Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Shaffer & Riley O’Day
Hi Victoria Shaffer & Riley O’Day, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We met at the start of the pandemic while fostering with another rescue. We decided we wanted to do things differently and have a more personal approach. That’s when Pup Culture Rescue was born in October of 2021! Since starting, we have rescued over 800 dogs and recently opened a 4,000 square foot space in Pasadena that we call Pup Culture Collective.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have been shocked by the support and growth of the rescue, but it hasn’t come without its challenges. As two woman who came from entertainment, we had to learn how to run a non-profit from scratch. We had to leap many hurdles, but in the process have built an amazing community of likeminded dog lovers who have helped us reach every goal.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We never expected to start a dog rescue but it happened organically. Riley worked in casting, but after foster during the pandemic, was inspired to make the career change to veterinary medicine. Victoria loves to entertain and has combined it with her love for rescue, writing a book and making content to promote adoption.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
We have had to learn to roll with the punches. There are so many things that are unforeseen in the rescue world and being flexible and keeping your head up is a requirement to sustain. Every day we witness dogs on the brink of euthanasia in the current Los Angeles shelter crisis and maintaining compassion and prioritizing support has been paramount for our rescue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pupculturerescue.org
- Instagram: @pupculturerescue
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/pupculturerescue
Image Credits
Catherine Heath
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