Thank you so much Beautiful Hearts for bringing Toby to me.
He is such a good boy! We are having a great time walking outside even though the weather is cold right now. He does not seem to mind too much and likes to lick the snow.
Toby is getting more confident walking outside on a leash in the big city, even though it is really loud.
He is meeting people in our home slowly. He and the cat have already come to an understanding.
Toby is 'helping' me work from home - as you can see from the pictures.
We are also working on eating more slowly with the help of a slow feeder dog bowl and a treat dispenser ball. He is so smart because he figured out how to use the treat dispenser ball quickly, once he learned I would not keep pushing it for him to get the food. :)
The next adventure for us is to learn how to ride in the car with a dog booster seat.
I am sure this will not be the last thing we learn together. I look forward to it all!
As a board member of Beautiful Hearts Rescue, I’ve seen firsthand how this organization approaches challenges with compassion, creativity, and a focus on solving the right problems. Winning the Maddie’s Fund Open Arms Challenge Grant this year was a prime example of this mindset in action.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong?” Beautiful Hearts Rescue asks, “What’s the real problem here, and how can we fix it?” We recognized that many families in our community love their pets but face barriers to affording spay/neuter services. This can lead to unplanned litters, increased medical risks, and heartbreak for both people and animals. By identifying this gap, we developed a program that offers low-cost and no-cost spay/neuter surgeries to ensure pets stay healthy and in their homes.
What makes this program even more special is how we created new opportunities for volunteers. For individuals who couldn’t afford the surgeries outright, we provided an option to volunteer their time in exchange for the procedure. This not only empowered them to contribute but also strengthened our community by bringing in new faces who are now part of our mission.
Beautiful Hearts Rescue is about more than just solving problems—it’s about finding the right solutions for our community, animals, and the people who care for them. The Maddie’s Fund grant was a tremendous recognition of this approach, and I’m so proud to be part of an organization that continues to make a real difference every day.
An Invaluable Partner for Our Community
As a government employee who works closely with community members in difficult situations, I can’t say enough good things about Beautiful Hearts Rescue. Many of the people I serve are struggling with unsafe living conditions or other challenges, and their animals are often their lifeline. Sadly, they may refuse to leave their homes or accept help if they believe their animals will be left behind or put in jeopardy.
This is where Beautiful Hearts Rescue truly shines. Unlike shelters that don’t provide onsite support, BHR is willing to meet people where they are. They step in with compassion, helping to ensure that animals are cared for, which allows us to address the larger issues. Whether it’s providing vaccinations, medical care, food, or finding temporary solutions for pets, BHR helps us bridge the gap. Their willingness to support both the animals and their owners gives us the tools we need to create real change for people in crisis.
Beautiful Hearts Rescue is an incredible resource, not just for the animals they serve but for the entire community. They understand how much these animals mean to the people who love them, and they go above and beyond to help. I can’t imagine doing my job without their partnership.
They Saved My Dog’s Life
When my puppy got really sick with parvo, I was so scared. The vet said there was a new medicine that could help, but it was hard to find and really expensive. Thankfully, Beautiful Hearts Rescue had it and even gave it to our vet so my puppy could get treated quickly. They didnt charge as much as everyone else so I could afford it.
Because of their help, my puppy got better and is now healthy and happy. I’m so grateful to Beautiful Hearts Rescue for having this life-saving medicine and making sure it was available when we needed it most.
Volunteering with Beautiful Hearts Rescue has been such an amazing experience for me. One of the best parts is taking the dogs to training. I get to watch the dogs learn and grow, and I get to learn right along with them!
Some of the dogs start out shy or unsure, but training helps them feel more confident and ready for their new homes. It’s so rewarding to see them improve every week. I’ve also learned a lot about how to work with animals and use positive training techniques. It’s made me more confident, too!
Beautiful Hearts Rescue doesn’t just save animals—they give them the tools to succeed, and they help people like me grow in the process. I’m so thankful to be part of such a caring team.
They Were There for Me and Fought for the Animals
I will never forget what Beautiful Hearts Rescue did for me during one of the hardest times of my life. I was fostering a sweet boy who suddenly became very sick. Despite doing everything I could, he passed away from distemper and parvo, and I was completely heartbroken.
This tragedy wasn’t just about my foster boy—it was part of a much larger issue with a struggling rescue where many animals were at risk. Beautiful Hearts Rescue immediately stepped in to make sure this wouldn’t happen to more animals. They worked with the state to test the other dogs in the rescue’s care, covering all the costs to ensure that no more lives were lost. Their quick actions and dedication prevented further suffering and gave those animals a chance at a healthier future.
For me, they were there every step of the way. They helped me navigate the overwhelming situation, arranged and paid for a necropsy so I could have answers, and even ensured I received my foster boy’s ashes. That thoughtful gesture meant so much to me and gave me a sense of closure during such a painful time.
What stood out most was how much Beautiful Hearts Rescue cared—not just about the animals but about the people involved. They didn’t just rescue dogs; they advocated for systemic change, worked tirelessly with the authorities, and made sure no detail was overlooked. Their actions saved lives and started the process of ensuring that no more animals would suffer in those conditions again.!
As a volunteer with Beautiful Hearts Rescue, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication and compassion they bring to even the most challenging situations. One experience, in particular, stands out as a testament to their commitment to making a real difference.
Our founder had been receiving complaints about a property where around 30 dogs were living, along with horses that were frequently roaming loose. The property owners were known backyard breeders, and the situation was clearly spiraling out of control. Instead of approaching with judgment, the founder reached out with an offer of spay/neuter and vaccination support, hoping it might open the door to help. Thankfully, the owners agreed.
That same day, we arrived and vaccinated every single animal on the property. It was clear the animals desperately needed help. While examining two litters of puppies, we discovered two tiny puppies who were blind, struggling to breathe, and severely malnourished. Their condition was heartbreaking. Within two days, we learned that these puppies were hours away from dying due to severe anemia and malnourishment caused by worms. By the grace of God, we were there just in time to save them.
Fast forward to today: the property owners surrendered all the puppies and seven adult dogs to Beautiful Hearts Rescue. Every single dog—and even many cats—on the property is now spayed or neutered. These animals, once living in desperate conditions, are now on their way to healthy, happy lives.
This experience showed me how far Beautiful Hearts Rescue will go to not only save lives but to create lasting change. They don’t just address the symptoms—they tackle the root causes, working with people and animals alike to improve situations for everyone involved. Their approach is compassionate, respectful, and deeply effective.
I am so proud to be a part of Beautiful Hearts Rescue and to have witnessed the incredible impact they’ve made in this case and so many others. They are truly a rescue that changes lives—for animals and the people who care for them.
Beautiful Hearts Rescue has been a transformative part of my life as a disabled individual. Years ago, they matched me with an incredible dog who became my lifeline. But what truly sets Beautiful Hearts Rescue apart is their expertise in training and their unwavering commitment to positive reinforcement techniques that build trust and confidence in both dogs and their owners.
When my first dog began to age and I needed a new service dog, Beautiful Hearts Rescue stepped in to help me navigate this challenging transition. They not only provided medical care for both my original companion and my new service dog, but they also offered specialized training support when the service dog program I worked with didn’t provide enough guidance.
Training a 1.5-year-old puppy for service work wasn’t easy, and there were moments when I felt completely overwhelmed. Beautiful Hearts Rescue didn’t just stand by—they actively helped me problem-solve using their extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement training. They guided me through the rough spots, helping my new dog learn the skills needed to succeed while ensuring I felt supported every step of the way.
Their commitment to training is unmatched. Beautiful Hearts Rescue doesn’t believe in shortcuts or outdated methods; they focus on building strong, lasting relationships between dogs and people using kindness, patience, and proven techniques. They even advocated for me, ensuring the service dog program provided the resources and support I deserved.
Beautiful Hearts Rescue isn’t just about saving animals—they’re about creating successful partnerships between people and pets, empowering individuals, and building skills that last a lifetime. I am forever grateful for their dedication to not just the animals, but to the people who love them.
If you’re looking for a rescue that truly understands training, uses the best methods available, and goes the extra mile to support both pets and people, Beautiful Hearts Rescue is the gold standard.
Previous Stories
Compassionate, Supportive, and Truly Caring
I can’t say enough good things about Beautiful Hearts Rescue and the incredible compassion they showed our family during one of the hardest times we’ve ever faced.
We adopted Charlie, a sweet and playful dog, who brought so much joy to our home. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Charlie ran out the door after one of the kids and was hit by a car. In the panic and heartbreak that followed, we turned to BHR for guidance, and they were there for us every step of the way.
From navigating the tough decisions about emergency surgery to helping us understand what recovery would look like, BHR made an overwhelming situation feel manageable. Their kindness didn’t stop there. When we ultimately had to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender Charlie back to the rescue for his ongoing care, they showed us nothing but empathy and understanding.
They even reached out after Charlie was back with them, offering support for our family and making sure we were adjusting. They sent us items we needed and checked in to let us know how Charlie was doing, which gave us so much peace of mind.
BHR is not just a rescue—they are a lifeline for families and animals. They truly care about both the pets they save and the people who love them. I will forever be grateful for their kindness and the way they supported our family during such a difficult time.
If you’re looking for a rescue that truly lives up to its name, Beautiful Hearts Rescue is it.
Beautiful Hearts Rescue is a Lifeline for Our Community
As someone who has witnessed the incredible work of Beautiful Hearts Rescue, I can confidently say they are a cornerstone of animal welfare and community support in our region. Their programs don’t just rescue animals—they strengthen the entire community.
One of the most impactful initiatives they’ve led is their spay/neuter programs, which have directly addressed the pet overpopulation crisis in Burnett, Washburn, and surrounding counties. These programs go beyond providing affordable services—they’ve built partnerships with local veterinarians, community members, and even larger organizations to make sustainable change.
Previous Stories
Being able to be part of an organization that you can support is critical. Being part of one that you believe in the mission is life changing. BHR implements programs that matter. They change the lives of animals and humans. Feliz(Vern) had no hope in the shelter and no other rescues, even as a little dog given the fact he was a senior dog and needed serious dental work. BHR didnt take the easy ones, didnt take the young ones. We took vern and he is now a senior for senior dog. That is something we can be proud of!
As a board member of Beautiful Hearts Rescue, I am beyond proud of the incredible work our team and volunteers accomplished in 2024. This year has been a testament to the power of compassion, community, and unwavering dedication to animals and their families.
✅ Free Vaccine Clinics:
One of our most impactful achievements this year was hosting multiple free vaccine clinics, where we helped 250 families by:
• Vaccinating 300 dogs and 155 cats with core vaccines.
• Microchipping 60 pets, giving them the best chance of being reunited with their families if lost.
These clinics are more than just events—they’re lifelines for families facing financial challenges, ensuring their beloved pets stay healthy and protected.
✅ Rescue & Rehabilitation:
We provided life-saving care for over 50+ animals, including advanced treatments like heartworm protocols, dental work, and emergency surgeries. Each animal in our care received the support they needed to heal and find their forever homes.
✅ Senior for Senior Program:
We expanded our Senior for Senior Program, supporting older adults in keeping their cherished pets by providing food assistance, transportation to vet appointments, and access to affordable care. This program has become a cornerstone of our mission, strengthening the bond between seniors and their furry companions.
✅ Emergency Interventions:
From hoarding cases to urgent rescue intakes, our team stepped up during some of the most challenging situations, ensuring animals in dire need received safety and care.
✅ Training & Enrichment:
We continued to prioritize behavioral training and enrichment, setting our adoptable pets up for success in their new homes and helping them thrive emotionally and physically.
✅ Our Amazing Volunteers:
Our volunteers are the heart of Beautiful Hearts Rescue. Their dedication—from fostering and transportation to event organization and hands-on animal care—has been nothing short of extraordinary.
This year, Beautiful Hearts Rescue touched the lives of countless animals and families, creating a ripple effect of kindness and hope throughout Burnett, Washburn, Polk, and Sawyer counties. We’re not just an organization; we’re a community working together to create a brighter future for people and pets alike.
Thank you to everyone who supported our mission in 2024. Together, we’re proving that small actions truly lead to big change. Here’s to another amazing year ahead! ❤️
Previous Stories
I am proud to be a member of Beautiful Hearts. As an organization we focus on helping the community as a whole. We understand that you have to help the community keep their animals healthy and happy to help keep the shelters from being over populated. We understand that there is more to animal care then just adoptions. I am proud to be a member of an organization that helps the community.
I have worked with Beautiful Hearts Rescue for about six years. It all started when I had lost my dog and reached out to see if they would have a dog that needed a foster home. Alex was wonderful and I began fostering two pups. She was available for all my questions and concerns and took care of all health care needs. In the end my sister I fell in love with them and each adopted one.
Alex helped me as I was working with my new pup, Ace. She would often have him at the rescue playing with the other pups and gaining confidence and social skills. It was an amazing experience. In the end tragedy struck and Ace died unexpectedly and suddenly. Alex was the first call I made and she came in on a very cold and snowy night to help me with Ace. It took some time to get over such a loss but Alex was there when I asked if she had about dog I could foster.
This dog was a challenge and I called numerous times stating that I did not think I could have her at my home due to her behaviors. Alex came to my home and helped me with training. Sent someone to help shore up the fence and even provided some of the fencing. She worked very hard to help me and Lucy bond and come to some peace! I know have the most loving girl and so well behaved.
I guess with my testimony here I just want to make sure that people understand that getting a new dog can be rough however Beautiful Hearts has gone above and beyond to make sure that the dogs was safe, I was assisted with any issues. Alex has the ability to pair dogs and people. I have now gotten four dogs from her rescue and am in love with everyone! They are kind, considerate, loving and very suppurative. I had a very positive experience with this rescue and would recommend others to reach out as they do their very best to make sure animals are living their best lives!!
Beautiful Hearts Rescue thinks long term and supports education. They put together a grant to send two people to training to learn about animal care and new ways to train horses using fear free training from mustang maddy. We were then able to bring this back and train horses from the rescue getting 10 put into their program with 4h.
Being part of an animal organization that gives back to the community the way BHR does is very rewarding. Being able to participate in free vaccine clinics, senior for senior programs, sponsor disabled pets, support meals on wheels and provide vet services for our human seniors all in addition to finding homes for pets that are homeless is an amazing feeling. Our organization is responsible with animal placement ensuring training when needed and sanctuary at times for the safest experience for the community and the animal.
Beautiful Hearts cares about the animal and adopter. They took these horses in and kept them and brought them back when adopters couldnt keep them any longer for one reason or another. They never gave up on them always making sure they had care they needed. They are honest about an animal and always stand by the animals.
This organization has provided no cost vaccine clinics in the community for two years. They also give community members ways to get their animals fixed even if they cant pay. No other options exist in our community like this and they dont make you feel stupid for using them.
My husband and I adopted a dog from Beautiful Hearts Rescue. We are seniors and qualified for their senior for senior program. Alexia ensured the adoption was smooth and all health concerns for Tahnee were taken care of for us. 2 years later we contacted Alexia because Dick had been diagnosed with cancer. She helped us find a new home for Tahnee and took in our senior horses, one of which had cushings. This gave Dick much relief in his final days knowing the animals were taken care of.
Alexia is the most wonderful person you will ever meet. She is compassionate about the animals as well as the owners
. She is an amazing human that runs herself to the ends of the earth tk help where needed
Beautiful Hearts Rescue helped us complete our family when we adopted a wonderful 10-month-old pup from them. From the first communication through bringing him home, everyone at Beautiful Hearts was incredibly helpful and supportive. We appreciated how much time they spent answering our questions and ensuring that our family was a good mutual fit for the dog. They care so deeply about each animal they work with, and it really shows.
Despite the fact that our pup's whole world has changed (moving from the sprawling green of Wisconsin to noisy downtown Minneapolis), he has adjusted incredibly well. He's also a great little brother to our older dog. We attribute so much of this to how well cared for, trained, and socialized he was while at the rescue.
We can't thank them enough for caring for our guy before he was added to our family. Beautiful Hearts Rescue and Horse Sanctuary is a truly special nonprofit.
I have rescued 2 dogs from Beautiful Hearts Rescue since then I have fostered well over 40 dogs/puppies through this organization. The owner/starter of this company has dedicated countless hours, sweat, blood and tears into her organization. She is a wonderful resource and has ALWAYS responded no matter the hour or day, she has spent months rehabilitating and sleepless nights with her animals and always put them first.
She has provided free vaccine clinics, and has helped her community in more ways then one and I couldn’t ask for a better rescue organization to work along side. My family would never have been complete without my Heinz 57 pups, and knowing I can still reach out with any questions or concerns years after adoption truly opened my eyes to the dedication she puts into these animals day in and day out.
I began volunteering at Beautiful Hearts Rescue after it had just received its non-profit status. At that time, their focus was on horses in need. In 2021 I began working for the rescue as an assistant to the founder and president. Since its inception, they've taken on all animals in need, but more specifically, they focus on special needs animals and medically fragile cases that overcrowded shelters are not equipped to handle.
BHR is a small family-run rescue and sanctuary, however, their impact is huge in the lives of these animals. They provide for all medical, social, environmental and nutritional needs of all the animals in their care. This includes a variety of differing diets, medicine, emergency care and 24/7 watch care. Last year alone, they took in over 500 dogs from other rescue and shelter organizations for under served communities. If we're not able to re-home these animals due to various reasons (behavioral, medical, special needs, etc.), we keep them in sanctuary to live out their best lives.
Beautiful Hearts Rescue and Horse Sanctuary goes above and beyond to ensure the animals in their care have the best outcome opportunity to go to loving, caring and appropriate forever homes. They are the most compassionate and determined people I've met who always have the best interest of the animal at the forefront of their mind.
I'm so fortunate to have found this rescue when I moved to the area, and I'm so proud to be a part of this great organization. I was able to adopt our sweet guy, Wilson, from them and he has been a wonderful addition to our family!
We need help with expenses though, and all donations are greatly appreciated. https://beautifulheartsrescue.org/ Thank you!