Supporting fosters, volunteers, and adopters in our shared mission to save dogs in need. 


The Maine Dog Rescue (MDR) is a non-profit, insured and state licensed rescue, run by volunteers. We are a small group of passionate animal advocates. MDR does not have an actual shelter, all of our dogs are in foster homes in Maine.  We work with potential adopters in Maine and New Hampshire. MDR covers all medical expenses including spay and neuter surgeries. MDR makes sure all dogs are given age-appropriate vaccinations, as well as preventative medication for heartworm and external parasites.

Meet the Team

  • Mariah Maheux - Fundraising, Financial and Operations

    Mariah Maheux is the co-founder of The Maine Dog Rescue and has spent the last 10 years dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters across the southern U.S. Her journey into rescue began while pursuing her certification as a dog trainer—when she needed volunteer hours, she signed up to foster, and never looked back. Since then, she has fostered over 100 dogs, including those who are blind, deaf, have behavioral challenges, or simply needed a safe and loving place to spend their final days.

    Mariah shares her life with four beloved dogs of her own—Malia, Oakley, Bronx, and Kingston—each a reminder of her commitment and compassion. But her love for dogs goes beyond rescue. With a background in event planning, she’s brought communities together through fundraisers and gatherings that celebrate the human-dog bond and support animals in need.

    Mariah will go above and beyond for those who foster, adopt, or volunteer. Teamwork, having fun, and staying positive—even through the most challenging moments of rescue—are at the heart of her mission. She always puts the dogs first, advocating fiercely for those who cannot speak for themselves.

    In addition to her rescue work, Mariah is part of her family business, Maine Rope Mats, where she brings the same energy and heart. Whether it’s through handmade mats or saving lives, she believes in leading with love and creating joy in every step of the journey


  • Emily Hintz - Adoption Coordinator & Vetting Lead

    Emily the co-founder of The Maine Dog Rescue. She is a passionate animal advocate with hands-on experience in dog rescue and fostering. Based in Maine, she has dedicated herself to helping dogs find safety, healing, and the loving homes they deserve. With a background in social work and a deep sense of compassion, Emily brings both empathy and determination to every part of the rescue journey.

    She has opened her home to countless foster dogs and is known for her patience, dedication, and ability to help even the most uncertain dogs feel safe. Whether it’s caring for a new arrival, organizing transport, or helping families find the perfect match, Emily leads with heart and a relentless drive to make a difference.

    Her mission is simple: to give every dog a second chance and to bring the joy of rescue into as many homes as possible.


  • Cassie Mocciola - Foster, Volunteer, and Events Coordinator

    Cassie is a co-founder of The Maine Dog Rescue and  has had a goal to help animals since she was very young. She has years of experience in positive dog training, raising litters, and working with people to help better their relationship with their companion. Cassie teaches Special Education at a local elementary school and is a strong advocate for equality and compassion.

    Cassie started fostering for 3 different rescue organizations and has taken in over 25 animals and helped them find their forever families. Always willing to take on even the toughest cases, she has developed a true passion for making a difference in unwanted dogs lives. 

    Cassie stands up for what she believes in and coordinates with foster families to support them in rehabilitating rescue dogs to be the best version of themselves.


Contact us

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