About Us
Inspiration from a Beloved Dog
Beastly Rescue was founded in 2011 in New York City by Reedu and Michele, who met and jumped into animal rescue together. Like many rescues, Beastly did not begin with perfection. It began with urgency, learning curves, and a willingness to grow.
In their first year, they made mistakes. One of those mistakes came in the form of a dog named Bunbar, a high-energy pit bull at NYC ACC. That same year marked a pivotal moment for animal rescue in New York City. Public awareness of high euthanasia rates was growing, fueled by increased visibility on social media and greater scrutiny of shelter conditions.
Bunbar’s story became widely known when a second-grade class in Harlem collectively “adopted” him. While this meant he was no longer at risk of euthanasia, it also meant he became a less urgent case for rescue. Over time, prolonged shelter life took a toll. His energy and stress escalated, and he desperately needed a quieter environment.
Bunbar was welcomed into Beastly Rescue, but another hard lesson followed. The foster who was approved was not suitable to adopt, and that mismatch ultimately failed. It reinforced a rule that would shape Beastly’s approach moving forward: no foster should be approved who would not also be approved to adopt.
After continued effort to find Bunbar the home he truly deserved, Abby and John answered the call. They welcomed him into their home and renamed him Sebastian. With steady support from the Beastly team, they worked through the challenges of caring for a boisterous, high-energy dog. Over time, their patience and dedication transformed Sebastian into a well-adjusted, deeply loved companion.
Their experience was so positive that they later adopted Rose, another Beastly Rescue dog. As Abby would later say, Rose was the love of Sebastian’s life.
More than fourteen years have passed since Beastly Rescue began. Some of the dogs from those early days are now seniors, while many, like Sebastian and Rose, have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Sebastian’s story remains a bittersweet reminder of the countless lives touched along the way.
His legacy lives on, not only in memory, but in Beastly Rescue’s logo.
Who We Are Today
Beastly Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible placement of homeless dogs. While their hearts extend to all animals, Beastly focuses primarily on dogs, where their community, experience, and resources are strongest.
The majority of Beastly’s dogs come from New York City’s high-kill shelters, euthanasia lists, and owner surrender situations. When possible, the rescue works to support families in keeping their dogs, stepping in only when rehoming is truly necessary or when a dog’s safety, health, or medical care is at risk.
Beastly Rescue serves the NYC tri-state area, including the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
Beastly Rescue was founded in 2011 in New York City under the name Reefuge, built by two women committed to responsible, ethical rescue. Though small, the organization quickly earned a strong reputation within the rescue community.
As the rescue grew, it became Beastly Rescue, reflecting growth without a shift in values. Beastly remains a registered 501(c)(3) with the same leadership, mission, and dedication to thoughtful placement and long-term outcomes.
Today, Beastly Rescue is supported by a small, committed team working together to rescue dogs, support fosters and adopters, and do the work with care and consistency.
Meet the Team
Pictured above: Michele, Reedu, Terri and Aksana
Beyond NYC - St. Lucia❣️
Beastly Rescue also supports spay, neuter, and feeding efforts for homeless dogs in St. Lucia, working with Janna, a trusted local partner who cares for potcakes living on the beaches and streets. When appropriate, some of these dogs are brought to New York City for fostering and adoption.
This work reflects Beastly’s belief that rescue is not limited by geography, but guided by responsibility and capacity.
Our Mission
Beastly Rescue is dedicated to reducing euthanasia rates in local shelters by rescuing dogs most at risk, providing them with medical care and stability, and placing them into homes where they can thrive for life.