We are a 501c3 non-profit rescue organization (EIN # 82–1295650) specializing in dachshund and dachshund mixes. We don’t house them in a shelter, but instead provide qualified foster homes and adopt them out to their furever homes, all over the State of Florida. We have no paid employees, only volunteers so our overhead expenses remain low, allowing us to rescue and provide medical help to more dogs in need. You can be sure your donations are truly making a difference!
We have obtained gold status on GuideStar from Candid for our transparency in financial matters several years running. When you donate to Low Rider, we do our very best to make every dollar count. In 2022, we rescued a total of 136 dogs and in 2023, almost 200! Because of people, like you, we have been able to provide needed medical care, emergency care, provide foster homes, adoptive homes, and shelter to those dogs who cannot be adopted, for over 6 years now. Thank you!
About Us – Mission Statement
Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida, Inc. is an all volunteer group with an unyielding drive to save and improve the lives of dachshunds and dachshund mixes that cross our path. With a network of foster homes and a dedicated team of volunteers, we rescue, provide medical care, and deliver dogs to forever homes all across the state. It is our goal to never turn away a dog that is within our capacity to help. A mutual respect for each other and a passion for saving little dogs with loving hearts and big attitudes motivates us each and every day.
About Us – Meet the Team
We’re just a group of ladies who care deeply about these little dogs and work hard to provide as many dachshunds and “wanna-be dachshunds” as possible, with good homes! Low Rider is made up entirely of volunteers, each who dedicate their time to the cause.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Melissa Kilmer
Kelli Becton
Linda Spina
President & Founder, Melissa Kilmer, has been involved in rescue since she adopted her first dachshund in 2000. To date she has adopted 7 dachshunds and in most recent years has developed a passion for fostering. Working together with fellow passionate rescuers, she is proud to be a part of spearheading this new lifeline for her favorite breed, Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of FL, Inc. She believes in teamwork with a spirit of support for one another. She is quoted as saying, “”There is nothing more rewarding than having a hand in the journey homeless dogs take from being discarded, to a wonderful new life…..FOSTERING SAVES LIVES”
Melissa can be reached by email at: [email protected]
Board Member and Director of Marketing & Business Development, Kelli Becton, has been involved with Low Rider since 2019. She got involved with her family to earn volunteer credits for their college kids & because of their love of dogs. Initially, they had two adorable and fun loving doxies in the family, Jackson and Sissy. They adopted Bones, a Low Rider senior and after Bones passed, they adopted Ollie. Like others of our canine alumni, he’s now living the good life. Kelli wears many hats for Low Rider and is passionate about marketing and development, as well as using her talents working with fosters & volunteers to further the mission of Low Rider. She can be reached by email at: [email protected]
Board Member, Linda is originally from upstate NY. She is married and has two daughters. Linda has served Low Rider on the board of directors for several years and volunteers as much as she can.
She holds a master’s degree in education and currently works as a private tutor and a freelance writer for an SEO company in St. Petersburg.
Linda got involved in dachshund rescue back in 1999 while living in Ft. Lauderdale. She and her husband have had dachshunds of their own since he surprised her with one for Christmas in 1991. Linda has fostered and placed many dachshunds in loving homes over the years.
Danielle Mojica
Board Member, Danielle Mojica, is a busy volunteer who spends time helping with never-ending administrative tasks, fostering, Mentoring fosters, and transportation. Like all Low Rider team members, Danielle is an animal lover, and dachshunds are a favorite! Like other board members, she has many roles. She participates regularly in helping to pull dogs from shelters and get them to foster homes for love and attention. Danielle credits her husband and daughter for their help and support. Together they have nurtured many dogs back from the brink, then either foster them, or helps to get them to the perfect foster home to prepare for adoption . Helping dogs find their forever home keeps this busy lady and her family inspired to keep going!
We have many volunteers and fosters who spend countless hours picking up and delivering dogs, pulling dogs from shelters, helping with media, website, processing paperwork, shipping supplies, sending messages and so much more. Our donors are generous with time and money to save the dogs. It takes all of us, working together, every single day. Our only inspiration is the knowledge that each of the dogs who come through Low Rider, get the care they need and the loving homes they deserve.