I’m Courtney, Founder and Executive Director of Life of Riley Dog Rescue. My journey into founding this rescue stemmed from a deep-seated concern for the many amazing dogs facing euthanasia due to overcrowded shelters. Witnessing this reality ignited my drive to establish Life of Riley and provide these dogs with the second chance they deserve.
For as long as I can remember, starting a dog rescue has been a dream close to my heart. The rescue holds a profound significance—it’s a tribute to my beloved dog, Riley, who I rescued from a high-kill shelter in Arizona when he was just 5 months old. Our incredible bond led to 14 adventurous and unforgettable years together until he crossed the rainbow bridge in 2021.
Riley’s impact on my life was profound, fostering a connection unlike anything I’ve known. He taught me about unconditional love, resilience, and the sheer joy of living in the moment. His legacy lives on through this rescue, with a vision to ensure that every dog finds a life as wonderful as Riley’s.
We are a 100% foster-based dog rescue. We do not have a physical facility or shelter. We love all breeds but focus on Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds. Our dogs are rescued from our shelter partners in California and are either currently living in foster homes in CA, OR or WA, or are still with our shelter partners waiting to be transported to the Pacific Northwest.
Our goal is to find loving, forever homes for dogs that are facing the awful fate of an overcrowded, high-kill shelter. All of the dogs brought into our rescue are fully vetted and ready to be adopted.
We operate on the generosity of donations and the dedication of volunteers. Every contribution we receive is channeled toward caring for dogs within our foster program and expanding our life-saving initiatives. Donations play a crucial role in covering the expenses associated with a dog’s care, transport, necessary vetting, and unforeseen medical needs. Without the support of donors and volunteers, achieving our mission to save these deserving animals would not be possible.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to rescue at-risk large breed dogs from high-kill shelters and help them find their forever home.
Specialization
Other specialization
- Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds
Adoption Policy
Adoption Process Details
• If you are interested in a meet and greet with any of our dogs, you must complete an online Adoption Application. We aim to respond within 48 hours if we believe it could be a suitable match. Please check your spam/junk folder as our emails occasionally land there. Email serves as our primary mode of contact and if we don’t receive a response, we’ll follow up with a text message.
• We’ll schedule a call to learn more about you, your preferences, and to give you insights into the dog you’re interested in. This is also a chance for you to ask any questions.
• After our conversation, the foster parent will reach out to arrange a meet & greet with you.
• Following the meet & greet, if you choose to proceed with adoption, kindly inform us. We encourage a 24-hour consideration period to ensure compatibility, considering the dog’s personality, preferences, and how they align with your lifestyle. Remember, ongoing training is vital for all dogs, and while our fosters establish a strong foundation, the responsibility to ensure the dog’s success lies with you. Adoption is a lifelong commitment.
• Next, we’ll perform a virtual home assessment by requesting photos/videos of your residence to ensure a safe and suitable environment for the dog.
• If all parties are aligned on the match, we’ll send you the Adoption Agreement via email for your electronic signature. We’ll also request the adoption fee which can be paid via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or check.
• Once the contract is signed and adoption fee is paid, the foster parent will connect with you to arrange a date for handoff of your new best friend!
Adoption Fees
• Under 1 year: $450
• 1 – 8 years: $350
• 9+ years: $250
What is included in the adoption fee?
We are a small organization and rely solely on donations and fundraising to support our rescue. Our adoption fees help us recoup some of our basic costs involved in rescuing a dog. The adoption fee rarely covers the entire cost.
All of our dogs are fully vetted prior to adoption, which includes:
• Vet wellness check
• Spay or neuter (for dogs over 6 months of age and under 60 lbs)
• Age-appropriate vaccinations (DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies)
• De-worming treatment (if needed)
• Flea & tick preventative
• Microchip
https://lifeofrileyrescue.org/adoptable-dogs
Testimonials
No testimonials submitted

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Portland
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Portland
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Portland
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
Read more