Introducing Fynn's Friends Fund: One Dog's Legacy, Countless New Chances

On September 28, what would have been Fynn's seventh birthday, New Hope Dog Rescue launched Fynn's Friends Fund, a one-time donation matching campaign created in honour of a dog whose impact continues to be felt long after his passing.

From September 28 to October 28, 2026, Jen and Logan, former New Hope adopters and fosters, are matching all general donations dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Every gift made during the campaign will help provide veterinary care, food, supplies, and foster support for dogs waiting for their forever homes.

For Jen and Logan, this campaign is more than a fundraiser. It's a way to honour a dog who changed their lives and helped shape the lives of many other rescue dogs along the way.

When Jen first met Fynn in Saskatoon, she wasn't actively searching for another dog. She had come to meet a litter of puppies described as husky-shepherd mixes and immediately noticed one with a particularly calm, sweet nature. While the other puppies tumbled around, Fynn seemed content to simply be near people. Jen fell in love with him instantly and brought him home that same day.

Over the years, Fynn grew into the kind of dog people remember long after they've met him. He "talked" to his family with enthusiastic aroos when he was excited, came running at the sound of a bag of lettuce opening, and greeted just about every person and dog as though they were already a friend. Whether he was racing across a snowy yard, swimming at the beach or curling up beside his family for a quiet evening, Fynn approached life with joy, gentleness and an open heart.

What nobody could have predicted when he was adopted as a puppy was the role he would eventually play in helping other rescue dogs.

Years later, after New Hope responded to a large hoarding situation and issued an urgent call for foster homes, Jen and Logan decided to step forward. They knew firsthand what rescue had given them. Without New Hope, they would never have had the chance to know and love Fynn. Fostering felt like a meaningful way to give something back.

As foster dogs began arriving in their home, Fynn quickly became an important part of their journey. Some dogs came through the door frightened and unsure of their surroundings. Others had experienced neglect and needed time to learn that they were safe. Again and again, Jen watched those dogs gravitate toward Fynn.

His calm confidence helped them settle into routines. His gentle nature helped nervous dogs relax. Before long, they would begin to trust the people around them, show their personalities and prepare for life with their future families.

The experience gave Jen and Logan a front-row seat to the importance of foster-based rescue. Unlike traditional shelters, foster-based rescues rely on volunteers to welcome dogs into their homes, giving them a safe and stable environment while they wait for adoption. Those homes provide far more than a temporary place to stay. They help dogs learn routines, build confidence and receive individualized care.

If you'd like to learn more about how fostering works, check out: "What Foster-Based Rescue Means and Why It Matters."

Fynn wasn't one of Jen and Logan’s foster dogs, but he became a beloved foster brother to many of them in their home, helping them through some of the most important transitions of their lives.

In September, Fynn became suddenly and critically ill. After receiving devastating medical news, Jen and Logan made the heartbreaking decision to let him go peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved him. The loss was profound.

Anyone who has loved a dog understands that grief. They're never "just a pet." They become part of your family, your routines and your life's milestones. When they're gone, the space they leave behind feels impossible to fill.

As they navigated that loss, Jen and Logan began thinking about how they wanted to honour Fynn's memory. Their answer became Fynn's Friends Fund.

"New Hope brought Fynn into our lives when he was eight weeks old," says Jen. "Because someone made sure he had a chance, we had nearly seven years with a dog who changed our family and helped us welcome so many other rescue dogs. Losing him has been devastating. We wanted to do something meaningful with the love we still have for him, and helping New Hope care for other dogs felt like a way to carry his kindness forward."

Their hope is that this campaign will help more dogs receive the same chance Fynn received. A chance to be safe, heal, and become part of a family.

At its heart, this campaign is about the ripple effect of one act of kindness.

Someone once supported rescue efforts that allowed Fynn to find his way into Jen and Logan's life. Because of that opportunity, Fynn went on to help foster dogs feel safe and confident. Those dogs then found loving homes of their own. Today, years later, his story is inspiring a campaign that will help even more dogs receive the care they need.

That's how rescue works. One chance creates another.

This campaign also comes at a time when rescues across Canada continue to rely heavily on foster homes and community support to meet the needs of vulnerable dogs. Every donation helps ensure dogs can access medical care, safe housing, proper nutrition and the individualized attention they need as they prepare for adoption.

Be the Difference for a Dog Waiting Today

Fynn thrived with his chance. Today, somewhere in Saskatchewan, another dog is still waiting for theirs.

They're waiting for veterinary care. Waiting for a foster home. Waiting for someone to believe they're worth the effort and the investment. Waiting for the opportunity to become someone's best friend.

That's where you come in. From now until October 28, 2026, every donation will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, thanks to Jen and Logan's generosity. While the match doubles the impact of your gift, it's your decision to give that makes the real difference.

By supporting Fynn's Friends Fund, you're helping provide the care and support that rescue dogs need while they wait for a family of their own. More importantly, you're helping write the next success story.

Fynn's story has already been written. His legacy is secure in the lives he touched and the dogs he helped. The next story hasn't been written yet. You can help create it.

Donate through CanadaHelps: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/new-hope-dog-rescue-inc/p2p/FynnsFriendsFund/

This content is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary, behavioural, or training advice. New Hope Dog Rescue is not responsible for any actions taken based on this content. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or qualified professional regarding your pet's specific health, behaviour, or care needs.