fundraising! I’m now one of two people who manage this position, and it’s a perfect fit! My goal here is to help put forward as many events as possible to help out as many animals as possible. I believe my main purpose in life is to help those in need, including all animals. They deserve just as good of a life as us humans do! Animals have and always will be apart of my life. My very first pet was a beta fish I named tequila (yes, actually), at the age of 4! From then on, I have had lizards, geckos, hamsters, guinea pigs, cats, dogs and many neighbourhood pets and strays. Currently, I have three cats, Ginger, Theo & Loki, who mean so much to me. What I work towards everyday with this organization, is that every animal near and far has the opportunity to only know the good life, like my three kitties do. I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with such an amazing organization and wonderful people, everyday!
HLH would like to thank our sponsors. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!!! Without your ongoing support and food donations, we couldn’t help so many animals in need!
Help increase the quality of life for our sweet furry friends. Contribute with a donation, volunteer, foster or adopt today!
We will not adopt out our animals on a first come first serve basis but rather on a best fit basis. As a result, we reserve the right to deny an adoption application.
Registered Charity Number: 84470 3439 RR0001
