Amanda

Amanda (Reichenbach) Rivera, President and Founder

My entire life I have loved dogs and grew up with Beagles and Bassett Hounds. My love for Pomeranians began after adopting my first Pom, Sergio, in 2012 who proved a challenge both behaviorally and medically. Adopting Sergio opened my eyes to rescue and after following rescues on social media, it became apparent that not all animals end up in loving homes. This prompted my husband and I to do something about and we became foster pawrents.

After more than seven years fostering and serving on the board of a rescue, my closest friends and I decided to start our own rescue adventure and we created Peace Love and Poms Rescue. Our goal is to save Pomeranians and small breed dogs in need, provide them with the best care to help them thrive, and find them loving forever homes.

I have been a pediatric nurse since 2006 and graduated with my Master’s in Health Care Administration in 2017. My experience in health care has been a great asset for dogs in my care and will continue to prove useful for all the dogs that come into Peace Love and Poms Rescue.

Rescue is hard, but seeing dogs thrive and getting a second chance to live a life of love is what fuels our passion to continue our mission. My husband, German, is always encouraging me and is my biggest fan. He is a wonderful man who loves dogs as much as I do and an amazing support system for me and our furry children. We have been blessed in life and have so much love to give to Pomeranians and small breed dogs in need of a second chance.

 

 

Marja

Marja Toth, Vice President, Secretary, and Co-Founder

I grew up with dogs and have always enjoyed their company and even the challenges that sometimes come along with training and rehabilitation. I married my high school sweetheart back in 1978 and I’m blessed that we are still best buddies now that our 2 children are grown and out of our nest. We rescued our first Pomeranian back in the 90’s and that was it, we were hooked on the breed and that wonderful spunky lovable personality they have. I’ve been honored to share life with many dogs over the years. 

I've been very fortunate to have been part of the rescue community for years and I'm thrilled to be working with this particular group of women who are some of my dearest friends. Placing abused, neglected or surrendered dogs into their new forever homes with amazing loving families is one of the best things ever. Peace Love and Pom Rescue is a place where humans and dogs will experience kindness, love and family. I’m thankful and grateful for the opportunity to serve.

 

 

Rosemary

Rosemary Boncella, Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer

I have been an animal lover all my life. I have served on numerous fundraising committees for local shelters and have had my own pet sitting business. I got my first pom, Sammy, in 1995 and instantly fell in love with the breed. I have been owned by many poms since then! I have found that being involved in rescue is both hard and rewarding at the same time, but it’s so worth it. Being a small part of placing a dog in their perfect forever home just fills my heart. I’m so lucky to work with these incredibly committed, wonderful ladies.  

My husband & I live in Upstate NY with our 5 poms/pom mixes, Scooby, Sloan, Minnie, Thea & Autumn.