Amazing Dogs Rescue

About Us

Hello! We are Amazing Dogs Rescue!

We named our organization after all the Amazing dogs we rescue. We believe that no matter where a dog comes from, or what they look like- ALL dogs are AMAZING!

We work tirelessly to rescue dogs on both sides of the US/Mexico border. Many dogs find themselves abandoned, neglected, or mistreated through no fault of their own. Our goal is to give them all medical care they need and then find them the loving homes they deserve.

Some of our accomplishments since our creation in 2021:

4000+ dogs found family

6000+ dogs received medical care

100+ dogs treated for TVT cancer (all but 1 survived)

400+ adoption events organized

Our team

Gabriela Escamilla

Co-founder

Since I was a child, I have been passionate about helping animals. Dogs are the most beautiful creatures on Earth, and the joy they bring me is incredible. I feel blessed being able to change so many lives through our rescue efforts.

Pam Lawless

Co-founder

By the time we founded Amazing Dogs Rescue, I had known Patrick for over a decade. Witnessing his unwavering passion and love for dogs evolve into a powerful movement has been nothing short of inspiring. I was thrilled to support the organization financially, enabling them to purchase two vans that transport our rescue pups to events, rather than waiting for potential adopters to come to us.
Now, Amazing Dogs Rescue organizes nearly 300 events each year, transforming the lives of thousands of dogs who might otherwise face a tragic fate. These wonderful, sweet souls deserve a second chance, and it’s heartwarming to see how dedicated this Amazing team is to making that happen.

Patrick Lepere

Co-founder

I got my first dog, Bruno, at age 7, but it took nearly 50 years to fully appreciate the unconditional love and compassion dogs offer. Now, my life is devoted to them.

Kristen Barnes

Events Director and Event Manager Aliso Viejo

I have been in love with dogs my entire life. I became a part of the Amazing Dogs family over a year ago and have committed myself to the cause. One of my greatest accomplishments has been finding these dogs their forever homes with their forever families and then seeing them a few months later happy and adjusted. This is what Amazing Dogs is all about. I am a mom to 5 fur babies and have fostered and adopted from this rescue.

Iliandra Kopelli

Event Manager Sacramento

After raising five kids—including four feral boys—I know a thing or two about running with the pack. And as they all know, I’m a total sucker for dogs—especially the old-timers nobody else wants! While others chase puppies, I roll out the red carpet for the grumpy, grey-muzzled sweethearts. There’s nothing better than spoiling these senior pups with belly rubs, treats, and a cozy home for their golden years.

Lucky for me, I work for an organization that loves dogs as much as I do—because if they didn’t, trust me, I wouldn’t be here!

Jenny Buck

Event Manager Reno

I have loved dogs my whole life. I grew up doing foster care for dogs and cats from our local humane society when I was a kid. As an adult I have lived on a ranch with my Husband and two kids where we have had many dogs, 8 was the most at one time. We are all animal lovers and love working with Amazing Dogs Rescue as a family.

Jaquel Smith

Event Manager Pasadena

I’ve been working with animals since I was a child, and dogs have always been my greatest passion. I’m dedicated to advocating for rescue dogs and love creating events that help them find the forever homes they deserve. I share my life with 3 amazing rescue dogs. Luna, Grizzly, and Koko who inspire me every day. Being part of their world reminds me why this work matters so much.

Pawita Khruearat

Event Manager Daly City

Hi, my name is Pawita.

I am someone who is completely addicted to having dogs around me! I have two beloved dogs back home in Thailand, and after moving to the U.S., I’ve missed them so much although I know they are well taken care of by my mom.

I got involved with Amazing Dogs Rescue as a volunteer, hoping it would help ease the longing I felt for my own dogs — and it truly did! Being around rescue dogs brought me comfort, and soon I was given the opportunity to become an Event Manager.

It’s been such a meaningful role, giving me the chance to help more dogs find loving homes. This experience has deeply touched me and brought so much joy and purpose into my life!

Crystal DuShane

Event Manager Concord

With a lifelong passion for animals and rescue work, I've dedicated decades to community service and helping those in need. My family includes rescues of all kinds—from two aquatic turtles and my German Rottweiler who rescued me, to a pack of community cats we adore.

When I discovered Amazing Dogs Rescue in 2024, I knew I had to get involved. Now, as the Event Manager for Concord, I'm thrilled to be part of this incredible team and to help create impactful events for our furry friends. I’m excited to contribute to the mission of giving dogs the second chance they deserve!

Phyllis Annunziata

Event Manager Tustin

Hi, I'm Phyllis! I grew up with dogs and honestly can't remember a time when there wasn’t one by my side. I moved here from New York with the desire to get involved in something meaningful, and that's when I found Amazing Dogs Rescue. I’ve been with them since the very first event in Tustin and continued volunteering for the next 2 ½ years. After taking a brief break, I’m excited to be back and more eager than ever to help.

As the Event Manager for Tustin, I’m dedicated to matching these wonderful dogs with their forever homes and helping future pet parents find their perfect furry companion. Whether you want to schedule an appointment or just stop by, I'll be there to greet you and guide you in finding your new best friend!

Matina Bolourchian

Assistant Event Manager Tustin

I’ve loved caring for animals for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I was the one picking up injured birds or helping stray cats find food and safety. That love has only grown stronger over the years. I spend a lot of my time working with animal nonprofits and helping with projects focused on environmental conservation. Dogs, especially bring me pure joy and have always felt like family to me. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and I don't know what I would do without them .... My dream is to become a veterinary surgeon so I can dedicate my life to helping animals heal and live better lives. For over a year, I’ve volunteered with Amazing Dogs Rescue and recently had the chance to manage events. Every moment I spend helping animals reminds me why I’m so passionate about this path.

Ruth Gastineau

Event Manager Las Vegas

I'm a proud dog mom of two pups, and auntie-mommy dog mom of many. I was asked to join Amazing Dogs Rescue just days after my beloved Kaylee, a beautiful, regal Carolina Ridgeback mix of almost 15 years, passed away. She was my best girl and was central in my life. Comforted by knowing she is in Heaven waiting for me, I felt a strong desire to help other dogs and families experience a similar connection. Joining Amazing Dogs Rescue has been heart-healing and rewarding by uniting humans and dogs looking for joy and togetherness. At my second adoption event, I encouraged a mourning woman to adopt a new pup into her life. That same day, I also welcomed a new dog-ter into my life. It so happened that the woman and my new pup had the same name! I love signs from God, and I take my direction from Him.

Ricardo Salgado

Veterinarian

From a young age, my parents nurtured in me a deep love for animals. My mother's passion lay with cats, while my father favored dogs. This early exposure inspired me to pursue veterinary medicine, a field where I can alleviate animal suffering and improve their well-being. Seeing the positive transformations in dogs as they arrive at the facility and then leave with a loving family brings me immense comfort and reinforces my commitment to this vital work.

Join Our Pack

See who got adopted!

Live social media feed

Amazing Dogs Rescue

Hello! We are Amazing Dogs Rescue!

Our team

See who got adopted!

Accredited by:

Follow Us on Social Media