Owner/Operator
519-495-6626
Teresa is the owner and founder of Helping Paws Rescue, an Ontario Canadian-based animal rescue dedicated to saving dogs at risk and giving them the chance to thrive in safe, loving homes. What started as a deep personal commitment to helping animals in need has grown into a respected rescue known for its compassion, transparency, and tireless advocacy.
Teresa is hands-on in every part of the process—from intake and medical care to foster support and adoption matching—always putting the dogs’ wellbeing first.
She believes rescue is not just about saving lives, but about doing it responsibly, ethically, and with long-term success in mind.
Under her leadership, Helping Paws Rescue has built a strong community of fosters, volunteers, adopters, and supporters who share the same mission: to give every dog the dignity, care, and future they deserve.
Operations Support
519-403-5571
Olivia has been a meaningful part of Helping Paws Rescue and has supported the organization across many areas of its operations. Over time, she has contributed to a wide range of responsibilities, including coordinating veterinary appointments, supporting application processing, and helping with the systems and workflows that keep the rescue organized and functioning smoothly.
She has also provided guidance and support in training new volunteers, sharing her knowledge of rescue processes, expectations, and best practices. Her experience and familiarity with the inner workings of Helping Paws Rescue have made her a valuable resource to the team and have helped ensure continuity and consistency as the organization has grown.
Olivia’s contributions have played an important role in shaping how Helping Paws Rescue operates today. We are grateful for the time, care, and dedication she has given to the rescue and for the support she continues to provide as part of our broader team.
Executive Assistant & IT
519-200-8898
Sara Fehrman is Teresa's exective assistant, our Lead for application processing, and our IT Coordinator.
She is a key part of Helping Paws Rescue’s process development, online presence and communication with adopters and business partners.
She works tirelessly behind the scenes, processing applications and adoptions, communicating with business partners, and ensuring that our digital platforms run smoothly and that our team stays connected and organized.
From communication to managing systems and troubleshooting issues to supporting online communications, Sara plays an essential role in keeping everything functioning efficiently.
Her dedication, process development and technical expertise, and commitment to the mission help strengthen our outreach and ensure that Helping Paws Rescue can continue to support the dogs in our care and the community that surrounds them.
Volunteer Support & Assistant to Foster Support
Tracy is Helping Paws Rescue’s dedicated Volunteer Support lead and a vital part of our Foster Support team, as well as a Foster Home with Helping Paws.
She plays a key role in supporting both our volunteers and foster families, helping ensure everyone has what they need to succeed and feel supported.
From overseeing volunteer applications and coordinating support for events, to helping fosters by keeping dog bios up to date and tracking essential inventory like kennels, beds, and supplies, Tracy keeps everything organized and running smoothly behind the scenes. Her attention to detail and follow-through help ensure our dogs are always properly supported and our team stays connected and informed.
Tracy’s reliability, care, and commitment to animal welfare make a meaningful difference every day. We are incredibly grateful for the role she plays in supporting our volunteers, fosters, and the dogs in our care.
Post Adoption Support & Foster Support
Kristie is Helping Paws Rescue’s dedicated Post-Adoption Support lead and a valued member of our Foster Support team, as well as a Foster Home with Helping Paws.
She is a calm, steady presence for adopters and fosters alike, working closely with families to ensure both they and their dogs feel supported during the transition into their new homes.
From answering questions about settling in, routines, and training, to offering guidance through common post-adoption challenges, Kristie provides reassurance, practical advice, and encouragement every step of the way. She also supports our foster families, helping them navigate questions and transitions so dogs are set up for success before and after adoption.
Kristie’s compassionate, thoughtful approach helps adopters feel confident and supported as they build strong, lasting bonds with their new companions. Her commitment to the well-being of both our dogs and their families plays a vital role in the long-term success of our adoptions, and we are incredibly grateful to have her as part of the Helping Paws Rescue team.
Foster Support & Intake & Transportation
Mike wears many hats at Helping Paws Rescue! He is part of the Foster Support Team, the Intake Team, and the Transportation Team. He is an essential resource for our foster families, and often the first safe landing space for many dogs coming into our program. We call him the dog whisperer.
He works closely with fosters to provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support while dogs are in their care.
From helping process the intake of new dogs, to arranging transpotation and often driving himself for vetting and meet and greets, and helping fosters navigate day-to-day questions to offering advice during challenging moments, Mike ensures that no foster feels alone in the process. His support helps create positive, stable foster experiences, which are critical to preparing our dogs for successful adoptions.
We are grateful for Mike’s dedication and the role he plays in supporting both our foster families and the dogs they care for.
