Canine Crusaders

08/12/2026

WOW!!! We are utterly speechless right now! We’ve exceeded last year’s Erie Gives donations by $1,000!!! We want to express our sincere gratitude, for your generosity! As we mentioned yesterday, 100% of your donations go directly into recovery efforts! THANK YOU, for donating to our small by MIGHTY group!! 🐾 💗 🐕

08/11/2026

Another happy tail, of your donations hard at work!!!

4 months

28 trips to and from Mercer County, equating to a minimum of 3 hours per trip

3,100 miles

Many drone flights

Multiple Missy traps

Many sleepless nights camping in a van

That’s the story of Clyde’s rescue in a nutshell!

Clyde was adopted, and went to live with another Great Pyrenees, learning the ways of a farm dog. Almost immediately, he got loose. He remained on the lamb for 4 long months.

Upon learning of Clyde’s escape back in March, Staci immediately reached out, but didn’t hear anything back from his family. Fast forward 3 months of no word, and BOOM-Clyde’s owner commented on a post about another lost dog. He indicated that he was aware of Clyde‘s whereabouts, and was building a trap.

Marcia Combine and Hope Marie connected with Clyde’s owner, and learned that Clyde had taken up residence on a neighboring farm-about 1/2 a mile away from his home! Michael Valerio set out to set up multiple Missy traps, and spent the next 3 and 1/2 weeks dedicated to successfully recovering Clyde.

Every single day, multiple times a day, Michael drove to Mercer County to maintenance the traps, refresh many food stations, and camp out-to ensure that he was close by if Clyde entered the trap. He put over 3,100 miles on his vehicle. OPERATION CLYDE put a large dent in our limited funds-over $1,500!!! Not only did it dent our funding, but Michael paid at least $400 out of his own pocket, as did some of our other volunteers. In addition to Michael’s many trips, Marcia and Hope also made lengthy trips to bait the traps. Michael, Michelle, Hope, and Staci watched cameras around the clock.

A couple of big hurtles Michael faced with this particular case, was Clyde’s keen awareness of the Missy trap; and a gang of skunks. Not only did Clyde’s food need replenished, but Michael was also replenishing food plots for the many skunks. Dogs in survival mode typically come out at night to eat. However, despite Michael’s amazing efforts, the skunks would wipe out the food supply by the time Clyde made his way to the trap. We had not had this issue previously, and weren’t quite sure how to address it. The only solution was to condition Clyde to the Missy trap; and to a new eating schedule. Clyde would show up during the day, but there were workers frequently there, that unintentionally and unknowingly scared him away. Eventually though, Clyde’s persistence to get a good meal paid off, and he was successfully trapped!!

Please consider making a donation today, of any amount, for Erie Gives 💗 🐾!

https://www.eriegives.org/organization/canine-crusaders-erie

08/10/2026

One more day until Erie Gives! Your donations were hard at work, saving another precious pup last night! We received a message from Bill Warner Sr. a few days ago, about a dog that had been frequenting his property for the past week. He lives close to a popular dog dumping grounds, and this dog appeared to have some fur loss. Bill was referred to us by our friends at Erie Animal Network. Staci Lynd began acquiring information, and giving Bill guidance. Within a day and a half of receiving the report, Michael Valerio set out to set up the Missy trap. Something triggered the door to close, and of course the dog showed up wanting that chicken, and couldn’t get in! Michael was there within a few minutes, resetting everything perfectly, so that he could trap this pup. Not even 30 minutes later, and he returned!! Thanks to Bill and Donna for keeping him company, while Michael got everything ready for transport! He is now at the Erie Humane Society, and will eventually be ready for adoption-if no owners come forth. We hear that “Valerio” is a complete cuddle bug!!

It truly does take a village! Again, please consider making a donation tomorrow, during Erie Gives. Every little bit helps us continuing to do what we do. Thank you!! 💗 🐾 🫶🏻

08/09/2026

Erie Gives is only a few days away! All donations-big or small, help us keep our mission alive. We are a small nonprofit, and are extremely grateful for your support!

Tonight’s testimony is from Kristin Wisniewski Davis:

It was just over a year ago (Monday, June 30th to be exact) that Sammy made his great escape. I had adopted him only 10 days earlier and on top of being in an unfamiliar place, he was also very shy and extremely skittish. Somehow he managed to slip out the front door, gave one quick look back after calling his name and then he took off on his three day adventure.

We spent the evening driving around the Grubb Road/Love Road area following up on sightings. We spotted him twice but every time we tried to approach him he would take off. Eventually, we had to suspend the search Monday evening because it was getting dark and a lot harder to see him.

Early Tuesday morning, Sammy was spotted near a barn off of Grubb Road. We tried to keep him in sight, but he ran across the road into Creekside Subdivision, weaving through yards and making it increasingly difficult to track him. Around that same time, I reached out to the wonderful folks at Canine Crusaders. Michael came out and set up food plots, placed scent items in the area where Sammy had last been seen and set up a camera to monitor for activity. We also contacted a pet recovery specialist from Ohio who uses thermal drones to help locate lost animals. He did everything he could, but because the airport is so close, FAA restrictions limited how high the drone could fly. The dense summer foliage made spotting Sammy even more difficult. We also posted missing signs in the area with Sammy’s picture and my phone number that Michael kindly provided. We even ventured down to Veteran’s Park and searched Walnut Creek in case Sammy made his way over to that area, without any luck.

After a day and a half without any confirmed sightings, I received a phone call around 1 a.m. on the morning of July 3rd from this very nice couple who had spotted Sammy walking on Grubb Road. They were doing their best to keep track of him without scaring him away. I immediately called Michael and he headed to the area to set up traps. He was able to spot Sammy as well, confirming that he was still nearby. Michael stayed until about 3:30 a.m. hoping Sammy would enter one of the traps, but he never did. Then, at 5:30 that same morning, I received a call from Michael letting me know Sammy had made it into a trap!

I rushed over there and the tears started flowing. After days of searching, worrying and wondering if we would ever get him home, I couldn’t believe it was finally real. None of this would have been possible with Canine Crusaders. I cannot thank them enough for everything they do for our missing pets. We are truly so lucky to have them ♥️🐾

08/08/2026

Michael Valerio received a call about this little man the other night. He didn’t think twice, ran out, and brought little man to safety. Little “Wesley” is now up for adoption, at the ANNA Shelter!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EhuSSEypL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hi! My name is Wesley! I am a one year old neutered male Pit Bull. I am 34 pounds. I came here as a stray and sadly no one was looking for me. I am super sweet and love attention. I seem to get along well with other dogs but haven't met any kitties here yet. I would love a new chance and a new life as your dog. If you'd like to come and meet me, please come to the shelter during our adoption hours - Mondays and Wednesdays noon – 7, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, noon - 5 or Saturdays, noon - 4. Emails are fine but if you really are interested in me - please just come into the shelter. Sometimes, by the time the staff gets to the emails - a home has already been selected for me!!! Remember, adoptions are never "first come first served" however sometimes the best home comes in right away and I get adopted! Read the requirements to adopt and come prepared. We believe if it's meant to be - everything will work out for both of us - and if you don't end up adopting me then that just means there's another dog that needs you more. My adoption fee is $150.00 which is really a bargain when you think about it! It includes all of my necessary vetting/vaccines/parasite treatments; a pre-registered microchip; and cool green martingale collar and leash...as well as my spay/neuter surgery. Some of us even have had extraneous medical stuff done! But that's not all! You get post adoption support of the shelter with access to an on call vet assistant who communicated with one of the amazing veterinarians here for any medical needs/concerns; a discount at our groomers; and the help of a behavior modification specialist if needed. I will always be part of the ANNA FAMILY and you will be too!

08/03/2026

Erie Gives is just over a week away (8/11) and we are asking for your support as our small but mighty group of under 10 volunteers relies 100% on donations. Every dollar helps us complete our mission.

Here is a testimonial from one of our followers:

Erica Droftihw

2 winters ago, there were 2 large dogs (i assumed dumped) in my area in ohio, i tried to gain their trust for a month and fed them what i could. I discovered canine crusadeers and Mike valerio came out, set a large trap, within a few days caught both of them. In the middle of a blizzard he rushed out and saved these sweet scared babes... they were scared but trustful. And now adopted out to homes.
Maybe 2-3 months later in the summer another dog was dumped and she was terrified of people and getting skinny, I called Mike, we made a plan, worked with the local winery that she was seen on, set a trap and got her within a few days, she was treated, fed and got adopted immediately. The work Mike does is INCREDIBLE and he's a dog whisperer. Canine crusaders is a god send to these animals

07/29/2026

UPDATE: After almost a month and over 3000 miles driven by our main trapper - Clyde has been trapped! Full story forthcoming! Thanks for your continued support and concern.

Pic in comments of trap

EDITED: we have added a few videos in the comments so you can appreciate our frustration….and we shall call him Clyde 💙💙

Supporters - we need your help with an ongoing rescue in Mercer. We have been working on trapping a Great Pyrenees for almost a month now. Our financial resources are being depleted (gas, food for traps, bait material, etc). Our lead trapper has driven almost 1500 miles just for this rescue. As you know, we are all volunteers and our services are always free. However, our budget is SMALL (under $5000 a year and all from donations). This rescue alone has cost us over $1,000 over the past month.

Even though Erie Gives is just a few weeks away, we are reaching out for any donations we can get to tide us over. Every dollar helps.

Additionally, if there is anyone in the Mercer area that would be willing to help us watch the trap (virtually) or rebait the trap - this would help us as we would not need to have our trapper drive down daily. If this is something you are interested in, please comment below :)

07/20/2026

A few days ago, we posted the story of “Chase”. He was the little spaniel mix, that had been lingering in a Harborcreek neighborhood for a week, before Renee was able to go out and get him contained. Well, we have great news-he has since been adopted!!

In just over a week’s time, we were able to help 5 dogs! Yes, you read that right—almost 1 dog, per day!! Summertime is busy season for us, especially around July 4th. We highly recommend martingale collars, and please SAY NO to retractable leashes. Retractable leashes are just not safe. Oftentimes they break, or can easily be pulled from their owner’s hand-resulting in devastating outcomes. But enough about that, let’s get to the good stuff!

Little Roseie is only 9 months old, and was adopted from an Amish family a few months ago. Her papa was walking her, and she was able to pull her retractable leash from his hand. She ran towards the house, but completely disappeared! It was nighttime, and after looking for several hours, her family could locate her! They live in a very rural area, down in Mercer, PA. Her family and their neighbors searched their farm, as well as several nearby farms. We thought for sure this little lady was caught on something. Neither she nor her leash could be located. In between working multiple active cases, Michael Valerio made his way (yet again) down to Mercer. He put his thermal drone in the air, but couldn’t find her. They did locate her leash and collar-which meant she wasn’t caught on something. Although summertime conditions are far from ideal for a thermal drone, it was worth a shot! Just as they were heading back to the house, a neighbor pulled up and asked if they were looking for a dog. He had seen a dog in a nearby bush. Sure enough, Roseie was hiding in a bush, not too far from home. Her owners were able to coax her out, but while carrying her back home, she jumped from their arms, and took off again. Luckily, she had retreated right back to “her” bush, and was able to be safely contained!

Little Charlie’s family reached out around the same time. A gate was accidentally left open, and he took off. There were no sightings reported, leading his parents to believe that someone had taken him. He’s only 18 pounds, and a super friendly little boy! His family posted the area with signs, and knocked on several doors. After several days of silence, a neighbor reported seeing Charlie. He said that he saw Charlie at a nearby church, and that he had seen him there the past 3 days! Charlie’s dad took one of his brothers down to the nearby creek, and saw Charlie, but he fled as soon as he saw them. Staci Lynd set up a box trap and camera, but Charlie didn’t show his face the next morning 😞. Michael put him s drone up, but couldn’t locate little Charlie. The trap was close to a very popular spot along French Creek. There was a swimming hole, and numerous kayakers-which made things difficult as dogs in survival mode typically avoid people at all costs. We also had a family of raccoons that would not leave the bait food, plots, or trap alone! There was an issue with the camera, and it had died Thursday at night. Luckily, Charlie’s family had a trail cam set up. Friday morning they got the best news ever. Their little man was safely inside the trap waiting to go home!

Last weekend we received a message (thank you April Tuttle and Henry Case) about a dog that had possibly been dumped, out at State Gamelands in Albion. A gentleman had seen the dog underneath one of the signs, and it would not leave a pile of clothing. He had fed it and left food and water, but it would not go near him. He also had physical limitations, so there was only so much he could do to help this scared boy. He remained under the sign, overnight and well into the next day. Michelle Wasmund went out, and attempted to use her dog whispering skills, to safely leash this pup, but he was just not having it! It was evident that he was scared! Michael came out a short time later with a box trap. He stuck his head inside, but wouldn’t go in. Micheal then got a harness out, and a crate set up. Little man allowed the harness to be put on, and entered the crate. He knew exactly what to do, and was extremely comfortable with Michael. It appears that he may have had a male owner. He is now at the ANNA Shelter, and looking for a new home.

Last, but certainly not least! Earlier this week, Michael received a message, with a plea for help. A poodle was seen in Wattsburg. It had been hanging out in the neighborhood, and appeared to have tape or booties on his feet. Michael quickly went to work, setting up the Missy trap. Little girl made her way into the trap around 2:00 AM. Michael didn’t have a crate handy, and everyone was fast asleep. Not wanting to take a chance of her escaping, Michael snuggled up to trap with a blanket, and remained there until well after dawn-when someone could bring a crate. A whopping 4.2 pounds of matted mess were removed from this sweetheart! She is now at the ANNA Shelter, and is also looking for a home.

Check out the ANNA Shelter, as a couple of these sweet dogs are looking for permanent homes. Could this be you?!

Please keep us in mind, during , as your donations help us to continue this mission of bringing each one to safety!! 💗🐾🫶🏻

07/18/2026

As we approach Erie Gives Day (8/11), we are sharing some testimonials from families we have helped with our rescue and trapping services (always FREE).

Your donation, no matter how small, helps us continue this very important work.

Many of you may remember MOON - our first "client" - here is the short version of his story from his mom :)

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For those of you who do not know moon…. Let me tell you all about his adventures lol in a short version.
Moon went missing and Staci Lynd from canine crusaders reached out to help offer to look for him with me. We tried all the spot he could possibly be. There were no more leads after weeks… we kept looking. Michael Valerio reach out to help as well. then months went by. We were all starting to think that moon may have passed but we didn’t stop. Moon finally started to show himself . The team went into action and every showing or call of site they went with me. When I couldn’t get there in time the team made sure to get there. Every time we were so close but many others were trying to help but made it worse. Nights we were out til 4 am looking hoping . Times he’s was in arm reach. But still couldn’t get him… after almost 3 months moon sat down in a field and Michael put food stations up to make sure if he got up food would distract him til I couldn’t get there. That very day moon was found and home thanks to this team! He’s gettting better every day and I would have had him home with out the help of them. My baby boy home and healing every day and I thank you guys so much for it

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