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Meet the Board
Who We Are
Madeline D'Hondt
President & Secretary
My name is Madeline, but go by Maddie, Mad, Mads, or Maddlebugs in the rescue. I am a lifelong animal lover and proud foster and human mama. I honestly can’t remember a time growing up when I didn’t have a dog by my side. I was a classic horse girl, always dreaming of having a farm filled with every animal imaginable. While that dream farm is still in progress, I took the first big step in 2023 by opening my home to fosters — and since then, I’ve had the joy and honor of caring for over 50 animals.
Pink Paw Rescue was born out of love and loss.
We lost our family dog, Rosie, and her passing changed me in ways I never expected. Her absence left a hole in my heart, but it also sparked a deep clarity — this is what I want to do with my life. I want to speak for the voiceless, love the forgotten, and fight for every single one who deserves a second chance.
At home, I’m surrounded by my greatest joys: my two daughters, my high school sweetheart and best friend Jordan, two quirky cats, and our rescue pup, Ozzy. When I’m not busy with the rescue, you’ll find me rewatching comfort shows, playing video games with Jordan, or outside playing with our girls.
This rescue isn’t a project — it’s part of who I am. It’s how I honor Rosie. It’s how I cope with the grief of losing her. And it’s how I make sure her legacy lives on. Every animal we save is a tribute to her. For those we can’t save, we love them fiercely until it’s their time to join Rosie across the rainbow bridge.
Haley Howard
Vice President & Treasurer
Hiya! My name is Haley and I am the treasurer for the Pink Paw Animal Rescue. I am a wife, a mother of two wonderful kiddos and a marine corps veteran. I am midwest born & raised, but excited to be living in beautiful Alaska. Since I was young, I’ve loved animals. I secretly had my own “rescue” starting around 13, where if I saw an animal in need I’d bring it home with me. (Thanks mom & dad for always taking care of them, and not kicking me out when I hid a puppy under my blankets.)
I love spending time with my family, reading, video games, and spending time outdoors. I think everyone can make an impact in the world around them, and I can’t wait to see what we can do together with this rescue!
Jordan D'Hondt
Checks and Balances/Moral Support
Hey there — I’m Jordan, Director of the Pink Paw Project, husband to Madeline, and a proud supporter of animal rescues here in Fairbanks. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals. Growing up, I had everything from ferrets to bunnies, and of course, dogs. Animals have just always been a big part of my life.
One of the toughest things I’ve been through was losing my childhood dog, Rocky, in 2024. Since then, I’ve been proud to be a hospice home for rescue animals — giving them love, comfort, and a peaceful place to say goodbye. It helps knowing they’re not alone, and that they’re going on to be with Rocky and Rosie.
When Maddie first said she wanted to start fostering, I wasn’t totally on board. I knew it would be a lot. But looking back now, I’m glad she pushed for it. We’ve opened our home to a lot of animals since then — each one with their own story — and it’s been incredibly rewarding. One of those fosters turned into a permanent family member: our boy Ozzy. The moment we met him, it just clicked. He was meant to be ours.
Helping other people find their Ozzy — that’s what keeps me going.
Rosie, our other pup, was Maddie’s dog through and through, but she was part of our family. Making the decision to let her go was one of the hardest things we’ve done. She wasn’t herself anymore, and it wasn’t safe. That loss hit us hard, and it’s what sparked the idea for this rescue. The Pink Paw Project exists because of Rosie — and for dogs like her.
Now, I’m stepping into a bigger role here — partly to support Madeline, and partly to keep her grounded when her heart takes the wheel (which is most of the time). But more than anything, I’m here to make a difference — one animal at a time.
