Our Story
Their rescue story starts with you.
Most dog people have a favorite breed and in 2014, I met mine. Kelevra was the sweetest little fawn Great Dane and joined our family at 11 weeks old. She quickly stole my heart and became a constant companion to me and also my youngest son.
After moving from Virginia, where Danes are scarce, to Texas where they seemingly roam free, I got involved in dog rescue, specializing in Great Danes. I met Lori and we forged a friendship grounded in our love of the breed.
The need for dependable rescues is immense and the lack of resources is so great that we decided to start our own rescue. In reality, what we have started is a community that grew from a whisper of an idea that we could make a difference.
We cannot save every dog, but we promise to be committed to EVERY dog that we save. This rescue story begins with us.
Our Mission
Hearty Paws Great Dane Rescue is dedicated to rescuing Great Danes in need. Our goal is to create a compassionate & collaborative community where every Great Dane is cared for and cherished.
Our Vision
We envision a community that believes in the strength of the collective to save Great Danes by being the voice of change and compassion, while respecting each other and those with whom they interact.
Meet The Team
Kimberly Spence, Founder
Love grows best in little houses, and with four Great Danes, ANY house could be considered “little”, but Kim wouldn’t have it any other way. Kim fell in love with Great Danes at 40 years old, later than most, but she fell hard and fast with her first Dane, Kelevra who passed in 2024 at 10 years old. Her days are now filled with the constant love and affection from her pack, which also includes a 15 year old English Bulldog.
Lori Wilmot, Founder
Lori’s heart is as big as the giant paws she’s loved for years. As one of the founders of Hearty Paws Great Dane Rescue, Lori’s passion for the breed runs deep. She’s been surrounded by Great Danes for much of her life, fostering several (though she’s only “failed” at fostering twice—so far!) and dedicating her time to rescuing and rehabilitating these gentle giants.
Lori is especially drawn to the double-merle Danes, who are often hearing and/or sight impaired. She has a soft spot for these special pups, ensuring they receive the care, love, and guidance they need. Whether she’s advocating for the breed or sharing the couch with her own beloved Danes, Lori’s love for these majestic dogs shines through everything she does!
BJ Lewis, Board of Directors
Lifelong dog lover and advocate. BJ’s mom sent her to volunteer with the Humane Society, as a teenager, so she would stop bringing every stray home. That commitment has never waivered. In her career as a pilot she has rescued dogs all over the world. She and her spouse dedicate their spare moments working at their city shelter taking photos for social media, training the fearful dogs to trust humans again, and working to find homes for the challenging cases. Her mantra is “Dogs are my starfish.” If you have ever read the “Starfish Story” you understand her philosophy on dog rescue.
Julie Feldman-Dietz, Board of Directors
Julie is dog parent to Usher and Daisy. She has been adopting and loving rescue dogs for over 25 years . . She believes that every dog deserves to have a safe and loving home. She is dedicated and detailed. She has 35 years in the financial industry. She is committed to providing support to the team in any and all ways possible.
Shane Somerville, Board of Directors
Shane’s life truly revolves around dogs! Not only is she the mom of 2 rescue dogs (plus four rescue cats, two children, and many more pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge), but Shane and her husband have owned an award-winning, natural pet food and supplies store for more than eleven years, serving thousands of dogs and cats!
In addition to serving the beloved pets of her customers, Shane is also committed to supporting responsible rescue through partnering with numerous rescue organizations to host meet and greets, raise and donate money and goods, and host food and supply drives. She also founded the first - and currently only - 24/7 free pet pantry in Snohomish County, WA, which supplies pet owners in need with free pet food and supplies during tough times. She is thrilled to be able to help support Hearty Paws in their important mission of helping dogs find amazing, forever homes!
Rescue Statistics
Our mission means everything to us, and we pour our hearts into every dog who comes through our doors. We may not be the biggest rescue, but to us, every single dog is family. From the moment they arrive, we promise to give them the love, care, and dedication they deserve—while working tirelessly to match them with the very best forever home.
Check out our year-to-date numbers and celebrate the progress we’re making together! 💜🐾
*Statistics are YTD through end of August 2026
*Year One financials include one-time start-up costs (10%) and early operating expenses (10.4%). Vetting costs were unusually low due to donated and discounted care, impacting percentage breakdowns. Ongoing efforts are in place to further reduce operating costs through nonprofit partnerships.
Our Partners
