Rescue Express

Remembering Kohl: A Legacy of Love and Transformation

Kohl was more than just a dog; he was a beacon of hope for rescue dogs with behavioral challenges, dedicating much of his life to training these dogs and helping them become adoptable alongside his partner, Emily Richardson. As a loving mentor, Kohl nurtured several litters of poodles, many of whom went on to become service dogs, making profound differences in people's lives. This handsome German Shepherd embodied the best traits of his breed—focused, loyal, athletic, protective, intuitive, and incredibly intelligent. Tragically, he was born with microvascular dysplasia and a genetic condition that caused his body to store copper, leading to long-term health issues. Despite being told he might not live past five years, Kohl defied the odds and passed away just shy of his ninth birthday. Deeply loved and cherished by Emily, the entire team at Above the Standard Dog Training, Strut Your Paws Grooming, and all those who had the pleasure of meeting him, Kohl left a remarkable and lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path, embodying a legacy of love and transformation. ❤️

Honoring Kohl's Legacy

Kohl's impact on the world was profound, despite his short life. To honor his legacy, a fundraiser has been initiated to save the lives of dogs at risk of euthanasia in high-kill shelters. Kohl helped countless rescue dogs transition from reactive and fearful to well-adjusted, loving family members. In his memory, funds are being raised for The Rescue Express, a 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue based in Media, PA, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in need.

Establishing the Kohl Fund

Inspired by Emily and Kohl's contributions, The Kohl Fund has been created at The Rescue Express. This fund aims to continue Kohl's mission of transforming the lives of rescue dogs, ensuring they have the opportunity to find loving homes. Through this initiative, Kohl's spirit and dedication will live on, helping many more dogs in need and perpetuating the love he shared throughout his life. ❤️

2025 Achievements

In 2025, through the generosity of family, friends, and the dog community, we raised an incredible $5,950, which directly contributed to finding homes for 23 dogs. These funds were vital in covering medical procedures, supplies, and emergency services, enabling these dogs to receive the care they needed to thrive. This achievement showcases the power of community and collective effort in making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable animals, furthering Kohl's legacy of love and transformation.

Looking Ahead in 2026

Although 2026 has just begun, Emily and her dedicated team have already found 2 dogs their forever homes and are actively working with four more to ensure they find loving families. To continue this important work, we have restarted our fundraising efforts, aiming to help even more dogs in need and connect them with families looking for their special companion. Together, we can expand Kohl's legacy and make a lasting impact in the lives of both dogs and their future families. ✨

Molly is a very special girl who needs your help.

She looks healthy now, but she has a very severe heart murmur (patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA) that will end her life if she doesn’t get surgery. The life-saving surgery will give Molly a chance at a normal, healthy life but it cost around $8,000.

Rescue Express has received a $3,000 grant from a generous private foundation. On top of that good news, the caring surgery veterinary clinic has offered the rescue a 15% discount.

Molly is a beautiful six month old Cavapoo who was rescued from a puppy mill in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

She’s been diagnosed with a Grade V-VI/VI continuous heart murmur.

Today Molly is energetic, cuddly, and loving. She brings smiles to all who meet her when she goes out for pup cup and or on a walk with her foster family. But we know that her heart condition will change that and will make it hard for her to breathe, make her restless, decrease her appetite, make her weak, or cause her to faint. Eventually, it will kill her.

We are asking for your help to raise the funds for the life-saving surgery to treat Molly’s severe heart murmur and save her life.

Every donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated! If you cannot afford to help, please share Molly’s story on social media and tell your friends and family.

It would be a terrible tragedy if we lose our loving, spirited little Molly because she didn’t get the surgery in time.

Please help Molly get the surgery soon so she can continue to live a life full of snuggles, puppy kisses, and naps in the sun!

thank you!

More information about Rescue Express:

The Rescue Express is a foster-based 501c3 rescue in Media, PA. We save dogs from high-euthanasia shelters in the south. Many are heart worm positive and have serious medical/ neglect issues. We've placed thousands of dogs in loving homes over the years. www.therescueexpress.org

The Rescue Express is a foster-based 501c3 rescue in Media, PA. We have to date saved over 3,000 dogs from high-euthanasia shelters in the south. Many are heartworm positive and have serious medical and abuse/neglect issues. www.therescueexpress.org

This May 1st will be my 12th Broad Street that I am running for our rescue. This year I am running for Rocco! Rocco was shot in his front leg and left to bleed and die outside on his front lawn. No one took him to the vet after being so cruelly shot. Animal control was finally called by someone two days later and he finally received life saving vet care. We found a wonderful foster mom for Rocco who had to frequently clean his wound, take him to bi-weekly vet visits, including laser therapy, to help him recover from his very painful gunshot wound.

Rocco has made a nearly complete recovery and his transformation is remarkable both physically and mentally. He is now a healthy, happy guy in a very loving forever home with his doggie brother Tipper. He does still have some residual mental trauma but his family is helping him learn to feel safe and secure after his ordeal.

Rocco is just one of the many dogs we have rescued from desperate life and death situations

at The Rescue Express. And that's why I am running the 10 mile Broad Street Run for the 12th time! To raise money for my passion and our amazing rescue so that we can continue to save precious animal lives. They are counting on us to be their voice........

Rocco and I are so grateful for your support!

You can make a difference by donating today to The Rescue Express.

The Rescue Express is a foster-based 501c3 rescue in Media, PA. We have to date saved over 3,000 dogs from high-euthanasia shelters in the south. Many are heart worm positive and have serious medical/ neglect issues. www.therescueexpress.org

 

Bowie (aka Bruno!)  is just one of the many dogs we have rescued from desperate life and death situations.

This poor guy was chained up for the first 7 years of his life since he was just a wee puppy.

 

Bowie had a very advanced case of heartworm disease and as a result his abdomen was filled with fluid, you can see how distended his belly was and how his ribs were protruding. Not only that but the poor guy had a huge low grade cancerous tumor hanging off his back leg. If he had stayed chained up much longer he would have succumbed to heartworm disease and suffered a painful, horrible death.

 

Once we rescued Bowie, we had him thoroughly examined by a cardiologist including echocardiograms, chest x-rays, and medications to improve his heart function . He then went through heartworm treatment and had his ever-growing tumor removed once it was safe to do so. Bowie's vet expenses are in the thousands at this point!

 

Bowie's transformation is remarkable both physically and mentally! He is now a healthy, happy guy in a very loving foster home with his doggie foster sister Smidge.

 

Bowie is just one example of the tireless lifesaving work that we do at The Rescue Express. And that's why I am running the 10 mile Broad Street Run for the 11th time! To raise money for my passion and our amazing rescue so that we can continue to save precious animal lives. They are counting on us to be their voice........

 

Bowie and I are so grateful for your support!