Our Amazing Team

Daisy Scott

Our Rescue Inspiration

Daisy Grace serves as the beloved inspiration behind Daisy's Dane Sanctuary. In 2018, Chrissy unexpectedly came across a breeder in a Walmart parking lot, leading to the adoption of a precious Dane puppy later named Daisy. It soon became clear that Daisy was not just any dog; she became like one of Chrissy's children and her closest companion. Despite her adorable and affectionate nature, Daisy was also remarkably vocal and spirited. Thanks to her entertaining videos and playful banter with Chrissy, Daisy quickly amassed a following on social media, making her a beloved figure among many. Daisy later had a single litter of puppies, fostering meaningful connections between Chrissy and the new owners.

 

Tragically, on April 14, 2021, Daisy passed away following complications from a spaying procedure, leaving a profound emptiness in Chrissy's heart and in the hearts of all who had grown to adore her. However, Daisy's legacy endured. Motivated by the joy and love Daisy brought to countless lives, Chrissy and Neila (the mother of one of Daisy's puppies) chose to honor her memory by establishing Daisy's Dane Sanctuary.

The sanctuary's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Great Danes in need. By offering a secure refuge for these gentle giants, Chrissy and Neila aimed to provide other Danes with the same opportunity for a fulfilling life that Daisy experienced. DDS swiftly became a beacon of hope for numerous Great Danes who had been abandoned, mistreated, or neglected. Volunteers and supporters united around the cause, contributing their time, resources, and affection.

 

The social media platforms that once highlighted Daisy's adventures now showcase the remarkable transformations of rescued Danes, inspiring even more individuals to rally behind the cause. The sanctuary not only rescued countless dogs but also fostered a community of compassionate individuals committed to making a positive impact. Daisy's spirit endured in every wagging tail and every joyful bark, demonstrating that the love of one dog truly has the power to change the world.

Chrissy Scott

President/Co-Founder

chrissy@daisysdanesanctuary.com

816.721.9989

My name is Chrissy Scott and I am the President and Co-founder of Daisy’s Dane Sanctuary. I am a Project Manager at SS&C as well as a Dog Trainer. With 3 grown children and a lively pack of 4 Great Danes, my days are always filled with excitement!

 

My profound affection for Great Danes sparked when I encountered a breeder selling his last two puppies in a Walmart parking lot. Falling in love with a adorable female pup named Daisy marked the beginning of a treasured companionship that enriched my life with unforgettable moments. Though the pain of losing her suddenly lingers, our unique bond remains a constant challenge. Through Daisy’s Dane Sanctuary, I have found solace and a meaningful purpose, channeling my grief into a positive force.

 

Since its inception, Daisy’s Dane Sanctuary has surpassed my expectations. When starting this rescue, I anticipated that we would help a few Great Danes per month, I never dreamed how big we have grown and the impact we have made. We have rescued and found homes for over a hundred Great Danes, each with their own compelling narrative and individuality.

 

A gratifying aspect of this journey is witnessing the remarkable transformations of these dogs. Many arrive from neglectful or abandoned situations, and observing their journey to becoming happy, healthy pets underscores the significance of compassion and dedication. Our dedicated team of volunteers and supporters play a pivotal role in this process, and I am endlessly appreciative of their steadfast commitment.

 

Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and ambition for Daisy’s Dane Sanctuary. We plan to open an actual facility, allowing us to rescue and rehabilitate even more Great Danes. We envision a future where every Great Dane in need finds love, care, and a place to call home.

 

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of Daisy, whose memory continues to inspire and guide me. Her legacy lives on in every dog we rescue and every life we touch. To all our supporters, volunteers, and fellow dog lovers, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we are making a difference, one Great Dane at a time.

Neila Wright

Vice President/Co-Founder

Neila@daisysdanesanctuary.com

My name is Neila Wright, and I am the co-founder and Vice President of Daisy's Dane Sanctuary. My husband and I are business owners, and we have 5 children and 4 Great Danes. My passion for Great Danes began when I adopted Otis, one of Daisy’s pups from Chrissy in 2021. Surprisingly, I had never owned a dog before, but something about Otis's face captured my heart, and we decided to bring him into our family. That moment marked the beginning of my love for Danes, and we eventually welcomed 3 more into our pack, 2 of which became permanent members after being fostered through DDS.

 

Our journey hasn't been without challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the hardships. Seeing a once-neglected dog transform into a happy, healthy member of a loving family is an indescribable joy. We are grateful for the support of our community, volunteers, and fellow dog lovers who share our mission.

 

As we look to the future, we hope to expand our sanctuary, continue our outreach efforts, and rescue even more Great Danes in need. Each dog that comes through our doors leaves a paw print on our hearts, and we are committed to making a difference, one Dane at a time.

Jess Zink

Board Member

jess@daisysdanesanctuary.com

t’s me Jess, the fiancée/reason (see Wendy’s bio). I fell in love with Great Danes and started my search for one. I stumbled upon DDS and started showing dogs to Wendy. After 6-7 months we decided we were ready to help by fostering first. Our 2nd foster we failed and now we have the best Great Dane in the world (Aurora), we also have Griffin our black and tan coonhound. Soon after Chrissy and Neila asked me if I wanted to help them a little bit with the rescue while they had a busy spurt in life. Fast forward a year and I am still around. Rescue world/life isn’t easy but I have loved all the road trips I have been on to save some of these sweet Danes. With my ADHD I dabble in a bunch of different things mostly behind the scenes if I can help it.

Wendy Hatlestad

wendy@daisysdanesanctuary.com

816.659.2503

It all started when my Fiancé said she wanted a Great Dane. We agreed that fostering would be super rewarding and would be the best way to help the cause. We got our first Dane and shortly after that, she was asked to help and I helped behind the scenes. Little did we know we would both be fully involved within the year.

Being a foster based rescue, I decided that helping organize and coordinate the fosters was the best use of my skills. I mean after all, fostering is what set the hook in my heart to help such a great cause. 

 

I have always had a dog, from small (pugs) to medium (lab’s) to large (coonhounds) to giant (dane’s). Dogs are just part of the family. Over the years I’ve found that the bigger the dog the more love they have to give. 

Denna Kilgore

Care Specialist

Hello, I'm Denna, a mother of 2 grown children and 5 dogs, including 3 Great Danes. Professionally, I operate a pneumatic tanker for a local trucking company, with a decade of experience in the industry. My journey with DDS began during the Miami County case, where I volunteered to care for the dogs on a daily basis. Since then, I've been committed to supporting this cause by fostering and assisting where needed, finding joy in making a difference in the animals' lives.

 

My experience with DDS has been incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the dogs' transformation from fearful and uncertain to content and healthy warms my heart. Each dog has a unique story and personality, and being part of their journey to a loving forever home is a cherished responsibility.

Julia Sjuts

Medical Coordinator

julia.sjuts@daisysdanesanctuary.com

Hello, I'm Julia Sjuts, the Medical Coordinator at DDS. Recently, I also joined the Behavior and Training team. I’m in the healthcare field when not volunteering at DDS. At home, my partner Jeremy and I share a lively and loving household with our blended family of four children, three dogs, and a cat. Although we dream of more pets, we treasure every moment with our current furry companions. In my healthcare role, I derive immense joy from helping both people and animals to create a positive impact in their lives.

 

My passion for rescues ignited during the Miami County rescue in January 2024, prompting me to further explore the world of animal rescue. My steadfast dedication and empathy drive my commitment to Daisy's Danes.

Liz Skidmore

Compliance Specialist

417.576.4346

My name is Liz Skidmore.

My husband and I live in Bolivar, Mo and we both have a love of all animals. We have 4 grown kiddos, 2 grandkids, our 2 fur babies and 4 grand fur babies. I have worked in higher education for 20+ years and I have a passion for compliance. I recently started volunteering with DDS to help in that area.

 

I love what DDS stands for and all the great work they do, so it was an easy decision to start volunteering for them.

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