We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melanie Taillon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melanie below.

Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Starting Love Grows Dog Rescue has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of our lives. Looking back, we do wish we had started sooner, but at the same time, we recognize that the timing happened when it needed to.

We made the decision to start Love Grows after leaving our board positions at a previous dog rescue due to a toxic culture and differences in opinion of what we consider ethical rescue practices. It was a difficult time, but it also lit a fire in us to create a rescue that aligned with our values—a place where dogs in need could thrive and where volunteers and adopters felt supported, appreciated, and inspired. Starting our own rescue was intimidating at first because it meant building something from the ground up, but that challenge quickly turned into an opportunity to pour our passion and energy into something we truly believed in.

At the time we started, we were at a crossroads in our lives. The desire to create a positive, ethical rescue that focused on both animal welfare and community well-being became our driving force. Had we started sooner, we might not have had the experience or the clarity to know exactly what kind of organization we wanted to create. Waiting allowed us to see what didn’t work for us in other settings, and that insight became the foundation for building something better.

Starting later, on the other hand, would have meant staying in an environment that no longer aligned with our principles. It would have delayed the fulfillment of our mission and prolonged the frustration we felt. Leaving when we did was the right move, and the timing allowed us to channel our energy and turn a challenging situation into something incredibly positive.

Ultimately, we’re so grateful for how everything unfolded. Love Grows Dog Rescue represents everything we stand for, and the journey of building it has been more rewarding than we could have imagined. If we could go back in time, we’d tell ourselves to trust our instincts and take the leap sooner—but we’re also proud of the lessons we learned along the way and the community we’ve built as a result.

Melanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We are the founders of Love Grows Dog Rescue, an organization that saves and enhances the lives of dogs in need through fostering, proper vetting, and connecting them with loving forever homes. Our journey into animal rescue began as passionate volunteers for another organization. Over time, however, we realized the culture and practices did not align with our values, which pushed us to create a rescue of our own—one rooted in compassion, community, and integrity. That’s how Love Grows Dog Rescue was born: a labor of love designed not only to serve dogs in need but also to foster a positive and supportive environment for volunteers and adopters.

We’re most proud of the culture we’ve built. Starting Love Grows has not only given us the opportunity to save dogs but also allowed us to create a positive, uplifting environment where people feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to make a difference. Every time we place a dog into a loving home or hear how fostering has changed someone’s life for the better, we’re reminded of why we started this journey.

Another key part of our mission is collaboration. We know that the need for rescue work is far greater than any one organization can tackle alone, so we actively work with other rescue partners, shelters, and organizations. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and leaning on each other’s strengths, we are able to expand our reach and save even more dogs. Working together allows us to tackle challenges more effectively, from large-scale rescue efforts to finding the best-fit homes for the dogs in our care.

For anyone considering supporting or working with Love Grows, we want you to know that we’re driven by heart and fueled by purpose. Whether you’re looking to adopt, foster, volunteer, or simply learn more, we invite you to join our mission. Together, we can save lives, create families, and grow a community of compassion.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Ashley and I met through our previous rescue organization, where our shared passion for saving animals brought us together. Ashley was leading the section of the rescue dedicated to puppies, and I joined as a volunteer. From the very beginning, we clicked—not only as individuals but also as a team. We realized early on how well we worked together, with Ashley’s dedication and expertise balancing perfectly with my organizational skills and love for the mission. It wasn’t long before I became her manager to help with the overwhelming number of duties that came with running the puppy program.

For 8 years, we volunteered side by side, pouring our hearts into the rescue. Weekends were spent at adoption events, helping dogs find their forever homes, and weekdays were filled with coordinating with adopters, supporting volunteers, and handling the behind-the-scenes logistics that kept the team running. We were immersed in the work, spending countless hours together, united by a shared purpose.

Through those years, we not only built a strong professional partnership but also developed a deep friendship rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for what animal rescue should be. Those experiences—working tirelessly, celebrating successes, and navigating challenges together—laid the foundation for what would eventually become Love Grows Dog Rescue. When we made the decision to leave our previous organization, there was no doubt we wanted to take this next step together. Starting Love Grows has been the ultimate culmination of everything we learned during those 8 years, and it’s been incredible to create something we’re both so deeply passionate about.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding Love Grows Dog Rescue was truly a community effort. From the very beginning, we knew we couldn’t do it alone, and we were incredibly fortunate to have the support of people who believed in our mission. The initial capital to start the rescue came almost entirely from donations—generous contributions from family, friends, and fellow animal lovers who wanted to help us get off the ground.

When we announced that we were starting our own rescue, the outpouring of support was both humbling and inspiring. People who had seen the passion and dedication we brought to our previous rescue work stepped up to help us make Love Grows a reality. From small, heartfelt contributions to larger donations, every dollar helped us secure the resources we needed to build our foundation. This allowed us to cover essential startup costs, such as filing for nonprofit status, purchasing supplies for foster homes, and beginning the process of rescuing and rehoming dogs.

We also launched merchandise fundraisers, which not only helped us raise additional funds but also spread awareness about our new rescue. Each shirt and sweatshirt purchased symbolized a piece of the community coming together to support our cause. It was amazing to see so many people rally around us, wearing our logo and sharing our mission.

Starting Love Grows Dog Rescue was a leap of faith, but the generosity of our supporters gave us the confidence and resources to take that leap. We are endlessly grateful for every single person who has donated, shared our story, or bought a piece of merch. Their belief in us and our vision turned a dream into a reality, and their continued support ensures we can keep saving dogs and building a compassionate community.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lovegrowsdogrescue.com
• Instagram: @lovegrowsdogrescue
• Facebook: facebook.com/lovegrowsdogrescue