OUR STORY
Desert Dog Project was founded to save dogs in the shelter system who are facing euthanasia for treatable medical conditions—because we’ve seen what happens when help comes too late.
Our work was inspired by Warlock, a shelter dog whose life was lost simply because he required medical care and had no one to advocate for him. Warlock’s story exposed a heartbreaking reality in the rescue world: dogs are euthanized every day not because they are aggressive, dangerous, or unlovable—but because they need medical treatment that overcrowded shelters cannot always prioritize or afford.
At Desert Dog Project, our mission is to intervene at the most critical moment. We primarily pull dogs from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control on or just before their euthanasia deadline, when it is clear they will not be medically “cleared” in time to remain in the shelter system. These dogs are immediately brought into our rescue program and placed into foster care, where they receive the medical attention they need right away.
In many cases, saving a life is as simple as treating a respiratory infection, kennel cough, or other minor illness with antibiotics. In other cases, dogs require diagnostics, surgery, or ongoing medical support. Regardless of the level of care required, we step in to ensure that cost is never the reason a dog loses their life.
As devoted partners of Maricopa County Animal Care & Control through our Shelter Dogs Medical Program, we fundraise to provide medical care for county dogs in need and work to eliminate the financial barriers that prevent deserving dogs from being treated.
MEET THE TEAM
Julia Correll
Julia has been a passionate dog rescue advocate since childhood, rescuing her first dog, Petey the Pittie, at age 12. She began volunteering in shelters in 2020 and discovered a deep calling in rehabilitating sick and overlooked dogs. After moving to Maricopa County in 2023, she continued her work with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, using her social platforms to raise awareness and support for dogs facing euthanasia due to medical needs.
As the driving force behind Desert Dog Project, Julia uses her voice to advocate for the voiceless, sharing stories that connect dogs to homes nationwide and helping raise funds for their care. She has a soft spot for grey pitties and is a dedicated mom to several of her own rescue dogs.
Julia serves as the Chair of the Board and operating President.
Courtney Agar
Courtney has loved dogs and rescue work since she was very young. Further enlivening her passion was her first dog, Callie, who she adopted through a local rescue in her home state of MN. After relocating to AZ, in 2021, she became deeply involved in the rescue community through active fostering and volunteering with Maricopa County shelters and other local rescues. Courtney and her husband, Doug, have focused on saving dogs especially at risk of euthanasia like fearful dogs, neglect cases, and those with medical needs.
Her heart for rescue continues to become more personal since she adopted one of her medical fosters herself after saving her from euthanasia. Courtney passionately believes every dog deserves a chance at a forever home regardless of the painful start to their lives. She and her husband share their home with two rescue dogs, Kaia (a Weimaraner) and Mochi (a Rottweiler saved from MCACC’s euthanasia list), with an ongoing commitment to always have a foster joining the pack. They have fostered and saved over 20 dogs.
Courtney serves as the Vice Chair of the Board and operating Vice President.