Our Story
The South Hills Pet Rescue story begins with dog behaviorist Nick Ferraro’s early tenure at South Hills Pet Resort. Nick was managing the resort when Ashley Rittle reached out for help with her dog, Nyla. It was kismet for Nick and Ashley! The couple later welcomed their son, Lawson in May 2012, and then in June, they purchased the Resort with plans to expand its boarding and training services.
But just two months later, in August 2012, the new parents were called on to help a local rescue overwhelmed with dogs scheduled for euthanasia at a high-kill shelter. Nick and Ashley expected to take in 13 dogs, but 62 were dropped off, maxing out the Resort’s capacity. Despite the financial strain of losing boarding income, they devoted themselves to rehabilitating each dog and finding them loving homes. That life-changing experience made one thing clear: there was a desperate need for a no-kill rescue dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming dogs.
In 2013, Nick and Ashley were married, and Ashley left her marketing career to join Nick full-time at their newly founded South Hills Pet Rescue (SHPR), which in 2014 became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to “save all breeds with all needs.” Since then, SHPR has remained committed to taking in dogs that other rescues or shelters can’t or won’t, regardless of a dog’s behavior, background, or breed.
At SHPR, Nick handles all behavioral work, both on-site and in adopters’ homes. He also maintains the facility, makes home visits to check on dogs, and personally meets with potential adopters. When she can, Ashley volunteers behind the scenes to help keep things running smoothly.
Today, SHPR relies on a small but powerful three-person team. Alongside Nick are our incredibly dedicated kennel managers, Cheryl and Jeremy. Together, they field calls, coordinate rescues, manage adoptions, run fundraising events, and ensure the facility remains a safe and welcoming place for every dog who walks through its doors.
Nick, Ashley, Cheryl, Jeremy, and our dedicated SHPR volunteers are building more than a rescue. We’re building a family and a community devoted to giving second chances to the dogs we love so much.
Where do South Hills Pet Rescue dogs come from?
Many of our dogs are brought to us by local animal control officers or humane officers. Others have been abandoned by their families or surrendered by their owners for various reasons. Some dogs arrive after having been picked up because they’re running loose and are in danger of being hit by a car or causing issues in a community. And sometimes, dogs come to us having been saved just in the nick of time from being euthanized at overcrowded shelters which can no longer care for them.
No matter how they arrive, each dog at SHPR receives the time, patience, care, and training needed to become an adoptable, loving companion. Dogs who are not adopted will remain with us for life, continuing to receive devoted attention from our team of caring volunteers. All of our residents enjoy walks, playtime, and socialization—whether they’re with us for just a short time or remain lifelong members of our SHPR family.
We hope to always be SAVING ALL BREEDS WITH ALL NEEDS!