The Monica Rua Silver Hearts Fund
Monica with her three dogs and Shelby (a very shy Miniature Australian Shepherd foster) and Custard (a little old arthritic Chihuahua foster)
In 2024, our co-founder Monica Rua left the Board of Directors after 15 years of service to POMDR and over 27 years of serving in a leadership role in animal rescue. She is still very active with POMDR, including serving on the Advisory Board.
Monica’s countless contributions over the years are invaluable. One of the ways she most loves to make a difference is by fostering and rehabilitating dogs with extreme medical and behavioral challenges.
Monica and her husband John have welcomed over 130 foster dogs into their home through the years, and they plan to continue fostering as long as they can.
Monica always gravitates to the dogs with the greatest need for care, such as dogs with severe medical conditions, fearful/shut-down dogs, super seniors (over 17 years old), dogs with mobility issues, and hospice dogs.
Meet a few of the dogs Monica has helped rehabilitate and get adopted over the years.
Grandpa Joe was found stray, nearly dead and unable to walk. He was adopted!
Winston couldn’t walk far due to neurological problems, so he would often travel by backpack or stroller. He was adopted!
Quincy was found as an emaciated stray. We discovered he was diabetic. He was adopted!
Beau was depressed and would barely move. He was then diagnosed with neurological problems and Cushing’s. He was adopted!
Xena had terminal cancer. She spent her final weeks with love and peace.