About Us
Eleventh Hour Rescue is a fully registered 501C(3) nonprofit, volunteer based organization dedicated to saving the lives of innocent dogs and cats on death row. Many of them are rescued at their Eleventh Hour--when they are scheduled to be put to death by other shelters that can no longer care for them. We give our dogs and cats all the medical attention they require, a place to live, and through our extensive adoption services, a second chance at a happy and fulfilled life. Eleventh Hour Rescue is not subsidized by government grants and receives no major corporate funding. We rely solely on the generosity of our volunteers, the community and animal lovers everywhere.
The heart-wrenching stories we read and the numbers of those we can’t help are overwhelming. Every day we are haunted by the faces of those we can’t save. We cannot stop. We will not stop, until all of the cages are empty.
Our Leadership
Kelly Miller, President
Kelly began volunteering with Eleventh Hour Rescue in 2012 and was named president in January 2019. Before serving as president, Kelly held multiple key positions in various areas of the organization, giving her the insight and experience to be an effective leader. Over the years, she has worked with organizations throughout the country to save dogs on death row. Kelly has been instrumental in developing and cultivating the organization’s rescue partnerships around the country and abroad. She, along with the executive committee, are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. Kelly lives with her husband, Roger, and their two Eleventh Hour Rescue alumni dogs, Chicken Nugget and Coach.
Jason "Jay" Karamanol, Vice President
Jay started volunteering with Eleventh Hour Rescue in 2013 by walking dogs, going on pack walks, conducting meet and greets, fostering rescues, and instilling regular training for dogs in need. Jay’s natural animal instincts and endless dedication to the rescue quickly made him an invaluable member of our team. In February 2021, Jay was asked to join the Executive Committee and head the areas of Facilities and Risk Management. In May 2023, Jay was appointed as Vice President. He, his wife Sharon, and two sons Niko and CJ, along with their beloved EHR rescues Rose and Maximus, all volunteer in some capacity. Jay has over 20 years of experience in public safety, insurance, and risk management.
Nick Romano, Treasurer
Nick began volunteering with Eleventh Hour Rescue in 2018. Starting out as a dog foster and then helping with events and at the adoption centers, Nick got more involved after retiring from a 38-year career in accounting, finance, pricing, and business controlling. Drawing on his business experience, he got involved in payroll and insurance before joining the Executive Committee and, more recently, taking on the role of Treasurer. Nick and his wife Wendy have fostered over 40 dogs and currently share their home with fur kids Luke, Whopper, and their latest foster dog.
Anne Prenovost, Secretary
Anne's affection for animals and enthusiasm for volunteerism manifested at an early age. Beginning at the age of 14, she commenced her voluntary work with the now-closed Jersey Animal Coalition Animal Shelter in South Orange, NJ. In 2013, Anne's journey led her to Eleventh Hour Rescue. In addition to her duties as Secretary, Anne is also involved in grant writing, leads dog adoption events, and fosters dogs.
Anne earned her degree in Business Administration from Raritan Valley Community College.
In her free time, Anne enjoys pickleball, hiking, gardening, and hanging out with her poodle mix, Moose.
Brittany Caulfield, Board Chair
Brittany and her husband, Luke, began as volunteers with Eleventh Hour Rescue in 2013 by fostering and finding permanent homes almost 30 dogs. Since then, she has volunteered in multiple committees, including fundraising and public relations, and ultimately joined the board of directors in 2018. Brittany has held numerous financial planning and controllership roles in several Fortune 500 companies. She and her husband live with their two daughters and pup named Molly.
Jonathan Rich, Board Member
Jonathan began volunteering with Eleventh Hour Rescue in 2014 and joined the Board of Directors in 2018. He also serves as Chairman of the organization’s finance committee. A 25-year veteran of Wall Street, Jonathan has been responsible for successfully sourcing, structuring, and completing capital markets transactions within the healthcare, technology, energy, and financial services sectors for emerging growth issuers. Jonathan received his J.D. and M.B.A. from Fordham University and his B.A from Tulane University. Jonathan resides with his wife, Suzanne, sons Zachary and Noah, and four-legged rescues Ozzie and Millie.
Linda Barish, Board Member
Linda has been involved in animal rescue since 2011, and in 2015, she and her husband, Paul, joined Eleventh Hour Rescue as volunteers and foster parents. Linda quickly became heavily involved in many facets of the organization’s day-to-day operations and joined the Board of Directors in 2018. Linda serves as Chief Administrative Officer for a private equity firm headquartered in New York City. She and her husband, Paul, live in Morris County, NJ, with their fur children, Eleventh Hour Rescue alum Willie (L), and their precious first rescue dog, Dahlia (R).
Robert Schmidt, Board Member
Rob worked alongside Eleventh Hour Rescue’s founder, Linda Schiller, when she began rescuing dogs off the streets of Elizabeth, NJ, in 1994. He was instrumental in helping Linda to create what is now one of the largest rescues in New Jersey. Rob is an intrapreneur and founder & CEO of M&M Recycling. Rob also founded RDS, a real estate holdings and development company with properties and projects throughout the tri-state area and Florida. Rob has been an active member of Eleventh Hour Rescue since its inception in 2005, and is a member of the Board of Directors. Rob lives with his wife, Gyda, and their rescue dog, Sonny.
Dr. Ryan E. Christensen, Board Member
Dr. Christensen received his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Monmouth University, where he graduated with magna cum laude honors in 1998. He then pursued his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with honors in 2002 and immediately joining Tranquility Veterinary Clinic. Throughout his education, Dr. Christensen worked as a veterinary technician in several hospitals in New Jersey. While at Iowa State University, his experience focused on small animal medicine and surgery, including a surgical externship at the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha. Dr. Christensen's professional interests include small animal surgery and laser surgery, and he is a member of the AVMA and NJVMA.
When he is not at the clinic, Dr. Christensen's favorite activities are spending time with his family, mountain biking, and making trips to the Jersey Shore. He currently resides in Lake Tranquility with his wife Donna, their sons Riley, Nicholas, and Jack, two cats, and a dog.
BUILDING HOPE
Building Hope is the name of our Capital Fund Raising Campaign. We entered into an agreement to purchase the Waggin Tail property in Mt. Olive and expect to close on the purchase mid-2021. This state-of-the-art facility will replace the current leased facility that has been sold. When the purchase is completed, the rescued dogs will be housed comfortably in a clean, safe, stress-free environment while they await adoption to their forever family. Your much needed contribution to this endeavor will go a long way to helping homeless dogs in need.
ENHANCED ADOPTION CENTER – Rockaway Mall
In 2015, we were given the opportunity to move into the Rockaway Mall, in a space left vacant by a pet store. It houses kittens and cats and showcases them to the public during normal store hours. This adoption center has provided a tremendous opportunity for pets to be adopted quickly. The center is located inside the Rockaway Mall, on the lower level by Sears. The phone number is 973-970-0371
EVENTS
Eleventh Hour Rescue hosts and attends many types of events each year. First are our adoption events where our healthy, well behaved dogs and cats are brought to local events so the public can see them in hopes of getting them adopted. Some events are solely for Eleventh Hour Rescue and some are multi-agency with other rescue groups. Second are fund raising events and donation drives which take place at local businesses as well as our own facilities. Third, are awareness events. We are frequently invited to participate at events sponsored by other organizations where we will have an information table to distribute literature and discuss our mission with the general public. To see all of our upcoming events, please visit the Events tab above. In addition, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @EHRdogs
VOLUNTEERS
Eleventh Hour Rescue relies heavily on the efforts put forth by the best volunteer group ever. Many put in countless hours every week in different areas to help our homeless pets. Activities include helping at the kennel, transporting dogs to adoption events, fostering, assisting at events, fund raising, marketing, helping at the Enhanced Adoption Center at Rockaway Mall, facilities upkeep and more. We are always looking for more volunteers to assist in any capacity.
MEDICAL EXPENSES
Eleventh Hour Rescue spares no expense for the medical needs of our pets. Each new arrival is inspected by our staff for general wellness and overall health. When needed, we employ the services of veterinary professionals for a wide range of conditions. From mandatory rabies vaccinations to heartworm treatment to full blown surgical procedures, we want our pets to receive all the medical care they need to enjoy a full and healthy life.
SPAY and NEUTER PROGRAM
Overcrowding in local shelters around the country is the primary reason so many homeless pets are euthanized each year. We do our part in not contributing to that problem by requiring all of our adoptable pets to be spayed or neutered.
FOSTER PROGRAM
Eleventh Hour Rescue has an extensive Foster Family Program. These are volunteers who take in dogs or cats that match their lifestyle and home situation. The pets live with the Foster Family until they get adopted. Foster Families provide food, water and a warm, loving home in which the pet has an opportunity to live and thrive in a home environment. Foster Families bring their dog or cat to adoption events as much as possible to facilitate their adoption.
DONATIONS
Eleventh Hour Rescue relies heavily on the generosity of the community. Monetary donations and supplies are critical to our continuing success. Needed supplies are listed on our website. Monetary donations can be made online at: www.ehrdogs.org or mailed to: Eleventh Hour Rescue, PO Box 218, Rockaway, NJ 07866.
THANK YOU
And finally, Eleventh Hour Rescue sincerely thanks all of those who
have adopted from us, all the dedicated volunteers that make up this
organization, all of the donors and sponsors that allow us to continue
saving pets in their time of need and all of the local communities that
have supported us throughout the years. Thank you for everything
you do.
Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy: It is the policy of Eleventh Hour Rescue to provide an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and one that promotes equal opportunity and equitable treatment of ALL species. Any type of harassment or discrimination based on a person or animal’s race/breed, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, size, shape, health, temperament etc. is prohibited.
