Sometimes in life, we find ourselves surrounded by people with whom we develop friendships and stronger ties than with our own families. I have several, including Kerri-Ann who supports our refuge with passion. If you come to our fundraisers, chances are she will be by my side. She actually likes cats and dog drool makes her gag. But we're like Batman & Robin. I kinda like her sister too.
The charity council is made up of three elected members. Their mandate is to recommend and implement operational and structural changes to manage an optimal organization and continue to provide the best care for all of the dogs in our care.
These 2 inspiring women are charity board members . Mélanie and Stephanie support and collaborate fully to our rescue. They are my guides, my collaborators and insure the continuity of our refuge. They are both owners and keepers of dogs.
Both ladies are bilingual french & english. Stephanie is fluent in ASL.
Honorable members
We are a small group of dedicated animal lovers. We value love, transparency and integrity and will treat every dog as our own. We are about quality, not quantity. We have always promised ourselves to give 100% to each dog in our care, to do any less means we would have failed at our mission. Mama France
A word from Mama France
Stephanie Surprenant - Secretary & Seamstress
MEET THE TEAM
Melanie Thériault - VP. Full time Mom.
Mama France - Founder. Maid. Driver. Cook. Nurse. Groomer
Being an animal lover from a very young age, France made headlines at the age of 12 in her hometown of Wakefield Qc, where she was born and raised, for rescuing animals. Her dream was to open a wellness center for sick and injured dogs. Faced with her wish to do something to help animals, Valley Mastiff Rescue was born in 2008.
Surrounded by dogs from early childhood, her first job at 16 was at a local CKC Boxer breeder and kennel. In that kennel she saw her first Mastiffs : 2 huge drooling Newfoundlands and it was love at first sight. From those experiences, she built on her passion and created a safe place of healing & love for dogs.
France holds a certificate in Canine Nutrition, Pet First Aid & CPR, human first aid & CPR, her other interests include natural and alternatives medecines, herbalism, the healing power of foods and natural remedies. Her extensive hands-on experience with a variety of health conditions has inspired many dog owners to ask for Mama France's advice. Her articles have been published in Modern Molloser magazine.
France is fluent in French and English and is always furthering her studies in everything canine. She hosts dog bite prevention seminars in french and english.