Amazing Dogs Rescue team at a dog adoption event

Amazing Dogs Rescue

About Us

Hello! We are Amazing Dogs Rescue!

Our Mission Statement

Amazing Dogs Rescue exists to protect and rehome dogs who have been abandoned, neglected, or mistreated. Through medical care and thoughtful adoption placement, we give vulnerable dogs a path to the safe, loving homes they deserve.

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!

Some of our accomplishments since our creation in 2021:
5000+ dogs found family
7000+ dogs received medical care
100+ dogs treated for TVT cancer (all but 1 survived)
500+ adoption events organized

Download our federal tax filings: 202420232022

Our team

Gabriela Escamilla - Co-founder
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
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
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 Santa Ana
Kristen Barnes
Events Director and Event Manager Santa Ana
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
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!
Pawita Khruearat - Event Manager San Francisco
Pawita Khruearat
Event Manager San Francisco
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 - Interim Event Manager San Francisco
Crystal DuShane
Interim Event Manager San Francisco
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!
Matina Bolourchian - Assistant Event Manager Santa Ana
Matina Bolourchian
Assistant Event Manager Santa Ana
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
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.
Jenee Littrell - Event Manager San Diego
Jenee Littrell
Event Manager San Diego
My home has always been a 'rescue home'. For as long as I can remember, our very best family members have been the ones who came to us looking for a second chance. There is just something so special about the bond you form with a rescue; they truly make a house feel like a home.

I really tried to get a nice family photo to introduce myself, but as you can see, these two had zero interest in posing for the camera! They weren't interested in looking at me because they were much more concerned with running off to play with my grandkids—and honestly, I can’t blame them. That’s the joy of rescue dogs; they just want to be right in the middle of the family fun!
Kayla Jones - Event Manager Pasadena
Kayla Jones
Event Manager Pasadena
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember—especially dogs. At 10 years old, I adopted two sister pups who’ve been by my side ever since and remain my lifelong best friends.

Though I’m definitely a dog person, I also have a cat I adore and who loves to remind me that I am not in charge. Giving animals a loving home and making them feel safe and cherished is what matters most to me.
Ann Velazquez - Event Manager Long Beach
Ann Velazquez
Event Manager Long Beach
Hi, I'm Ann. I have always loved animals. Growing up my family always had dogs, and into adulthood we've had the privilege of loving  three more angels.

I've been in a loving relationship for 19 years, I have worked in Healthcare for fifteen years, bathed dogs for seven, and we were rescued by beautiful boxer in the last two years, and now I have the honor of being a part of an Amazing organization.
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Accredited by:

San Diego Humane Society
Riverside
BestFriends
PetcoLove
Pet Food Express

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