About Arctic Rescue
Our Story
Since 1994, Arctic Rescue has been dedicated to saving northern-breed dogs in Utah and surrounding states. Based in Salt Lake City, we work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and advocate for these incredible dogs who deserve stability and understanding.
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We are entirely volunteer-run and fully foster-based. That means we do not operate a centralized kennel or public facility — every dog we save goes directly into a volunteer foster home, where they receive individualized attention, training, and support. This allows us to learn who they are and what they need in a forever family while preparing for adoption.
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We work closely with local shelters and rescue partners to help as many dogs as our foster network allows. Because we are entirely volunteer-run and foster-based, our capacity is limited — but every new foster home expands our ability to save another life and say “yes” to a dog in need.
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Meet-and-greets are scheduled by appointment to ensure the best possible experience for both dogs and prospective adopters.
Our Mission
For over 30 years, Arctic Rescue has been dedicated to saving northern-breed dogs throughout Utah and the surrounding states. We specialize in Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes. These intelligent, high-energy breeds are often misunderstood and frequently overlooked in traditional shelter settings.
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Many of the dogs who come into our care have been labeled “unadoptable” by shelters or local agencies due to behavior, stress, or lack of appropriate placement options. Without breed-specific support, they may have no other options.
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Our mission is to advocate for these dogs, provide them with stability and breed-appropriate support, and place them in homes where they are set up to succeed for life
Get Involved
Want to make a difference for northern-breed dogs? We are always looking for volunteers and foster families who are ready to help. As a fully volunteer-run rescue, every new supporter directly expands our ability to save lives. Whether you’re interested in fostering, adopting, volunteering, or simply learning more, we are happy to help guide you.
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If you have questions about our organization or how to get involved, please check our our Volunteer page or contact us at adopt@arcticrescue.org.
Our Team
Arctic Rescue is made up of an incredibly dedicated, creative, and passionate team of volunteers, many of whom are based in Utah, with others contributing remotely from all over the US.
Leadership Team
Lauren Posey
President
4
Years with AR
Favorite thing about northern breeds:
One of my favorite things about huskies is how much they love being with people and their hilarious attitudes. Each pup has their own unique personality and that's what makes them so fun!
About:
Dr. Lauren Posey is the Executive Director of the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute and performs as principal cellist of the Ballet West Orchestra. She is also on faculty at Westminster University, co-directs the Colorado Cello Intensive, and runs a successful private cello studio in Holladay, UT. Dr. Posey was most recently honored as one of Utah’s 2024 Forty Under 40 by Utah Business Magazine. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stony Brook University, in addition to a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern California and a Master of Music degree from the University of Utah. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her partner Marcus and their six dogs Riggins, Taylor, Lyla, Garrity, Kora, and Cassidy, as well as volunteering for AR.
Sara Capone
Vice President
5
Years with AR
Favorite thing about northern breeds:
We're definitely on the same vibe - like myself Huskies are total goofballs, wildcards, and very vocal. I love their independent and soulful spirits. Truthfully, my dogs help me more than I help them.
About:
As an appraiser, my "normal" world is driven by numbers, spreadsheets, and high-level analysis—with a career built on precision and finding the true value in things. It’s an honor to bring that same dedication to Arctic Rescue.
I started out by fostering and quickly learned how easy it is to lose your heart to these dogs. Since then, I’ve seen firsthand how critical the community—volunteers, the fosters, and adopters—really are. Without them, these dogs don't stand a chance. We are their voice, and together, we change their lives by giving them a deserving chance. Seeing a dog get adopted and watching that love go both ways makes every challenge 100% worth it.
Chelsea Tulley
Secretary
2
Years with AR
Favorite thing about northern breeds:
Huskies (and mixes/northern breeds) are the perfect intersection of intelligence and silliness.
About:
Originally from the Great White North, I share a love for snow and winter with the breeds of dogs our community is passionate about serving. Having moved across country borders and state lines, my one constant has been my love for animals. A proud fur parent to my 6-year-old husky mix Tillie, and Arctic Rescue alumnus, 7-year-old Ori, I am committed to setting Arctic Rescue up for success well into the years ahead. I am privileged to draw on both my past rescue experience and professional experience at a boutique consulting firm.
As Secretary & responsible for Marketing functions, I am most looking forward to getting to know many more volunteers, fosters, and adopters, and scaling the organization to help as many dogs as possible.
Kellianne Matthews
Board Member-at-Large
3
Years with AR
Favorite thing about northern breeds:
Huskies—and other northern breeds—feel like they’re really only half dog. The rest? It's hard to say for sure—perhaps stardust, magic, or something not quite of this world. They’re brilliant, strong, and capable of things most dogs wouldn’t even attempt, yet they still choose to love us humans with their whole hearts.
About:
I’m a writer, educator, and animal advocate with a background in comparative studies, science communication, and storytelling. I’ve always loved animals, and one of my favorite things is helping people better understand them and the stories they carry with them. I truly enjoy using my professional and personal skills to help the organization grow and serve more animals in need. My own Lady LunaBella came into AR with her 7 newborn puppies. I was only supposed to foster her for 3 days, but she completely changed my life, and we simply couldn’t let her go. She’s a daily reminder of how love, patience, and trust can bring out the best in everyone—humans and dogs alike.