ABOUT
US
Passionate About Rescue Dogs
Soulshine Dog Rescue was founded by Autumn Millhouse in 2020, who began rescuing dogs from Mexico in 2009—starting with her first rescue, Ellie (featured above). While in San Felipe, Mexico, Autumn passed a dog in need and had a moment that changed everything: “If I don’t go back and help, who will?” She did go back—and she’s never stopped.
Since then, Autumn has spent years learning rescue by fostering, transporting, and supporting dogs through various organizations, building the experience and relationships that guide Soulshine Dog Rescue. Autumn has personally fostered and rescued hundreds, and hundreds of dogs over the last 16 years, and her organization may be a small, but it is deeply committed to be run with integrity, care, and a focus on doing what’s best for each dog.
When she’s not running her home staging business in San Diego, Autumn dedicates her time to Soulshine Dog Rescue—caring for rescued dogs, coordinating fosters, arranging and funding medical care, screening adopters, transporting dogs to safety, events and new homes. From urgent shelter pulls to injured street dogs needing immediate treatment, she works closely with fosters, veterinarians, and volunteers to rescue as many dogs as possible each year. At home, she shares life with her partner James, and her four rescue dogs—Sherman, Dante, Pillar, and Rosie—who remind her every day why this work matters.
FAQ
-
San Diego–based, foster-home rescue — Soulshine Dog Rescue is based in San Diego and operates as a fully foster-based organization. Our dogs live in real homes—not a facility—so they can decompress, feel safe, and show us who they truly are.
-
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit — We are a recognized 501(c)(3), and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We take stewardship seriously and are committed to using support in a way that reflects both compassion and accountability.
-
Integrity-first, responsible rescuing — We don’t take shortcuts. From intake decisions to medical care to placement, we prioritize what is safest and most appropriate for each dog, the foster home, and the adopter—because responsible rescue protects dogs for the long term.
-
Volunteer-run and community-powered — Soulshine is built on volunteers and foster families who give their time, homes, and hearts. This model keeps the focus where it belongs: direct care, strong support, and ethical placement practices.
-
Proven impact — Soulshine has helped hundreds and hundreds of dogs find safety, receive the care they need, and get adopted into loving homes. We define success by stable outcomes and lifelong support, not quick turnover.
-
Thoughtful, responsible placements — We take time to learn each dog’s temperament and needs in foster care, then guide adopters toward a match that fits their lifestyle and home. Clear communication and realistic expectations are part of how we protect dogs after adoption. We are also big believers in the 3-3-3 Rule.
-
Lifetime commitment — We stand behind every dog we rescue. If an adopter is ever unable to care for their dog, that dog can always be returned to Soulshine—so they are never abandoned again.
-
We help even when we can’t intake — When foster capacity is full, we still do our best to support dogs in need. Depending on the situation, we may help with veterinary care, offer short-term fostering (including with our founder when possible), provide safety planning, and connect the dog with trusted rescue partners.
-
Partnerships and transport support — We collaborate with veterinarians, fosters, adopters, and rescue partners to expand what we can do responsibly. When needed, our founder also supports transport efforts to help dogs reach safety and appropriate placement.
-
Transparency you can trust — We communicate honestly about each dog: what we know, what we’re still learning, and what support may be needed. Our goal is for fosters, adopters, and donors to feel informed, respected, and confident in the work they’re supporting.