Since 1997
Every Dog Deserves a Second Chance
Our History
It began with a single dog. Pat Arnold saw a stray dog curled up in a ditch and felt a conviction that would never let her rest. With Bill by her side, she founded Straydog—a sanctuary rooted in one belief: rescue is just the beginning.
Pat personally took in every dog she could, feeding, sheltering and training them by hand. Her guiding principle was simple: every dog deserves more than survival; they deserve preparation.
Over the years, that principle shaped everything—how dogs are cared for, how we train, and how we choose to say “never give up.”
In 2003, the Straydog community, along with her family, tragically lost Pat Arnold.
Her last words were,
“Take care of my dogs while I’m gone.”
2003
Bill Arnold and Juana Vasquez work together to continue Pat’s dream for her dogs. They vow to never give up and work tirelessly to see her last dog either in a forever home or living a long and happy life at the Straydog sanctuary.
2017
Juana Vasquez and Pam Bollinger continue the mission as Co-Presidents of Straydog after Bill Arnold retires.
2023
In March, the dream took shape. Thanks to a successful capital campaign, shovels hit the ground to begin building two new shelter facilities — designed for healing, not just housing.
2024
After a successful capital campaign, two large buildings were carefully planned and built, providing 80 dogs large climate-controlled kennels with individual access to large outdoor runs.
Rescued Animals
Adopted Pets
Dollars Raised
Volunteers
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Every dog we rescue gets more than shelter — they receive time, trust, and the chance to become whole again. As a no-kill shelter and lifelong sanctuary, StrayDog prepares each dog for love, stability, and life in a home — or offers safe haven when adoption isn’t possible.
Our Vision
To build a world where every dog gets the time and care they need to trust again — and the home or sanctuary they deserve.
Our Values
Rescue with Compassion
We answer calls for dogs left behind, abandoned, or in danger.
Rehabilitation Through Care
Medical care, nutrition, behavior support: every dog matters.
Connection by Time
Daily walks, training, and personal attention ensure they heal emotionally as well as physically.
Adoption with Intention
We match carefully and for life.
Sanctuary for Life
If a dog is never adopted, they still live their days in love and dignity.
Meet Our Dogs
Make a Donation
VOLUNTEER
Save a Life
Why Adopt?
Why Adoption Matters
At Straydog, adoption is more than the end of a journey — it’s the beginning of something beautiful. When you adopt, you give a dog the love they’ve been preparing for and the home they’ve been waiting for.
Our Dogs Are Truly Ready for Home
Every dog we care for receives full veterinary treatment, behavior support, daily enrichment, and personalized attention. By the time they’re available for adoption, they’ve been nurtured, trained, and set up for success — emotionally and physically. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re meeting a dog who’s already been shown how to trust again.
You’re Giving a Second Chance That Lasts a Lifetime
When you adopt, you’re not just giving a dog a home — you’re giving them a future. Many of our dogs come from tough beginnings: abandoned, neglected, or left to survive on their own. Adoption replaces all of that with safety, stability, and unconditional love. You’re changing a life — and gaining a loyal companion in return.
You Become Part of Their Rescue Story
Adopting from Straydog means joining a community that believes in doing rescue the right way: with patience, compassion, and long-term commitment. When you adopt, you become a chapter in that dog’s transformation — from rescued to ready to home.
You Make Room for the Next Dog in Need
Every adoption opens a space for another stray, surrendered, or overlooked dog to receive the same level of care and preparation. By adopting, you’re not just saving one life — you’re creating a ripple effect of rescue, healing, and hope.
Team
Our Straydog Team
Juana Vazquez
Director/Co-President
Jorge
Office Manager
Dani
Lead
Skye
Adoption Coordinator
Courtney
Direct Care Staff
Ronnie
Shelter Maintenance
Dani
Lead
Skye
Adoption Coordinator
Board of Directors
Pam Bollinger, Co-President – Pam is an avid animal lover, experienced animal rescue volunteer and long time supporter of Straydog. She brings her passion for the mission to the board as co-president, volunteer coordinator, and adopter of 8 former Straydog residents.
Juana Vazquez, Co-President – Juana’s passion for dogs since childhood led her to begin working with Straydog founder Pat Arnold in 2001. She learned everything from Pat and committed to caring for the pups always. Juana doesn’t look at her work as a “job” at all. With the ups and downs of running a shelter and sanctuary, she treats the pups as if they were her own children seeing the family through so many happy endings mixed in with a few tough challenges as well.
Don Cristopher, Vice President – Don got involved with Straydog years ago and is a strong advocate for the health, sheltering and long term care of the Straydog family. He and his wife Kim have cared for over 30 dogs, keeping many doggie families, mostly rescues.
Diana George, Secretary – Diana gives her time to Straydog because the organization serves not only as a shelter, but also as a sanctuary that offers special dogs, who cannot be adopted, a loving and caring home for life.
Laura Gorecki, Director – Laura joined the board in 2019 and brings 10+ years of experience in and tons of passion for animal rescue, combined with extensive career experience with nonprofit organizations.
Joe Cavagnaro, Director – Joe joined the board in 2022 after being a loyal donor and supporter of Straydog for 25 plus years. He has a career of 40 years in Commercial Real Estate Development across the country, and has also own a Personal Lines Insurance Brokerage for the last 15 years. He brings unbridled passion for animal welfare especially dogs.
Stacy Ruiz, Director – Stacy joined the board in 2025, bringing over 10 years of experience in nonprofit organizations. She is a passionate animal advocate who believes in Straydog’s mission of providing second chances and forever homes for vulnerable dogs.