About The Maine Dog Rescue
The Maine Dog Rescue (MDR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, insured, and Maine state-licensed animal rescue organization dedicated to saving dogs in need and helping them find loving, forever homes.
Founded by two passionate animal advocates, MDR is a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue with dedicated foster families located throughout Maine, from York to Bangor and the communities in between.
Unlike traditional shelters, MDR does not operate a physical facility. Instead, our dogs live in loving foster homes where they receive individualized care, attention, and the opportunity to experience life in a home environment while awaiting adoption.
We proudly facilitate adoptions throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: to give deserving dogs a second chance at life.
We work closely with rescue partners in the Southern United States and Puerto Rico to save dogs from overcrowded shelters and situations where their futures may be uncertain.
We also assist local Maine families who can no longer care for their dogs, helping provide a safe transition and the opportunity for a new beginning.
Every dog has a different story. Some have been abandoned, neglected, or overlooked, while others have simply experienced circumstances beyond their control.
Regardless of their past, we believe every dog deserves compassion, proper care, and a family who will love them unconditionally.
Our Approach to Rescue & Adoption
At MDR, we believe successful adoptions begin with understanding each dog's individual needs.
Because our dogs live in foster homes, we have the opportunity to learn about their personalities, behaviors, energy levels, and preferences in a real home environment.
This allows us to make thoughtful adoption matches based on compatibility rather than a first-come, first-served approach.
Our goal isn't simply to find a dog a home. It's to find the right home for each dog.
We are committed to supporting our adopters throughout the adoption process and helping set both dogs and families up for long-term success.
Health & Veterinary Care
The health and well-being of our dogs are among our highest priorities.
We work with our rescue partners and veterinary professionals to ensure dogs receive appropriate medical care before adoption.
Depending on their age and individual needs, this includes:
Age-appropriate vaccinations
Spaying or neutering
Heartworm testing and treatment when necessary
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Deworming and parasite treatment
Veterinary examinations and required health documentation
Additional medical treatment when needed
We believe every dog deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life, regardless of the medical challenges they may have faced.
Our Leadership
The Maine Dog Rescue was proudly co-founded by Mariah Maheux, President, and Cassie Mocciola, Vice President.
Together, they established MDR with a shared passion for animal welfare and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of dogs who need a second chance.
What began with a love for dogs has grown into a community of dedicated foster families, volunteers, adopters, rescue partners, and supporters who make our mission possible.
As a volunteer-run organization, we understand that rescue takes teamwork, compassion, and an incredible amount of dedication.
Every successful adoption represents the combined efforts of people who believe that every dog deserves a chance.
Powered by Our Community
We couldn't do this without you.
As a foster-based rescue, our ability to save lives depends on the generosity and dedication of our community.
Our foster families open their homes, our volunteers give their time, our supporters contribute essential resources, and our adopters provide the loving forever homes our dogs deserve.
Every donation, shared adoption