Pets
Since 2010, LoveyLoaves Rescue & Sanctuary has given injured and special-needs dogs a second chance.
By Maha Chaudhry
They say every dog has its day. But for some dogs, simply getting that day requires someone willing to believe they’re worth a second chance. And that is exactly what LoveyLoaves Rescue & Sanctuary has been doing since 2010.
Behind this heartwarming mission is founder Cheri Wells, whose journey began with a very special four-legged companion named Smudge. After her beloved dog underwent a leg amputation, Cheri began learning about the heartbreaking realities facing injured and special-needs dogs in animal shelters. What she discovered was difficult to accept. Many of these dogs were among the first to be euthanized, sometimes on the very day they arrived. For Cheri, that realization became a turning point. Rather than focusing on what these dogs couldn’t do, she saw everything they still had to offer. And so, LoveyLoaves was born.
Fast-forward to today, and the organization has become a lifeline for dogs who might otherwise have been overlooked. Affectionately known as her “lil’ loveys,” each rescue comes with its own personality, challenges, and story of resilience. There’s Jubilee, now known as Ily, whose journey has been among the most challenging and rewarding cases LoveyLoaves has taken on. Sassy, one of the organization’s earliest success stories, became a permanent member of the sanctuary family. And then there’s Noelle, whose remarkable transformation is a beautiful example of what can happen when compassion meets determination.
A disability doesn’t diminish a life. Every dog deserves dignity, compassion, and a chance to be loved.
“Every dog who comes into our rescue becomes a part of our hearts and our story,” Cheri shares. “We may be a small rescue, but we are mighty in love.”
That same spirit of compassion was at the heart of this year’s Arts for Carts: Harvest Ball. The evening brought together animal lovers, advocates, and community supporters to celebrate the mission of LoveyLoaves and the extraordinary dogs whose lives it continues to change. Among the highlights was featured speaker Tamar Geller, a renowned dog trainer and behavior expert. The organization has also received support from notable advocates, including author Bruce Zeman and actress Emmy Rossum.
But behind the inspiring stories and wagging tails is a reality that requires more than love alone. Rising costs of veterinary care, medications, prescription diets, and everyday necessities have made operating a small rescue increasingly challenging. That’s why Cheri emphasizes the importance of recurring monthly donations to provide consistent care for dogs who depend on specialized medical attention.
And Cheri has an even bigger dream in mind: establishing a permanent LoveyLoaves sanctuary where more dogs can find safety, care, and the opportunity to thrive. With space remaining one of the organization’s greatest challenges, a permanent home would allow LoveyLoaves to extend its mission even further. Plans are also underway for next year’s Arts for Carts, with a more relaxed and accessible celebration in the works.
What makes LoveyLoaves so special is the belief that a disability doesn’t diminish a life and that every dog deserves dignity, compassion, and a chance to be loved. It all began with Smudge, one dog whose journey inspired a mission that continues to touch countless lives.
Sometimes, the dogs who need a little extra love end up teaching us the most about resilience, compassion, and unconditional love. And in the process, they leave the biggest paw prints on our hearts.
To learn more or support the mission, visit loveyloaves.org/donate.
