Amanda’s passion for helping animals in need started at a young age. As soon as she could read she picked up the Marin IJ and searched the classified for dogs in need. Growing up Amanda’s family took in dozens of animals, little did she know this passion of hers would turn into Underdog Animal Rescue. 

Amanda says, “I chose Dog rescue because I do believe everyone needs a cause. Prior to dog rescue my way to give back was feeding and helping the homeless. It was extremely stressful with a never ending story of failure. I’ve always loved dogs and I’ve always loved being part of the community and getting people involved. What’s so important for dog rescue is educating the youth to help reverse the vicious cycle of backyard breeding.”

Amanda is the proud owner of two sweet pitties, Mama and Gage. Mama was left abandoned in a storage unit when Amanda took her in. Gage was found with his pregnant girlfriend tied to a barbecue in Chowchilla, they were rescued and brought up to the Bay Area where Amanda fostered Gage, and her mom fostered the girlfriend. After 12 months of no interest, Amanda officially foster failed. 

Underdog would not be what it is today without Amanda’s hard work and dedication, she carries the rescue on her back in addition to working full-time and being a dog mom to Mama and Gage!

Mollie is the original founder and creator of Underdog. She has always been an animal lover and full of passion. After fostering many dogs for another Bay Area rescue she knew she had to figure out a way to start her own rescue to allow for the flexibility to save more. Mollie adopted her first rescue dog Kate, not long after adopted Claire and later foster failed Olivia. Mollie is now married with a step daughter and a little girl of her own! 

Megan has always been a dog lover, she grew up with large breeds and always knew she wanted to rescue a dog as an adult. In 2017, Porter entered her life and sparked her passion for dog rescue! Megan found Porter at an adoption event in Chico, CA. Porter was found on a rural highway and had been in a high kill shelter for a month, she agreed to take him home as a foster and in 24 hours knew he was hers forever. Upon moving back to the Bay Area, Megan and her husband, Connor joined the Underdog foster family! Porter has become the best foster brother and teacher to the dogs that have come in and out of their home. The Lancaster family eventually foster failed one of our success stories, Ember, now Piper! 

Lisa has been working with rescue for almost 6 years but a dog lover for over 50.  She and her husband, Matt, have too many four legged friends to mention, many adopted through local shelters and rescues. Thankfully her husband and three grown kids have been fully supportive of her deep dive into dog rescue.  Her first foster was in early 2015 through Humane Society of the North Bay, she took in a Vallejo homeless man’s rat terrier/chihuahua and her three very young puppies, and yes she did foster fail a puppy.  Lisa joined the Underdog Animal Rescue foster team in 2017 and has fostered over 100 dogs with us. 2020 lockdowns gave her a little extra time as her travel career job was on hold, she has jumped in to help Underdog coordinate foster homes, make calls, emails and various other tasks that need to be handled during this busy time. Lisa says, “Dog rescue is the most rewarding job I’ve had (aside from being a mom to my human kids). I love seeing adopters excited about adding their new furry friend. The experience of watching a dog transform from a tough situation to a happy, confident dog is the best and I’m truly lucky that my husband always says by adopting them out we get to save another. If you can open your heart and home, just give fostering a try, you will be hooked!”

Laney was born into a home that loves rescue animals. From a young age she learned to love and care for many critters. She loves to volunteer with Underdog Animal Rescue. Laney is able to combine her passion for crafts and saving dogs by selling her creations to raise funds for the rescue pups. Her heart is set on doing everything she can to help dogs get a second chance and finding their furever homes.