Melissa is the co-director/founder of Cayuga Dog Rescue. She came by her dog passion naturally, as her father raised English Setters during her childhood. Smitten with an enduring love and appreciation for all things furry, she has spent the majority of her adult life rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating people about dogs. During this time, she has fostered over 85 dogs and puppies, has interned with and served on the Board of a regional dog rescue organization, and is a member of Cornell Companions Pet Therapy Program and the Ithaca Dog Training Club. Her permanent home pack includes Jarvis, Jonah, Orion, Myrtle, Tobias, Giacomo, Zen, Skeet and Trill who fill her heart with love, endlessly make her laugh, and keep her continually vacuuming!

Melissa's goal is not only to find great homes for dog in need, but also to educate and promote responsible dog guardianship by instilling compassion for dogs in the hearts and minds of the public. She is currently implementing the Vintage Beagle Program through Cayuga Dog Rescue. And although committed to all dog in need, her specific breeds of interest are the Coonhound, Beagle and Pitbull Terrier.
 

Susan is the co-director/founder of Cayuga Dog Rescue.  She has been a dog-lover since childhood.  In 1993, she rescued and adopted her first dog from a decrepit shelter on Long Island.  That beautiful, soulful Shepherd/Akita (and her dog-loving husband) awakened a relentlessly wonderful dog obsession in her that she has been nurturing ever since.  She fostered for her local SPCA, as well as fostered, volunteered, and served on the Board of a regional nonprofit dog rescue organization.  In July of 2005, she and Melissa formed Cayuga Dog Rescue to more effectively continue their dog rescue efforts.  Almost nothing makes Susan happier than finding a loving, stable, caring home for a CDR gorgeous rescue dog.

Shelly is a visual and graphic artist living in Ithaca and Pooleville, NY.  She is the graphics department for the Ithaca Bakery/Collegetown Bagels chain by day, an emotionally evocative painter by night, and a dog and cat lover at all times.  Shelly greatly supports animal rescue work, and was happy to donate her talents to our rescue by creating our adorable logo.

Ria has always had a serious soft spot in her heart for animals of all kinds and has loved and cared for many animals throughout the years.  Since moving to Upstate NY from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia in the fall of 2000, she and her housemate soon adopted two kittens.  Not long after this, they adopted a dog.  Wanting to find him a furry companion, they started searching local shelters via the internet.  It didn't take long to find a darling dog in need of a loving home.  Soon they were asked to become foster parents for needy dogs and it wasn't long before they added a third dog to their fast-growing furbaby family.  In addition to a full time job, Ria has worked part time for their veterinarian, Dr. Richard Orzeck in Trumansburg, NY, fulfilling a life-long dream to care for animals in as many ways as possible.  She is delighted to offer her time and abilities to build and maintain this website.