Wellie’s Wish
Dog Rescue
A non-profit dog rescue serving South Eastern PA
and surrounding communities.
Our Mission
Wellie's Wish Dog Rescue is committed to rescuing dogs from local high kill shelters and dogs discarded by puppy mills . We provide safe foster homes, medical care, and rehabilitation, matching every dog with a loving forever home, and educating the community about ethical breeding and responsible pet ownership. We believe that every dog — no matter their age, their health, or their history — deserves the chance to live a full life surrounded by love. Wellie’s Wish is based in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Wellie's Wish is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the greater Philadelphia area and five surrounding counties. We also welcome out-of-state adoptions when the match is right. As a foster-based, volunteer-run rescue, everything we do is powered by the dedication of people who refuse to look the other way.
Wellie’s Wish Dog Rescue was founded by a small group of individuals who share decades of combined experience in animal rescue, fostering, and rescue management. We saw a gap in support for dogs coming out of commercial breeding operations — dogs that are often discarded when they are no longer profitable including those with medical needs that make them harder to place. We built Wellie’s Wish to be the rescue that says yes to those dogs. Our team responds to requests from individuals who want to surrender dogs and puppies they no longer want, and we also take in owner surrenders. Every dog that comes into our program receives individualized care in a foster home, where they can heal, decompress, and learn to trust. We’re small by design — it allows us to give focused, personal attention to each dog and all applicants.
Who is Wellie’s Wish Dog Rescue?
Adopt A Dog
Every dog in the Wellie’s Wish program is waiting for the right person to call their own. Our dogs come from a variety of backgrounds — puppies surrendered who could not be sold and adult dogs who have never known life outside of a kennel. What they all have in common is that they’re ready for a fresh start. Browse our available dogs and see who might be your perfect match. When you find the one, our team is here to walk you through every step of the adoption process, please apply so that we can reach out and assist you in the adoption process.
Lend a Helping Hand
Wellie's Wish Dog Rescue runs entirely on the dedication of volunteers — and there are so many ways to get involved. Fostering is the most critical need we have. As a foster-based rescue, every dog in our care lives in the home of a volunteer. Without fosters, we can't rescue. But even if fostering isn't an option for you right now, we're always looking for help with transports, administrative tasks, social media, reference checking, and event support. However you show up, you're making a direct impact on the life of a dog who needs it.
Come See Us
There's nothing better than meeting our dogs in person. Wellie's Wish Dog Rescue hosts events throughout the Philadelphia area where you can connect with our team, meet some of the dogs in our program, and learn more about how you can support our mission. Whether it's an adoption event, a fundraiser, or a community gathering — we'd love to see you there. Check out our upcoming events and come say hello.
Support Our Mission
Every donation to Wellie's Wish Dog Rescue goes directly toward the care of the dogs in our program — veterinary treatment, food, supplies, and everything it takes to prepare them for their forever homes. Many of our dogs come to us with complex medical needs, and the cost of their care can be significant. Your generosity is what makes it possible for us to keep saying yes. Whether you can give once or set up a recurring contribution, you are helping save lives.
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
The Dog Behind the Name
In 2001, a puppy named Wellie was rescued from a puppy mill in Pennsylvania. His start in life had been unimaginably hard. He was severely emaciated and had been confined to a crate so small that when he stood, his front and back paws touched. His paws had never even felt the ground.
Irresponsible breeding had left Wellie with numerous medical challenges. He was diagnosed with Wobbler syndrome, dry eye, OCD in his shoulder, and hip dysplasia. By just two years old, Wellie had already endured two spinal surgeries.
Despite every obstacle, Wellie's spirit was unstoppable. When he eventually lost the ability to walk on his own, he didn't give up — and neither did the people who loved him. With the help of a wheelchair, Wellie spent the next seven years living life on his own terms. He spent his days on a horse farm, happily supervising riding lessons and making sure everyone knew exactly when the clock struck three. He traveled to horse shows, soaking in the excitement of the day. And his absolute favorite thing in the world was going for truck rides with his mommy.
Even though Wellie required extra care, what he deserved most — and what he received — was a life filled with love. He showed everyone around him what resilience looks like. His will to live, his joy for the simple moments, and his unwavering spirit inspired something bigger.
Wellie is the reason Wellie's Wish exists. At Wellie's Wish Dog Rescue, we are dedicated to helping the dogs that others might give up on — the medically fragile, the injured, and the ones who might otherwise face euthanasia simply because their care is too complex or too costly. Our promise is simple: to give these dogs the chance Wellie had — a chance to live, to be loved, and to experience the full life every dog deserves.
Questions?
Have a question about adopting, fostering, or supporting Wellie's Wish Dog Rescue? We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and a member of our volunteer team will get back to you as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience — as an all-volunteer organization, it may take us a little time to respond, but we promise every message matters to us.
