OUR STORY
At The Ruff Project, we believe every animal deserves a voice—and we’re here to speak for them. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are a dedicated team of animal advocates committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing the highest level of care to dogs in need. We welcome the neglected, abandoned, injured, sick, young, and elderly. Every dog that comes through our doors is given a promise: that we will do everything in our power to ensure they live a life filled with love, care, and the happiness they deserve.
With over 1,000 cats and 500 dogs saved, we continue to strive to help even more animals each year. Rescue work is challenging—emotionally, physically, and financially—but it is a journey worth taking. It’s in the magical moments when we connect a dog with their perfect family, and we witness both of their lives transform.
We don’t just save animals; we change lives. Every rescue is not only a second chance for the animal, but also a new chapter for the families who adopt them. Together, we are changing the world, one paw at a time.
As we continue to grow, we have rebranded from Rescue Bae to The Ruff Project. This new name better reflects our mission, our community, and our unwavering commitment to being a voice for the voiceless. We call it a “project” because our work is never done. Every day, we fight for the animals who have no voice, no choice, and no safe place to land. Today, The Ruff Project is more than a rescue. It’s a collective effort, driven by love, compassion, and the belief that every animal deserves a chance at a better life.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi, I’m Shaland!
For the past eight years, rescuing animals has been more than just a passion—it’s been my life’s purpose. What began as a spontaneous act of compassion turned into a calling I could not ignore.
It all started in 2017, when I found a litter of six kittens in desperate need of help. Despite having no experience with cats, I brought them home, nursed them back to health, and found loving homes for each one—keeping one kitten who stole my heart. That experience showed me how powerful rescue work can be—not just for the animals, but for the people whose lives they change for the better. I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose, and from that moment on, I knew this was the work I was put on this earth to do.
After six years of rescuing independently, I realized I wanted to do more. With millions of animals euthanized every year simply because there aren’t enough homes, I felt a deep responsibility to expand my efforts and create something with the potential for greater, lasting impact. That’s when I founded Rescue Bae—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving lives, building a compassionate and reliable network of fosters and volunteers, and raising awareness about the urgent animal welfare crisis we face every day.
Creating Rescue Bae was my way of turning passion into lasting impact. What started as a one-woman mission has grown into a community-powered movement committed to giving animals a second chance. This year, we rebranded as The Ruff Project to better reflect our mission and our growing community.
OUR tEAM
Shelby
Shelby has been rescuing dogs and cats since 2016. Sometimes the odd animals like beta fish, sheep or ducklings. Whatever really comes her way! Her true love is for senior dogs and cats- ones that no one wants- simply because they are just too old, too tired, too sick or not your typical cuteness. Shelby previously worked in an industrial area with many stray cats and kittens, which opened up her eyes to animals in need. With her love of animals, she could not just see them suffer on the streets, so she started to learn about rescuing kittens and cats. She started with socializing the kittens and adopting them out. Then began the new adventure of TNR: trapping the adults cats to get them fixed and release them. She soon moved on to rescuing dogs and you can guess where she ended up 8 years later!
Drew
Drew has an extensive background in business/finance, and a big heart for animals. His true love of dogs came when he rescued his 6 pound Chihuahua named Xander! He serves as the Chief Financial Officer for our rescue—making sure we can continue doing what we love: saving dogs and giving them a second chance + forever home. Drew handles everything from budgetary allocation, financial planning & reporting, risk management, and strategic execution.
“Combining financial strategy with a passion for animal welfare has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life—and I’m proud to be involved with a team that puts love and purpose into everything we do”
– Drew
