amy@vindicatedrescue.org

This rescue came to be all because of one dog who changed my life when I adopted him from the shelter in 2005. Moose made me see how misjudged, mistreated, and misinformed people were towards pit bull type dogs. I’ve been active in the rescue community since 2008 and finally decided to launch Vindicated in 2014 to see what kind of good we could do. My mission is to change peoples perception of pit bull type dogs. My passion is to bring a kind of love, happiness, and joy to a family that only these dogs can offer.

rebecca@vindicatedrescue.org

I was once very afraid of pit bull type dogs. The media portrayed these kinds of dogs as vicious and dangerous but I became curious. So I pushed outside of my comfort zone and started volunteering. I eventually became a foster. In January of 2013, I fostered my first dog. His name was Rigley and I fell in love. I guess you could call him my “foster fail” because he is still with me today as a permeant member of my family. I keep doing this type of work because I want to continue doing good and helping these wonderful dogs live the lives they deserve.

jessica@vindicatedrescue.org

I have been a dog and animal lover since day 1. When my boyfriend (now husband) and I adopted our first pit bull from animal control in Philly back in 2010, our lives were forever changed. The shelter staff placed Maverick in my arms and my heart melted—I knew he was ours. We quickly learned the intense stigma that surrounds this very misunderstood breed, and it became our mission to change people’s minds, using Maverick as a breed ambassador. Maverick and I worked as a therapy dog team, he came to my office for “take your children to work” day, he helped us foster 11 pit bulls during his lifetime, and he changed the “pit bull perception” for every single person he met. Maverick passed away at the end of 2021, and our hearts and lives will never be the same. However, we will continue to advocate for this breed and help foster and place as many amazing pit-bull type ambassadors in loving homes so that we can keep Maverick’s legacy alive.

shannon@vindicatedrescue.org

I always knew I wanted a pit bull type dog. I loved their short coats, blocky heads, and sweet disposition. I envisioned having a high energy adventure dog, but somehow ended up with the world's biggest couch potato when I adopted Luna in 2017. Over a year later, Winnie was added to our pack. I became involved with Vindicated as a temporary foster out of a desire to advocate for this often misunderstood breed and help pitties find their forever homes. Picking a dog up from the shelter and having it stay in our home for possibly its first night ever in a safe and loving environment was such a rewarding experience. I'm excited to advocate for these dogs and see more of them find their forever families.

jess@vindicatedrescue.org

I rescued a little pittie from HRA in 2017 and she completely changed my life. People joke that Sassafras is my whole personality, and they aren't wrong!

Over the last few years I’ve volunteered with other rescue organizations, but Vindicated’s message of advocacy, education and responsible ownership resonated with me. Every dog that comes into Vindicated’s care is treated as a unique individual and has a network and community there to support them- it takes a village and I am so proud to be part of this one. I look forward to continuing to support our fosters, advocate for the bully breed and find our dogs their perfect forever families.

kate@vindicatedrescue.org

I have been a dog lover for as long as I have been alive. Originally from Philadelphia, I relocated to the DC-area after college to pursue a career making a positive impact on as many lives as I possibly could.

My dedication to fighting for change coupled with a passion for animal welfare, naturally lead me to volunteering with dog rescues. After rescuing a pittie mix in 2020, I learned a lot about the breed and the stigma they face.

Organizations like Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue are doing critical work to not only help dogs find their forever homes, but also advocating for change to help restore the reputation of a misunderstood breed—and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this work.

jlynn@vindicatedrescue.org

I got involved in rescue while living in Atlanta and learning about how rural shelters and animal welfare worked *and didn’t work!). Ever since getting involved, it has become one of my biggest passions. I wanted to volunteer with Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue to be involved in stopping BSL and help a much needed breed be rescued and understood. I adopted my own pittie mix in 2022, which only grew my love for the breed. Junior loves to lay above my head any chance he gets. He is full of shenanigans and is such a poster child for the breed. He’s super friendly, loves kids, loves his fur-sister and is just one happy boy. So many bully breeds deserve a home of their own and I love being part of the process that makes that happen.

I’ve always had a soft-spot in my heart for “pit bulls” especially because of the wonderful interactions with my young son and my sister’s pittie; my journey with pit bulls began in earnest in 2018 when Ziva joined our family.

She showed us the true depth and loving nature of these dogs. When it was time to bring another dog into our home, we knew we would work with Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue—they are true advocates for these dogs. Their mission of education and determination to find the best home for each dog, was obviously also their passion. I am proud to volunteer with Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue and look forward to continuing to support their work and mission. Thank you for visiting the Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue site and for your support to all the bully-breed-dogs in need!

jessie@vindicatedrescue.org

Jessie is the Grants Manager for Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue, where she blends her professional expertise with her passion for animal welfare. A seasoned marketing leader and consultant, Jessie began her career in nonprofit development and fundraising. Her work is informed by years of experience engaging communities, building donor relationships, and advancing mission-driven campaigns. Jessie became a VPBR foster after adopting her own rescue—a pocket pittie mix named Hudson—four years ago. Inspired by VPBR’s lifesaving work, she now supports the organization’s funding strategies and grant efforts to ensure second chances for dogs most in need.