Meet our dedicated & passionate team

Founder, Executive Director, Duke’s mom

Samantha has always had a love for all animals. Having nine rescue animals in her home at one point in time, she understands the need and importance of people offering a helping hand. To put it simply, rescue has become her passion. Samantha has been involved in the rescue world in varying capacities for the past 6 years, always dreaming to create one of her own someday that could have a larger impact. Duke was one of her rescue animals; a redbone coonhound that sadly left this world in February of 2022. Though wracked with grief and sadness, the need for human advocates for animals continued and she decided it was time to put rescue and animal welfare at the forefront- in honor of Duke. Her mission is to share his story, support others to find companionship with animals in need and to protect as many animals from homelessness, abuse and neglect as she can.

If love could’ve saved you Dukey, you would’ve lived forever.

Director

Kate Howard is a Vermont native who has always been passionate about animals and helping others. As a kid, it wasn't uncommon to find Kate playing with the neighborhood stray, at a friend's farm milking cows, or conducting proper burials for squirrels who had been hit by cars. There's not an animal Kate isn't drawn to. She met her soul dog, Calvin, 8 years ago after experiencing a season of loss and grief. Calvin had gone through the same, losing his caretaker and his k9 father simultaneously. Inseparable from the very beginning, leashes weren't in the vocabulary; he moved like her shadow. He's continued to be a solid object in an ever changing world and has become a strong yet patient household mentor to his dog siblings, Chief and Bella as well as his human sibling Louanna. Kate received a BA in Psychology from the University of Vermont and is in her 5th year at an independent school where she works as a Behavior Interventionist. Kate is a firm believer in communities coming together to take care of all things living. Calvin taught Kate true patience and love and it is because of him she is passionate about uniting humans who need animals with animals who need humans.

Director

Jennie and her husband, Josh, have two amazing pups. Remington is a 6 year old English Black Lab who loves nothing more than hunting ducks and snuggling in bed. Hobbes stole the hearts of the Corrigan household in 2020 while staying as a VT Dog Rescue foster. With his giant paws, floppy ears, and goofy personality, there was never a doubt he was a forever addition. Both Remington and Hobbes are the best big siblings to their little brother Hadley who loves to be gentle with his dogs. As dog foster parents, Jennie and Josh have loved 8 different dogs, connecting all of them to their forever homes where they are flourishing in their Vermont environments.

Jennie has worked with children and families in the Vermont community for over 10 years and is also currently a student in the University of Vermont Masters of Social Work program. Jennie values the importance of individuals feeling heard and safe in order to heal. Jennie is interested in finding ways to connect the needs of the community to the animals we will help to support everyone’s growth towards health, well-being, safety, and love.

Board Member

Liz is a native Vermonter and seven-year resident of Burlington. She owns and operates a dog camp and pet sitting business in Chittenden county and has done so since April of 2016. In addition to being a lifelong animal lover & pet owner, she also has a degree in veterinary technology. Liz has four dogs of her own, Copperfield a retired Greyhound, Frank a Chihuahua/Pit mix, Annie a Heeler/Pit mix and Squid a Walker Hound/Husky mix. After so many years loving animals (especially dogs) Liz is excited to amplify that passion in her work with this rescue.

Board Member

Annah is a Vermont native who has always had a love for animals. She is the mother of Nellie Mae, a Friends of Duke alumni pup! Annah’s love for animals began at a very young age, specifically growing up on a farm and learning the proper care for cows, horses, chickens, and the occasional litter of barn cats who needed some warm milk and TLC. Annah’s parents made sure to instill respect and proper care for the land and the animals at a very young age.  

Her upbringing also instilled in her a strong work ethic, and a sense of doing things the right way.  In her professional life, she works as an advocate for local youth and families struggling with various social, emotional, and behavior difficulties.  

Annah has previously fostered 8 animals for Friends of Duke and joined the team in 2024 to help make a difference for the stray cats and dogs that are so deserving of love, and she encourages you to do the same! 

Board Member

Shanley is a proud mom to a feisty five-year-old daughter and a seven year old rescued mix breed, Sadie. Shanley started her journey in rescue in 2017 after the passing of her first beloved rescue, Nora. She began fostering to provide others with the opportunity to experience the same love that Nora brought to her family.  Shanley has always been passionate about helping others; both human and fur babies alike. She graduated from Northern Vermont University with her master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling, allowing her to continue her ability to serve the wellbeing of her community. Through this next season of life she really looks forward to supporting Friends of Duke in helping as many animals find their safe, loving, forever homes.