About Us

Saving one animal will not save the world, but surely for that one animal the world will change forever ~ Author Unknown

Rescuing Dogs and Cats for Over a Decade

Founded in 2000 by dog behaviour specialist Rory O'Neill, the rescue specializes in coordinating rehabilitation and adoption for animals from the reserves and high-kill shelters in the Northwest Territories of Canada - and the dumping grounds of Mexico. It also is one of the few non-profit organizations in Canada that perform rescues after natural disasters, having successfully extracted and rehomed over 75 dogs during a two month mission to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Our History

When Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue was first conceived, Rory O'Neill's focus was on the rescue of highly adoptable dogs and cats on death row in overcrowded animal shelters in Canada. She was also bringing in homeless dogs and puppies from the Stoney Nakota Reservation in the town of Morley, near Calgary. Her experience as a dog behaviourist allowed her to fully rehabilitate these animals and place them for adoption.

From there, knowledge of the Mexico dumping grounds and hoarders came to light after viewing its desperate situation on an episode of Cesar Millan's The Dog Whisper. They had crossed the California border into Tijuana (a very impoverish Mexican town) with Animal Advocates on a rescue mission to save some dogs in one of the dumping grounds. Rory quickly contacted Animal Advocates and began working along with them to coordinate more rescues.

Within a few months, the first transport of six amazing little Chihuahuas and mixes flew from Los Angeles to the Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue for adoption in Canada. Meanwhile, rescue efforts for homeless animals on Calgary's reservations continued.

These successful rescues were the reason Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue grew to a place where they could get involved with Natural Disaster missions as well. When Hurricane Katrina hit, Rory O'Neill and her closest team of volunteers flew in to rescue the animals that were left behind in the mess.

Now, Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue continues to rescue animals from some of the most unforgiving places worldwide - and to be the go-to organization for natural disaster missions.

We don't just rescue - We look to change things

Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue doesn't only look to continue to rescue animals from these horrendous conditions - we look to put an end to what has been CAUSING them.

Upcoming 2012 programs include:

• The Morley Project
  We hope to educate the residents on animal care, the importance of spay and neutering their pets, and provide them with collars for their pets.
  
  
• Once Upon a Time in Mexico
  This will see the fundraising efforts for a temporary and safe sanctuary in Tijuana, where stray dogs can be brought in and cared for until adoptions can be coordinated.
  
  
• Project OCCUPY!
  This will see the fundraising efforts for a Canadian Rescue, Rehabilitation and Adoption facility.|

Who Is Rory O'Neill?

As the director of Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue, Rory O'Neill has been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals that have come from traumatic backgrounds for over 15 years. Her experience as a dog behaviour specialist puts her in a unique position to rehabilitate these dogs for their second chance at a happy life.

She also specializes in offering her services to pet owners who need extra support with training or troubleshooting.

"My goal is not to only teach the owner how to communicate to their pet what they want and expect, but to also help the pet owner become more confident, knowledgeable, and to be able to make quick decisions in handling new scenarios they haven't experienced in the past."

With the help of her rehabilitation pack, Rory is equipped to handle even the most unruly of dogs. For more information, please visit RoryOneill.net.