Golden Heart Animal Rescue, formerly known as Pink Paw Project, officially launched on May 16th, 2025. Since our beginning, we’ve experienced incredible growth and transformation in a short time. While our name has changed, our mission and values remain exactly the same. We are still the same dedicated rescue—committed to compassion, second chances, and giving every animal the golden-hearted care they deserve.
Meet the Board
Madeline D'Hondt
President
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.
Golden Heart, 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
Hiya! My name is Haley and I am the Vice president, of Golden Heart 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
Secretary & "Checks and Balances"
Hey there — I’m Jordan, Director and Secretary of Golden Heart Animal Rescue, 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, cats and 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 rescue 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.
The Pink Paw Rescue was created in memory of a truly special soul — Rosie.
Rosie wasn’t just a pet. She was family. She was deeply loved, and she gave that love back tenfold. With her sweet heart — and sometimes not-so-gentle paws — she left a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
It is painful to share that Rosie is no longer with us, due to behavioral euthanasia. Rosie came from a backyard breeder, and with that came challenges her family could never have anticipated. Her mind often struggled to find peace, leading to a series of behavioral issues that, despite extensive professional training, in-home support, and medication, ultimately proved too much to overcome. After exhausting every option, her family made the heartbreaking decision to let her rest after the recommendation of her vet.
Losing Rosie reminded us of the thousands of animals who are never given a real chance — to feel love, safety, and most importantly, to be advocated for.
Rosie was never a “lost cause.”
She was misunderstood. She was hurting. And she mattered.
Every day, countless animals face neglect, abandonment, and suffering. They are without voices, without homes, and often without hope. Rosie's memory became the spark that lit a bigger mission: to be the voice for the voiceless. To save the lives that others overlook. To give every paw the chance to heal — and every heart the love it deserves.
The Pink Paw Rescue is Rosie's legacy.
Every rescue, every adoption, every life we save is done in her honor.
We carry Rosie's spirit with us in everything we do — healing hearts and saving lives, one paw at a time.
Rosie's Story
Our Mission
Dedication to Animals
At Golden Heart Animal Rescue, our mission is unequivocal: to unite each animal with their perfect forever home. We endeavor to foster enduring connections between pets and families, ensuring a harmonious and rewarding companionship for both. Every adoption marks the beginning of a beautiful success story.
Through our unwavering care, we aim to enhance the lives of abandoned animals and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Our mission is to spread love, delight, and contentment by uniting animals with caring families who will treasure and nurture them unconditionally.
Meet Our Team
At the core of our organization is a dedicated team of individuals wholeheartedly devoted to the welfare of every animal. From medical aid to finding the ideal home, our team works tirelessly to ensure that all our furry companions receive the love and attention they rightfully deserve. Get to know the incredible people behind our cause.
