At Living Hope Canine Rescue, our goal is simple but powerful: to keep dogs out of shelters before they ever have to enter. We believe every dog deserves a second chance and a life filled with love, safety, and dignity. While we proudly step in to rescue dogs from high-risk shelters, our true passion lies in proactive work—partnering with our community to prevent surrenders and abandonment before they happen. By giving a voice to the voiceless and supporting responsible pet ownership, we’re creating a future where fewer dogs are left behind and more families stay whole.

 

​One of the most meaningful and transformative initiatives at Living Hope Canine Rescue is our New Leash on Life program. We are honored to partner with the Catawba County Correctional Center and Catawba County Animal Services to create a life-changing opportunity for both high risk shelter dogs and the individuals working to rebuild their lives. This program places carefully selected dogs with offenders who have committed to an intensive training and care regimen. Over the course of several weeks, the participants work daily with the dogs, teaching them basic obedience, social skills, and trust. In turn, the dogs provide the offenders with companionship, responsibility, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a powerful journey of healing, redemption, and hope—on both ends of the leash. By the time our dogs graduate from the program, they are crate trained, leash trained, and often have completed basic commands—making them more adoptable and giving them the best possible chance at a forever home. The people in the program walk away with newfound skills, confidence, and the reward of knowing they’ve helped save a life. New Leash on Life is a true example of what’s possible when compassion, community, and second chances come together.