12/16/2025
Think Batman and Robin, or PB and J, or even coffee and sunny mornings. Well, Ann and Mike Kempf are Foothill Dog Rescue’s very own iconic duo.
This duo has been opening their hearts and homes to Foothill dogs since 2017. Living in the heart of the Foothills, they share their home with four resident dogs and cats, and love being outdoors.
Ann and Mike’s journey with Foothill began when some friends who fostered dogs kept trying to recruit them by introducing them to different foster pups. They jokingly say, “We weren’t sure if we’d be able to give up our fosters and be the next case on Hoarders. But eventually we decided to try and have been going ever since.”
Stout was their first official foster, and since then, time and time again, they have opened their hearts and homes. Ann and Mike both try their very best to “never say no,” and that makes it possible for us to say yes to so many dogs and pups in need!
Not only do they foster dogs and pups, but they also foster kittens for a local organization. If you ask them, they may even say they have become at times “the special house.” By this, they mean they have taken in pups with parvo, neurological cases, and other extraordinary challenges, like amputations and more.
Ann has also generously helped with community vaccine clinics, transport, and picking up supplies, including entire pallets of food, and so much more, showing her dedication goes far beyond fostering.
Ann and Mike reflect, “When we got our first special case, we wondered why, with so many healthy dogs, we were trying to save someone who was ‘different.’ But once we got to know them, our answer was quickly given. These dogs and cats have taught us and reminded us that just because they were different, challenged, and special, they were valued! They were worthy of love and that we needed to see their heart, not their challenge.” The Kempf household has become a soft place to land for so many amazing dogs.
After being involved for eight years, some dogs inevitably leave a permanent paw print on their hearts. Summing up these special ones in a few words isn’t easy, but Ann and Mike did a wonderful job. First up, they shared: “Rocker was a tripod with an amazing zest for life. Don’t ask him to go slow—he was a zoomer! We knew his potential adopters were his person when we saw them walk together. They were totally in sync, and they’re living the dream in Tahoe.”
Next, they remembered, “Our second rescue that really made an impression was Marv. He was adopted out by another rescue and was then diagnosed with distemper, losing both his hearing and sight. But don’t tell him, he had no idea. Try yelling for a deaf dog… it doesn’t work. But again, Marv taught us to be open to all things. He was an amazing little dude with so many lessons to teach and so much love to give. He was adopted by an amazing couple with a golden retriever who became his seeing-eye dog. Now that’s pretty cool.”
Both Rocker and Marv, along with all the other rescue dogs that have come through the Kempfs’ home, show gratitude by loving “with their whole hearts,” and in return, they receive the same from Ann and Mike.
Rescue isn’t easy, and the Kempfs are honest about it. When asked how they handle the emotional side, they said, “There are times that we get really frustrated… why these amazing dogs are even in these situations.” While fostering can feel like “a bandaid to a much larger problem,” they focus on what they can do: “Opening our home and hearts is what we CAN do.” After each adoption, there’s a period of grieving,” we come home to a quiet house”but knowing their foster is safe and loved in an adoptive home makes it worth it. And as they say, “there’s always another pup waiting to fill that spot.”
Their passion continues because the need never stops. “Please, put us out of business!” they shared. Empty shelters, full homes, and full hearts, that’s the dream.
With a supportive husband (thanks, Mike!), an incredibly patient pack of dogs who mentor newcomers, dog-savvy cats, and a willingness to wake up at 2:00 a.m. for feedings, it truly takes a village. And every member of the Kempf household shows up, time and time again.
Thank you, Ann & Mike, for being such an incredible part of the Foothill family. Because of you, so many dogs, especially the extra-special ones, have known nothing but love, safety, and second chances. We are so grateful for you today, and every day! ❤️🐾
