Our Pack & Ethics

Paws of the North Rescue was founded in early 2020 by Holly & Trevor Marko (and their own Northern dogs) to support the remote communities of Northern Ontario.

We have made it our objective to work ethically with northern community members to support them and their dogs. The communities we assist are remote and isolated. They typically do not have regular shipments of canine supplies and food, nor do they have access to veterinary care for their furry family members. These communities often face difficult decisions about the dogs of their community. We are here to support them.

Our rehoming program provides northern community members with reassurance that their beloved dogs will be placed in permanent and caring homes (we call them “fur-ever” homes!). Each dog that we welcome into our care is placed in a partnering ethical rescue to receive comprehensive veterinary care prior to finding the perfect match home for them.

It is a priority of our organization that we remain ethical and true to our values. We pride ourselves in continuously trying to build and maintain solid relationships with communities, being able to support and educate, and assist as much as possible. We also assist northern communities and their dogs by sending food & supplies their way. We have also organized free spay, neuter & wellness clinics to take place in their communities. The free veterinarian clinics are exceptionally costly, given the remoteness of the communities we hope to reach.

Our team is completely run by volunteers. Our Board of Directors is made up of men and women from the Muskoka region. We are also very grateful for our large ‘pack’ of community volunteers who assist us with the day-to-day operations of Paws of the North, which includes; fostering, transporting dogs, fundraising and more. We rely solely on donations to fund our efforts and to continue assisting Northern communities.

We truly appreciate all of our donors, fosters, adoptive families and volunteers.


Pack Members

HALLEY & ADAM CLOVER

Founding Directors

Halley was born & raised in Huntsville. Adam, her husband, born in Sydney, Australia. They settled in Huntsville with their first dog Bane, an Australian Shepherd. Soon after they had the chance to rescue a dog from a northern Canadian community – Igloolik. Not knowing much about northern breeds, it was an adventure in itself, but with patience their second dog, Kaause fit into the family and quickly melted their hearts.

Halley & Adam Clover joined Paws of the North at our time of incorporation. The Clovers are dedicated fundraisers who helped us by recruiting fosters, volunteers and adoptive parents. While welcoming one of our first dogs to arrive as a foster – Murphy soon found a permanent place in the Clover Pack! The Clover pack are welcoming a little human pack member in 2020 and look forward to continuing their efforts.

ERIN STEWART

Director

Erin was born & raised in Huntsville and her love for animals began at a young age. She volunteered at local shelters and assisted with friends & family’s pets, but it wasn’t until she started working with rescues around the world, that she realized where her true passion was.

Erin spent time in Guatemala volunteering for a rescue with a small team that cared for over 400 dogs & cats at time. Working with community members and veterinarians, to treat the animals’ illnesses, socialize & exercise and assist with spay/neuter programs.

Returning back to Canada, Erin felt compelled to join hands with a local Canadian rescue and then join Paws of the North, bringing her experience with animal care and rescue knowledge.

Partnering Rescues

These ethical Canadian rescues support our initiatives of intaking dogs that come into our care, as part of the rehoming program. Check them out for fostering & adopting opportunities. 

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Dear Valued Adopters, Supporters & Donors,

As of July 1, 2023 – Paws of the North Rescue is closing our doors. The past 3.5 years have been so rewarding, challenging and emotional; I wouldn’t change a thing.

I started my rescue involvement 11 years ago, as an Executive Director to a dog rescue in British Columbia. Upon moving back to Ontario, I continued my passion to assist “Northern Dogs” and First Nation Communities – creating Paws of the North.

The amount of support we have received in such a short amount of time has been overwhelmingly wonderful. Our team, Trevor and I could not be more grateful to each and every one of you.

The time has come for us to choose to prioritize our needs and family. We are grateful to be starting this new journey.

Our charitable account is now closed and monies remaining have been issued to Precious Paws Rescue in Barrie – chariatable registration number: 812897668RR0001. Precious Paws Rescue supported us consistently during our community spay/neuter clinics and rehoming program. We appreciate them wanting to continue supporting the north.

Please also consider supporting Project Paws Dog Rescue, who also will continue to support the James Bay coastal communities.

I personally want to thank Halley & Adam Clover and Erin Stewart for their time and dedication as board members. And Meagan Williamson for all her public relations, social media & marketing support. My family for being number one fans.

And my husband Trevor and pack Harper, Jay & Fate – I know there were many difficult days and time lost, I have appreciated every single moment you rode this journey with me. Forever grateful for the support.

Thank you again to this beautiful community we created. I will be forever grateful for your love and support for these beautiful dogs.

Holly Marko
Founder/Executive Director