Ana-Maria Davies became an SPCA volunteer and dog rescue advocate in the 1990′s. Inspired by her love for her two rescued Boston Terriers, Simon and Trinket, she started helping other Bostons find new homes. Due to her dedication and passion for the breed, the Boston Terrier Club of Canada asked her to create the Club's official rescue program and serve as its national rescue representative. Her vision, commitment and hard work soon laid the foundation for the success that followed.
Kelly Pankatz fell in love with Boston Terriers in 1996, and joined an online community of fellow enthusiasts to learn more about the breed. Together, this group founded Boston Terrier Rescue Net, one of the first charities of its kind dedicated to rescuing and re-homing abused, abandoned and surrendered Bostons. With all other members located south of the border, and the need for rescue in Canada growing steadily, Kelly left in 2002 to work more closely with Ana-Maria and the BTCC Rescue Program.
In 2009, Boston Terrier Rescue Canada (BTRC) was formed as a non-profit group and began operating independently of the breed club. In April 2010, it was granted official charitable status, with Kelly as the first President.
Margot Arsenault, BTRC’s next President, joined BTRC as a foster in 2007. Three years later, she was appointed as Adoptions Coordinator and became Vice President in 2012. When Kelly decided to step down, Margot took over as President in July 2013, a position she held until 2019.
Tina Daquano, a dedicated long-time volunteer, first joined BTRC as an events volunteer before taking on the roles of Fundraising Coordinator and later Secretary. She was elected President in 2020 and served until January 2025, when Kelly Pankatz returned to the role.
Sadly, Ana-Maria Davies passed away on July 26, 2016. You can read our tribute to her here.
