Outrider Dogs Rescue was established in 2019 as a foster based non profit dog rescue. Our mission is to find homes for abandoned and neglected dogs regardless of the age, breed, or temperament. However, we specialize in pregnant and post partum dogs and their litters. Mommas are often, and easily, forgotten about in the rescue world. Their litters are raised and the puppies are adopted out quickly while mothers are left behind to spend year’s suffering in the shelter environment or worse, left on the streets with nowhere to go. These same Mommas give every ounce of themselves to their pups doing everything they can to ensure their survival. Outrider refuses to let these incredible souls go unnoticed and we vow to protect them and give them our all so they no longer have to suffer alone.

We are a group of volunteers who spend their free time fostering, transporting, feeding, medicating, entertaining, training and loving dogs until a permanent family can be found. We specialize in helping pregnant or new moms that are dumped off in shelters or found roaming the streets, raise their litter, find forever homes, all whilst nourishing the mom, spaying her and finding her an adoptive home. In 2021 we started rescuing cats of all ages and breeds and will continue doing so as long as we are operating.

We can always use more fosters, volunteers, monetary donations and supplies. Join the family, be an Outrider.

ABOUT US

Rikki Garson w/ the woodland litter

PRESIDENT/EVERYTHING

Rikki has worked professionally in the pet industry for 15+ years and has dedicated her whole world to animals ever since she was an adolescent. As a young child, she wanted to be a veterinarian, an aquatics trainer, a wildlife rehabilitator, a dog groomer and more. In high school, she landed her first job at a dog grooming salon as a receptionist, volunteered at animal shelters, learned how to professionally wash/bathe dogs and cats and pet sat for multiple families. She then went on to complete her degree in Small Animal Care at the University of New Hampshire. Once graduated, Rikki moved home and soon after flew to South Africa for 2 weeks by herself to volunteer at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary for a once in a lifetime hands on experience of feeding, cleaning and caring for orphaned and injured wildlife animals. Once home, she managed multiple retail pet stores to further her knowledge and worked endless hours at a corporate kennel to make sure she gathered all the information she needed to then open her very own business. Now, in 2024, she is six years in to owning Quarry Dog Etc., a dog daycare and boutique and five years in to running Outrider Dogs Rescue. Rikki resides in Simsbury with her husband, Ben, their pack of 4 dogs and their two baby boys, Rye and Booth. Since becoming a human mom, Rikki has a new found passion for rescuing pregnant or newly postpartum momma dogs, helping raise their litter, and then finding homes for her and her puppies. It has become a sole focus of hers to give these mothers a safe and supportive environment from one loving mother to another.

Tatiana Kneer AKA TK w/oliver

TREASURER/EVERYTHING ELSE

TK’s love for animals was basically a foregone conclusion. Growing up, pets often outnumbered the humans in her house and from an early age she was tasked with their care and well being. When she moved out on her own, she couldn’t be without a dog for long, so she adopted Oliver, a Dachshund mix rescued from a deplorable hoarding situation.  Seeing the difference a little love and care could make in an unwanted animal’s life helped spark her passion for being involved in rescue. 

 Professionally, TK has spent nearly 15 years working in event management and marketing.  A good portion of her career has been spent managing charity fundraisers and corporate social responsibility efforts for some of the nation’s most well known athletes and corporations.  TK started as a foster with Outrider Dogs Rescue in 2020 and quickly realized she wanted to be as involved as possible in the day to day operations. Now officially a member of the Outrider pack, Tatiana puts her marketing and fund raising skills to work for the animals who are so worthy of her efforts.