Our Mission
Detroit Dog Rescue focuses on raising awareness of the homeless and stray dog problem in Detroit, along with advocating for humane rescue alternatives such as no-kill sheltering, rehabilitation, foster care and adoptions, pet identification, and healthy pet population control through spay and neutering.
DDR also specializes in community outreach, and works closely with local, city, and statewide organizations. We respond to calls to assist the Detroit Police and Fire Departments, as well as city administrations and thousands of residents who request assistance.
"We've carried dogs out of burning buildings with Detroit firefighters and treated the wounds of abused dogs with Detroit police."
Our rescue is known for taking animals in trouble that most regard as unadoptable — investing the time, training, and medical care needed to rehabilitate and rehome these dogs.
Kristina Millman
Executive Director, Detroit Dog Rescue
Kristina Millman has been changing the face of animal welfare in Detroit for well over a decade. Detroit Dog Rescue is Detroit's first and only no-kill shelter, which finds homes for neglected dogs and animals who are victims of violent crimes.
As Detroit Dog Rescue's Executive Director, Kristina worked closely with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's administration to create Detroit's first animal welfare committee. This partnership resulted in new leadership and policies for the city's municipal animal shelter. Detroit now works harder to find alternatives to euthanasia due to overpopulation, while focusing on public safety.
Kristina has been a part of several documentaries, news stories, and reality shows highlighting Detroit's stray dog epidemic, and she has raised millions of dollars to fund initiatives that support animals, especially ones who are victims of violent crimes.
- Detroit's Hometown Hero — 2024
- Mackinac Humanitarian Award
- Beaumont Hospital's President Award for Community Giving
- WDVD's "Woman of the Year" for creating solutions in underserved communities
Our board of Directors
Janet Peppler
President
Owner of The Peppler Agency, an independent insurance agency in Harper Woods, Michigan. Her business expertise and compassion for dogs make her an ideal President for DDR. The agency's mascot, "Miley," can be found at work daily.
Mark Breimeister
Secretary
Michigan State University graduate. President of AAA Produce Exchange, Inc. (Waterford, MI) and partner in Saven Corporation (Savannah, GA). Board member since 2013. His dog Lucky was formerly used in a backyard breeding operation.
Jere L'Heureux
Treasurer
Worked at the original site of the new DDR facility — an Animal Hospital his father owned for 40 years — from 6th grade through college at Michigan State. Owner and President of Contract Options, Inc. Thrilled to see the facility repurposed.
Detroit Dog Rescue shelter
In 2023, DDR open it’s new 11,000 sq ft facility on Grand River on Detroit’s West Side. Westcott Veterinary Hospital donated the building, and the Detroit community rallied to raise $1.6 million for renovations, more than quadrupling DDR's capacity and bringing Detroit's no-kill mission to a brand new level.
