Why we do what we do
National Mill Dog Rescue was founded in 2007 because of one remarkable little dog named Lily.
An Italian Greyhound rescued by Founder and Executive Director Theresa Strader from a dog auction in Missouri, Lily had spent the first seven years of her life as a commercial breeding dog. Confined to a small wire cage and forced to produce litter after litter, she had never known the comfort, care, or companionship every dog deserves.
When Lily was rescued, the effects of years of neglect were devastating. Like many dogs from commercial breeding facilities, she had received little to no veterinary care. Severe dental disease had caused the roof of her mouth and part of her lower jaw to deteriorate. She suffered from mammary tumors and was terrified of people.
Yet despite everything she had endured, Lily’s spirit remained.
Determined that Lily’s suffering would not be in vain, Theresa brought Lily and twelve other dogs home from the auction and began the challenging work of rehabilitation. Through Lily’s journey, she witnessed both the cruelty of the puppy mill industry and the incredible resilience of the dogs who survive it. National Mill Dog Rescue was born from that experience.
Since then, NMDR has rescued more than 21,000 dogs and built a nationwide community dedicated to giving vulnerable dogs the second chances they deserve. Through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, education, and advocacy, we work every day to help dogs heal, trust again, and find loving homes.
Lily spent the remainder of her life surrounded by love, warmth, and compassionate care. In time, she found the courage to trust, and her story helped educate thousands of people about the realities faced by dogs in commercial breeding facilities.
When Lily passed away in 2008, she was peacefully at home with the family who loved her. Her life inspired a movement that continues today.
Every dog who enters NMDR’s care is part of Lily’s legacy—a reminder that healing is possible, second chances matter, and every dog deserves to be valued for who they are.