The Woody's Place Team
Dawn Mimnaugh - Founding President, Website/social media Administrator, & Primary Caretaker of the Sanctuary
During her childhood, Dawn formed a strong bond with her German Shepherd companion, Maxine. They would often be seen together in Maxine's dog box, playing and enjoying each other's company. As an adult, Dawn welcomed a new furry friend into her life - a black German Shepherd named Levi Jane. Levi Jane quickly became the center of Dawn's world until the unfortunate day of her passing. Dawn's involvement in dog rescue began when she volunteered for a German Shepherd rescue organization in Philadelphia from 2005 to 2011. In 2007, she took on the challenge of fostering a 10-year-old male German Shepherd named Woody, who had been surrendered to a shelter in New Jersey because his owner was deployed while serving in the military. Recognizing Woody's unique qualities and the urgent need to rescue senior German Shepherds like him, Dawn decided to establish Woody’s Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary, Inc., leveraging her experience working with these loyal companions. The sanctuary officially obtained non-profit status as a 501(c) (3) organization in March 2011. When not dedicating her time to activities at Woody’s Place, Dawn can be found caring for her assortment of chickens, goats, indoor and outdoor cats; spending quality time with loved ones; engaging in outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking; immersing herself in nature; undertaking home improvement projects; and pursuing continuous education opportunities.
Dawn can be reached at DMimnaugh@wpsgss.org
Brooke Slater | Vice President, Social Media Administrator
As a passionate advocate for both animals and the outdoors, I bring a unique perspective to my role as Vice President and Social Media Administrator.
My journey began with a deep love for mixed-breed dogs, which has shaped my commitment to fostering community through shared interests. After serving in the Army, where I honed my leadership skills and resilience, I embraced a new chapter as a dedicated stay-at-home mom and dog mom.
My family and I thrive on camping trips and outdoor adventures, which fuel my creativity and inspire my work in social media management. I believe that authentic storytelling and connection are key to building impactful online communities. With a strategic mindset and an eye for engaging content, I aim to elevate brands and create meaningful conversations.
Brittany Rafferty - Secretary
Brittany, a dedicated Registered Nurse with the Veteran's Administration with a specialization in wound care, committed to enhancing patient outcomes through compassionate and evidence-based practices.
My journey has been deeply intertwined with my love for animals, especially as a volunteer at Woody's Place, where I leverage my hands-on experience with dogs to support their well-being.
At the sanctuary, I wear many hats—organizing fundraising events, managing transport logistics, and handling various administrative duties—all while cherishing the moments spent with my fur nephew, Rocky.
My upbringing surrounded by German Shepherds has instilled in me a profound understanding of animal care and advocacy.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I treasure quality time with my husband Bill and our son Owen. Together, we explore the great outdoors through hiking and kayaking, or unwind with a good book. I believe in living life to the fullest, blending my passions for healthcare and animal welfare into a fulfilling lifestyle.
Woody's Place relies on dedicated volunteers to support their mission of aiding homeless senior German Shepherds.