BUILDING A BETTER PATH FOR RESCUE DOGS

The Millie Project is a Bellingham-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build a stronger, more compassionate support system for rescue dogs in our community and beyond.

Our long-term goal is to create programs that help dogs move from uncertain or high-risk circumstances into safe, stable, loving homes.

We are still in the early stages of building these programs. Through fundraising, community partnerships, and donor support, we hope to develop the resources, infrastructure, and professional capacity needed to provide rescue transport, veterinary care, foster support, behavioral resources, adoption services, and other essential forms of care.

Every contribution helps move us closer to making that vision a reality.

WHAT WE ARE WORKING TO BUILD

Rescue & Transport

Our goal is to develop the capacity to help dogs facing overcrowding, abandonment, neglect, and other high-risk situations.

With sufficient funding and infrastructure, we hope to coordinate lifesaving rescue efforts and transport dogs from shelters and other circumstances where they are at risk into foster homes, rescue facilities, and community-based environments where they can safely prepare for adoption.

Funding will help us establish the transportation, staffing, licensing, supplies, partnerships, and operational systems required to make these rescue efforts possible.

Veterinary Care

One of our primary fundraising goals is to build the resources necessary to provide comprehensive veterinary care for dogs entering our future rescue program.

We hope to be able to cover veterinary examinations, vaccinations, medications, diagnostic testing, spay and neuter procedures, emergency treatment, and other essential medical needs.

For many rescue organizations, veterinary expenses are one of the greatest barriers to saying yes to a dog in need. Building a sustainable medical fund will allow The Millie Project to take on dogs responsibly while ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

Foster Support

Foster homes will be an essential part of the rescue model we hope to build.

Our goal is to develop a network of foster families and provide them with the resources they need to care for rescue dogs successfully.

As funding becomes available, we hope to provide food, crates, bedding, enrichment items, training supplies, medical support, and ongoing guidance to participating foster homes.

By investing in foster-based rescue, we hope to eventually help more dogs without depending solely on traditional kennel or shelter environments.

Decompression, Enrichment & Behavioral Wellness

Many rescue dogs need more than physical safety. They need time to rest, adjust, build confidence, and learn that the world can be a safe place again.

Our goal is to incorporate decompression, enrichment, socialization, and behavioral support into the programs we build.

With donor support, we hope to create environments and resources that allow dogs to recover from stressful experiences such as overcrowded shelters, long-distance transport, neglect, instability, or repeated transitions.

These programs would help us better understand each dog as an individual and prepare them for successful placement in a permanent home.

Adoption & Lifelong Placement

Our future rescue efforts will focus not only on finding homes for dogs, but on creating thoughtful and lasting matches.

As our programs grow, we hope to provide adopters with education, adoption preparation, behavioral resources, and post-adoption support.

Our goal is to create a process that gives both dogs and their future families the best possible chance at long-term success.

OUR VISION FOR COMMUNITY-BASED RESCUE

The Millie Project believes there is an opportunity to create a more community-centered approach to animal rescue.

Traditional shelters play a critical role in animal welfare, but many dogs can benefit from additional environments where they can decompress, socialize, and interact with potential adopters outside of a kennel setting.

As we build our rescue programs, we hope to incorporate foster homes, community spaces, adoption events, educational programming, and partnerships with local organizations into a broader network of support for rescue dogs.

Our relationship with Are You My Human? Rescue Dog Lounge has helped demonstrate the value of community-based interactions between adoptable dogs and the public.

As The Millie Project grows, we hope to build on that model while developing independent rescue capabilities of our own.

WHAT WE'RE FUNDRAISING FOR

The Millie Project is currently raising funds to establish the infrastructure needed to operate sustainable rescue and animal welfare programs.

Our current goal is to raise $250,000 to help create the foundation for this work.

These funds will help us build the systems, partnerships, resources, and financial reserves necessary to begin responsibly providing direct rescue services.

Our fundraising goals include:

• Purshasing and/or leasing property and establishing a rescue facility

• Establishing a veterinary care fund

• Funding future rescue transports and lifesaving intakes

• Purchasing food, crates, bedding, and foster supplies

• Covering vaccinations, medications, and preventative care

• Funding spay and neuter procedures

• Developing enrichment and behavioral support programs

• Creating adopter education and post-adoption resources

• Establishing rescue licensing, insurance, and administrative systems

• Building a network of foster homes and rescue partners

• Supporting qualified staff and professional services

• Creating community-based adoption and outreach programs

• Developing sustainable reserves for emergency rescue situations

These programs are not yet fully established.

Our fundraising efforts are focused on building them responsibly, sustainably, and with the resources necessary to provide a high standard of care from the beginning.

HELP US BUILD IT

Every rescue organization begins with the ability to say yes.

Yes to the dog sitting in an overcrowded shelter.

Yes to the animal that needs veterinary treatment before anyone else is willing to take them.

Yes to the foster family willing to open their home.

Yes to providing the time, patience, and resources a dog needs before finding the right family.

The Millie Project is working to build the infrastructure that will allow us to say yes more often.

Your support helps us move from vision to action.

Together, we can build a rescue program capable of providing dogs with safety, medical care, stability, and a genuine chance at a better life.

WHY MILLIE?

The Millie Project was created in memory of Millie, a golden retriever whose life was defined by adventure, connection, and an extraordinary ability to bring people together.

After losing her, we wanted her story to continue through something bigger than ourselves.

Millie was fortunate to experience safety, companionship, adventure, and unconditional love throughout her life.

Our goal is to help build a future where more dogs have the opportunity to experience those same things.

Every program we establish, every dog we eventually help, and every second chance we are able to create will carry a piece of her legacy forward.

TRANSPARENCY

The Millie Project is committed to transparency and responsible stewardship as we build our programs.

We want our supporters to understand both where we are today and what we are working toward.

At this stage, many of our direct rescue programs are still in development. Donations are helping us establish the funding, infrastructure, partnerships, and operational capacity needed to launch and sustain those services responsibly.

The Millie Project
Legal Name: Millie's Legacy Foundation
501(c)(3) Public Charity
EIN: 41-2421419
Bellingham, Washington