About us
Dauntless Rescue Inc is a non-profit 501(c)3, DBA The Street Dog Project that focuses primarily on rescuing dogs directly from the streets of Dallas, TX.
The Street Dog Project is comprised of a small group of volunteers who are passionate about saving street dogs. The project began when vulnerable, homeless pets in the Dallas area, truly needed us the most. Our goal is to reduce the street dog population through rescue, placement and outreach.
Since 2016 we’ve rescued hundreds of dogs from the streets and found them loving homes. We rely on our team members, neighborhood communities and our social media community for support to help us continue to bring awareness to the stray, abused, neglected, and homeless dogs in the Dallas area.
Our rescues start with rescuing an elusive dog from the streets. Sometimes Samaritans notify us about dogs that need to be rescued, and sometimes we find these dogs on our own. In most cases, they are hurt, malnourished, scared, or in danger of being hit by oncoming traffic. These search and rescue mission can take days, weeks, or even months but our team never gives up on a mission or a dog.
Upon rescue, dogs are taken straight to the vet, so they can be scanned for a microchip and a vet can attend to any emergency medical needs. Life on the streets is tough so a lot of the dogs we take in have medical needs that go beyond the norm. Heart-worm, mange, leg and eye injuries are some of the most common medical conditions we encounter.
Dallas has thousands of street dogs and our goal is to save as many as possible. We hope to raise awareness for the street dogs who just need a chance.
Our team
Rekka Melby
President
Rekka is a co-founder of The Street Dog Project and is currently serving as Co-President of the group. Her early volunteering was with a local shelter, walking/socializing dogs but in 2010, she went on her first street dog rescue and was hooked when a momma dog led the volunteers to her puppies, hidden under the floorboards of an abandoned house.
Rekka became an active volunteer with Take Me Home Pet Rescue and her passion for saving street dogs reached a whole new level in 2011, when a dog named Norah entered her life. Someone circulated a plea for help with Norah's photo right before a rare ice storm struck Dallas. Rekka and JP learned that Norah had lived in a drainage ditch along the interstate for four years (that's how long folks said they'd been feeding her). They spent months trying to rescue the elusive Norah and were finally able to save her after finding her newborn puppies hidden in the bushes of a nearby church. After hearing how long Norah had been on the streets, a lot of folks theorized she would be feral but within a few weeks, she quickly became Rekka's shadow and heart dog. We hope Norah's story of survival helps inspire more people to give shy and elusive street dogs a chance at a better life. There are few feelings better than being part of all the "firsts" when a shy dog starts coming around.
In 2012, Rekka co-founded Duck Team 6, the first street dog rescue in Dallas. She served in roles of Vice President from 2012-2014 and President in 2015 and then left to co-found The Street Dog Project. She has helped with hundreds of captures over the years and enjoys sharing what she's learned with new volunteers and Good Samaritans so more people will be equipped to save the street dogs that cross their path.
Sheli Steinert
Treasurer
Sheli is a co-founder of The Street Dog Project and is currently serving as Treasurer. Sheli was previously heavily involved with Duck Team 6, she set up and ran the outreach program which served hundreds of dogs and their families.
Thao Diep
Director, Secretary
Thao currently serves as the Director and Secretary for The Street Dog Project.
Her journey with the organization began in 2019 when she first fostered a 4-month-old street puppy named #ProjectEmmy, who was struggling with severe demodex. Deeply moved by Emmy’s resilience, spirit, and remarkable recovery, Thao realized Emmy was meant to be part of her family and adopted her. Emmy was then able to celebrate her first birthday in a loving forever home.
This experience ignited Thao’s dedication to The Street Dog Project, where she now contributes her expertise and passion to further the organization's mission.