Welcome to New England Puppy Rescue, a compassionate organization committed to saving the lives of neglected and unwanted puppies, regardless of zip code, abandoned in high-kill shelters or surrendered by owners. Our mission is clear: provide these innocent beings with the love and veterinary care they need and deserve, and secure them loving, forever homes.

At the heart of our dedication lies a focus on under-aged and orphaned puppies, where we employ our comprehensive young puppy protocol to ensure their health, well-being, and socialization for a successful start in new homes. In a world where some puppies lack a voice, a chance, or even a happy memory, New England Puppy Rescue stands as a beacon of hope to a more promising tomorrow.

We are proud to be an integral part of our community, working collaboratively with local veterinary clinics, generous businesses, and community residents. Their support enables us to continue our mission of improving the lives of deserving puppies. New England Puppy Rescue goes beyond being just a group of dog lovers; we serve as a lifeline for those in need. Our commitment is underscored by our dedication to providing the best knowledge and care in our rescue efforts, ensuring that each puppy receives the exceptional care they deserve.

Our foster-based approach distinguishes us, as NEPR dogs eat, sleep, and live in Connecticut foster homes until they find their forever families. This model allows us to understand each puppy, fostering balanced socialization in a home setting to make optimal matches with loving homes, ensuring a lifetime of mutual affection.

Join us in our mission to save all the puppies. Together, we can make a lasting impact and give these voiceless beings the chance to create happy memories in loving homes.

New England Puppy Rescue is a 501 c 3, no-kill, all-volunteer non-profit organization.
"We adopted our best friend from New England Puppy Rescue after some truly awful rescue experiences. We almost gave up. If we did we would have missed out on the best dog we have ever had. The care taken with these puppies is amazing, and meeting gave us the confidence to feel like we were making the right choice!"
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Thank you to www.sadiekrall.com for believing in our mission and making this video to showcase who we are and what we do.

Meet our Founder

Meet Marissa, a passionate advocate for canine well-being whose life has truly ‘gone to the dogs’. In 2007, while working in the finance industry, Marissa sensed a profound disconnect with her career. Driven by a lifelong love for dogs, she decided to pivot toward a more fulfilling path.

Starting from a position in the veterinary field, she progressed to become a veterinary technician and earn a degree in canine massage therapy from the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage.

​Marissa's knowledge of canine well-being continued to evolve when she joined Dr. Corey Shagensky at Progressive Animal Wellness. Here, alongside traditional veterinary medicine, she broadened her knowledge of a holistic-minded approach to canine health.
Passionate about making a difference and knowing she could utilize her skills for the greater good, Marissa founded New England Puppy Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing neglected puppies abandoned in high-kill shelters and giving them the second chance they deserve. Specializing in under-aged and orphaned puppies, the rescue ensures a comprehensive approach providing health, well-being, and socialization plans for a successful start in new homes.

In 2013, Marissa opened Dogology, providing her knowledge and tools to create the healthiest lives for pets. Her dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors; she actively engages in animal advocacy and volunteered on the front lines at an animal hospital on the Poland-Ukraine border in March 2022. She triaged the injured and abandoned dogs from the war and brought two suitcases full of donated supplies, earning her a state citation for her impactful work. Marissa doesn't just advocate for dogs; she lives her commitment.

Residing in Windsor, CT, with her partner Jamie McDonald, owner of Bear's Smokehouse BBQ, Marissa's home is a haven for foster dogs and three permanent rescues.