Judy Laceby, Vice President

If there’s been one constant in my life, it’s been dogs. Growing up we had a variety of beloved rescue dogs in our family. Then, as an adult, a proud little Scottish Terrier inspired me to leave my career in health care to become a professional dog trainer. I had a fulfilling and successful career, thanks in large part to that smart, independent little dog who was always by my side.

A few years ago I retired and moved from Toronto to Nova Scotia with my wife and our two dogs. With free time and a passion for helping dogs who are most in need, I found a home with Misfit Manor. This is a rescue focused on helping dogs that other rescues are often unable to accept. Frequently these dogs come to us with sad histories of neglect and/or need medical help unavailable anywhere else. Working with these dogs, bringing love and care into their lives allows us to witness incredible transformations. I continue to be amazed and inspired by their courageous spirits, their resilience and their willingness to trust and to love. It is truly a pleasure to work with this amazing group of people to find these dogs their forever homes.

JC Mongiat, Treasurer

While maintaining a career as a massage therapist I share my wife's passion for rescuing dogs and have been fortunate to have opened my home to countless dogs over the past dozen or so years. Providing a safe and healthy environment for the many disadvantaged dogs that find themselves in foster care has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. While in the past I have remained in the background, acting as a facilitator to Nahleen, I embrace this opportunity to manage the complex task of administering the finances of MMDRS. Always with the goal of transparency and clarity.

Nahleen Ashton, President and Founder

Ever since I can remember I have had a deep connection with animals of all sorts. I remember the first dog I ever had to medically care for. It was my cousin’s beagle, Cartouche. I think I was six and I begged to have the chance to keep her while he was away and promised that I would apply her ear drops every day. He agreed and I will never forget how good it felt to help another who couldn’t help herself.

Up until 15 years ago my professional life had been business in a large city working with many types of companies but always with the thought that somehow I would come back to that day when I was six. I began fostering for a large Montreal rescue and that led me to my present position as an owner of a boarding kennel and groomer.

Over the years I have rescued for various groups, both cats and dogs, young and old. Typically the physically or emotionally challenged cases have been the ones that I feel I can help the most given my experience and the support that I have available to me in my life; namely my husband, the rescue people I call friends and the trainers who help guide me

Our home includes myself and my husband, 6 rescue dogs, 7 rescue cats and a menagerie of special needs fosters, hence where the name Misfit Manor came from.

Kelly Nunn, Secretary

When the first dog I loved as an adult, Goldie, passed away at 11, I made a promise that I would do whatever I could to help senior dogs in her memory. I wasn’t sure what that would entail but I knew I would figure it out as life happened. Several years later, not forgetting my promise, I walked into a local shelter and asked to meet the oldest dog looking for a forever home. A week later I was the proud owner of 2 large seniors. One passed away a couple of years later but I had the “Old Girl” for 8 years and loved her more every year that she aged. I met Nahleen and Sonia of Misfit Manor Dog Rescue over 4 years ago and I knew I found “my people”- a rescue for senior and special needs dogs? Where do I sign up right now?? With Misfit Manor Dog Rescue I have been able to fulfill my dream of helping senior dogs. I am now so proud to be a member of the Board. Today I share my home with a senior rescue Chihuahua, an obnoxious senior cat, and a partner that, while being with me has learned the love of animals. I have an amazing family that supports me while I fulfill my promise to Goldie.

Bonnie Ashton, Director

Ever since I was a little girl I always have had a dog. Many have come and gone throughout the years but they remain close to my heart. I now have Jeb, who I adopted from Misfit Manor, a deaf cattle dog. Oh my.
As a child I had always wanted to be a vet, but there were other plans for me. A mother of 3 who works with special needs children. I am totally thrilled to be involved with Misfit Manor Dog Rescue. The chance to help out with special needs dogs, those who are broken and come from scary places. I'm grateful to help give them a second chance at life.

Placing Dogs in the Lap of Luxury

Bonnie Ashton, Director