Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Pedersen.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Space Coast Frenchie Rescue was founded on November 1, 2023, with a mission rooted in experience and compassion. As a former Frenchie breeder, I made the decision to step away from breeding after my last litter and shift my focus to helping French Bulldogs in need.
What started as a personal commitment quickly turned into a full-scale effort. I began noticing a troubling increase in Frenchies showing up in shelters, along with a surge in irresponsible backyard breeders—many right here in my own community.
I never imagined the rescue would grow so quickly. In our first year, we’ve taken in over 300 dogs, and as of today, 93 dogs for 2025. We rescue French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs from shelters and accept owner surrenders,
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Rescue is, without a doubt, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Every day, I’m faced with heartbreaking situations—neglect, abuse, suffering—and I’m forced to make decisions that weigh heavily on me. It’s emotionally exhausting, and some days, the sadness feels overwhelming.
Surprisingly, the animals are the easy part. They’re resilient, forgiving, and grateful for even the smallest kindness. The most challenging part of rescue is dealing with people. Whether it’s owners surrendering pets, other rescues, adopters, or critics online, the human element often brings the most stress.
No matter how much we give or how hard we try, we’re constantly criticized—whether it’s because someone didn’t agree with a decision we made, or because there was one more dog we couldn’t save. The truth is, we do everything we can with the resources we have. And while we can’t help every dog, we fight like hell for the ones we can.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Space Coast Frenchie Rescue, our work is centered on saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs in need. We take in dogs from shelters, owner surrenders, and urgent medical cases—often the dogs that others turn away. Many come to us with severe medical conditions, behavioral challenges, or as victims of neglect and backyard breeding.
We specialize in giving second chances to bulldogs with complex needs. From paralyzed dogs to severe skin conditions, to those needing surgeries or long-term care—we never shy away from a tough case. Our experience in the breed allows us to manage their unique medical and emotional needs, and we partner closely with veterinarians, trainers, and fosters to ensure every dog receives the highest level of care.
What sets us apart is our hands-on, breed-specific knowledge, and our unwavering commitment to ethical rescue. We’re not afraid to speak up about irresponsible breeding, and we work to educate the public on the importance of health testing, proper care, and lifelong commitment.
We’re most proud of the impact we’ve made in such a short time. We have an incredible team, and SCFR wouldn’t be what it is today without them. I am beyond grateful for the volunteers who consistently show up for us—time and time again—in the most amazing and selfless ways. Their dedication, compassion, and hard work are the heart of this rescue.
In addition to running SCFR, I also work full-time in IT Project Management. I’m married to my husband, Mike, and we share our home with a Frenchie named Rux—who proudly serves as the rescue’s CEO—an English Bulldog named Bentley, and two Sphynx cats, Gomez and Morticia.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We’re always looking for fosters, volunteers, and of course—adopters!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/spacecoastfrenchierescue
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/spacecoastfrenchierescue
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/spacecoastfrenchierescue/
