Testimonials

Michelle and the staff were amazing. They helped me through the process and actually introduced me to my perfect match! She should be called a matchmaker.

When I first started working with Michelle at The Rescued Pup, I was simply looking for help with a dog who had behavioral issues. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would change my perspective on training—and how much it would impact my personal growth.

Before, I saw training as something I had to do to my dog: commands, corrections, and checklists. But through The Rescued Pup, I learned that training is truly a two-way relationship. It’s about communication, patience, and understanding. They focus not just on the what, but the why behind behaviors, which helped me build a stronger, more respectful bond with my dog.

Through this journey, I also realized that in order to help my dog thrive, I had to work on myself. I needed to be more consistent, calm, and intentional. That mindset shift was challenging—but knowing it benefits not just my dog, but all aspects of my life, keeps me moving forward. Training has truly opened Pandora’s box for me. It’s not always easy, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow—not just as an owner, but as a person.

In addition to training, The Rescued Pup has been an invaluable resource for nutrition and enrichment. Their guidance helped me customize my dogs’ diets and discover creative ways to meet their physical and mental needs.

I’ve always been drawn to rescue dogs—the less adoptable they were, the more they pulled at my heart. Michelle’s knowledge and diligence were life-changing, especially when I was caring for a dog with cancer. She recommended a veterinary oncologist, and with that support, my dog Kaiya lived nine happy, spoiled months—far beyond what anyone expected.

I’ll never forget how Michelle’s expertise helped me connect with my “soul dog,” Buddha. He had major behavioral issues due to poor early socialization, but through positive reinforcement and compassionate training, he transformed. Buddha was only with me a short time before crossing the rainbow bridge, but what he became—with Michelle’s help—left a lasting impression.

Her compassion and dedication go beyond rescue, training, and nutrition. The Rescued Pup isn’t just a place to shop or get advice—it’s about education, connection, and truly understanding our pets.

I’m forever grateful. It’s a journey of mutual growth and deep, lasting understanding that continues to evolve.

My dog Toby had been on several different foods and none of them felt right for him. He was either losing weight, having GI issues, or didn’t enjoy the food. Michelle was able to recommend the Nutrisource Whitefish – an affordable food with good ingredients. Not only does Toby love it but his tummy is happy with it, and his stool is better than ever. We feed the same food to our new dog and she also loves it. Thanks, Michelle!

A few years back I was in a pretty bad place in life. Struggling to get through and figure things out. We had gone a few years without a dog and I wasn’t looking to have another one anytime soon. We stopped in on a whim and met Trixie. Little did I know that that little girl would change my life. People say we rescue dogs but I believe they rescue us…..

After moving to Ramona in 2009 with several cats (never had a dog before) I started exploring the idea of adopting a dog in 2012. I visited the local shelters and explained I was a first time dog adopter. I believed I was a good candidate to provide a home for a dog as I had previously had my own cat rescue org for 20 years and knew the commitment and resources AND love required to bring in a new family member. I felt unheard and unseen by shelter staff and decided to try searching for rescue organizations outside the shelter system. It was then I found The Rescued Pup in Ramona. I stopped in and was immediately greeted and asked how I could be helped. Explaining that I had several cats and I was first time dog adopter, Michelle took the time to get to know me and talk about the adoption process. In the play yard there were several dogs playing and wanting to interact. However there was one smallish (20 pounds or so) black and white dog curled up. He caught my eye and Michelle told me his “story”. I asked if I could meet him. It was love for both of us I believe. I felt that his low key energy would be better for my cats and myself. I visited Billy over the course of a week and knew he was meant to come home. Michelle was amazing giving me detailed advice and suggestions on how to introduce him into my home and the transition was so much better than I could have imagined. She took my calls day and night to guide me as I was such a nervous new dog mom! The cats adjusted well and Billy was just the sweetest and respectful to them always giving them needed space. Fast forward to 2025. Yes! Billy is still with me although we both move slower he is my constant loving companion and best friend. He has been by my side all these years through the good and bad times. His constant presence is my joy and blessings. I am forever grateful to Michelle and The Rescued Pup for welcoming me all those years ago and the consistent support I receive even to this day!

Michelle at the Rescued Pup helped train our Catahoula pup, Ruger, when he was little, and is always there to help or answer any questions I may have regarding our pups. She is knowledgeable and kind and her love for dogs definitely doesn’t go unnoticed!

I came to them in 2019 after losing my best friend. I knew I wanted a new family member however I was concerned about my other dogs and how it would change the family dynamics. After volunteering for months and learning about what I had done wrong with my last dog I decided it was time to try again. After telling Michelle all my concerns and what I wanted she called me one day out of the blue and said come pick up your new dog I just got her from the Barstow shelter and she is perfect for you. The first time I met Annabelle I knew instantly that she was mine. I took her home that day and she has brought so much joy to my heart and family. I really felt like Michelle had understood exactly what I needed and wanted. I did a lot of training through The Rescued Pup which helped me not make the same mistakes I had made in the past. I highly recommend them for adoption, training and food recommendations for your dogs.

My wife and I had the great pleasure of adopting our little girl Harper Rose from the Rescue Pup / Michelle Clark. From the very beginning Michelle has been there for us with training, behavioral suggestions and recommendations for treats, food, dog car carriers and anything else we have needed. The whole experience has been wonderful and we could not be more happy with our little girl Harper. Thank you Michelle for always being there for us ❤️

We found our senior dog Molly available for adoption online. After contacting The Rescued Pup, we found out she was an oddball that didn’t fit in with the typical dogs Michelle pulls from shelters. But when she saw Molly petrified in her cell, she decided to help.

My partner and I adopted Molly, after hearing many stories about her, doing a video call, and an in-person meeting and walk. Molly had trauma that she carried with her throughout her life. The Rescued Pup recognized that, and gave her special treatment to try to calm her fears.

As her parents, we tried to do the same. We knew she would come around at some point. And at some point, she did. We were so lucky to have her as our family for the final years of her life.

She’s gone now, and I miss her cat-like nuzzling along the bed. I miss the presence that she had around other animals. She self-medicated her own fear by nurturing others. She was a gift. I’m so grateful The Rescued Pup connected us together. We will remain that way forever.

Michelle has been a wonderful resource for establishing a healthy food brand for my cattle dogs that both experience allergens. She has been knowledgeable in the brands she carries and has helped me find what they need that’s both healthy and affordable. I signed up for her auto order to save some money monthly and she brings my food bag to my work as an extra convenience. That saves me time and it’s such a personal touch that I have never gotten anywhere else.
The Brand I ended up giving my dogs is nutri source (white fish) and my dogs have both stopped itching and chewing themselves! Even better, they LOVE the food!
I have known Michelle for quite sometime and I see her passion in all facets of her business. 10/10 recommend.

I buy Charli’s dog food from Michelle at the Rescued Pup. It’s set on auto-delivery but when I discovered I ran out early, I tried to change the delivery date. Instead I messed it up so bad and ended up with 3 deliveries scheduled. Michelle was so patient and kind, making sure to credit my card right away, then when she found out Charli had no food (I was going to just buy a small bag locally) Michelle delivered it THAT NIGHT! I was blown away at her dedication and service just to make sure my pup had food, even though it was MY poor planning! I was so impressed with how much she went out of her way, and it was truly appreciated.