Barbara Neely Designs...

10/02/2026

"Duke has shown me unconditional love after experiencing neglect and loneliness. Duke has shown me the power of what just a little bit of love can do. For me, I made a small adjustment to my life, to provide a safe place for Duke to live but to him I changed his entire life. I don’t know if Duke would be alive today if I didn’t say yes." - Madison

Joining the Underdogs Project is about celebrating the happy endings that come after bleak beginnings. The lessons that are learned. The love that is found. It's about creating something special to hold on to long after the dog glitter is swept away. It's about sharing stories. It's about supporting local rescue efforts that make a difference to dogs just like yours.

Duke is a Rescue One alum, and I'm donating a portion of the Underdogs Project proceeds to support their amazing work.

If you'd like to be a part of it apply today at theunderdogsproject.com

09/29/2026

It's Sweata Weatha babeeee! These cuties are all ready to fall into the cool weather by your side. All you have to do is fill out an app at Rescue One!

In order of appearance:
Albert
Big Slice
Dorothy
Emma
Gelato
Gemma
Jeff
Korina
London
Lucy
Ralphie
Scott
Shadow
Steve
Wagoner
Wren

HUGE THANK YOU to the fosters who open their homes to these precious dogs while they wait for their forever family.

Shout out to Lindsay Callahan for the wonderful help making the magic happen.

09/16/2026

"I didn't realize how empty my life was until I got R***r. I had spent 5 years arguing I didn't need a dog bc its too heartbreaking losing them. Dobby had been gone 5 years and losing him was really hard on me. R***r really helped me and made me happy. His big blue eyes can stare into your soul, and he has this way about him that lights you up. He makes you happy, and it's impossible to be in a bad mood when he's giving you kisses and lies on you with all of his weight. He loves his people and lets you know it. Everyone loves R***r. Everyone wants to be his friend, and everyone wants to be loved by him. He makes you feel special. It's hard to explain, and it's hard to understand, but you just melt when he puts his paw on your leg or hand, just asking you to stay there and pet him. You can't say no." - Shawna

R***r is featured in Underdogs, Vol 2!

09/15/2026

"I adopted Cinnamon Roll from Rescue One after buying my first home. One of the first things I wanted was a dog again because, after years of renting where pets were not allowed, I really felt the absence of having an animal in my life. I work in a very emotionally difficult field, and at the time I was struggling quite a bit emotionally myself. Bringing Cinni home changed that. She gave me a reason to get up, get outside, and be more active again." - Ashlee

Do you have an amazing adoption story you'd like to share? The Underdogs Project is a portrait series honoring dogs given a second, third, or even fourth chance by humans whose lives have been made better because of it.
This project has raised $7000 for local rescue efforts and has worked to spread awareness about how amazing rescue dogs really are. If you would like to be a part of it please reach out.

09/11/2026

Pumpkin is a Rescue One alum and a graduate of the pups for parole program.

"She has such a happy personality. She loves to snuggle, gets along with her fur sister Charity, and her cat sister, Gypsy. She is besties with our 3 granddaughters. She has a big heart and loves her family." - Julie

Pumpkin and Charity are featured in Underdogs Vol. 2!

If you have a dog adopted through Rescue One that has changed your whole world for the better, please consider being a part of the Underdogs Project. You can create beautiful keepsake portraits that support Rescue One's work while spreading the word about how amazing rescue dogs are!

09/10/2026

Another rescue dog has found her perfect home!

"Skye has completely woven herself into the fabric of our family, teaching us the true meaning of resilience, patience, and unconditional grace. Watching her heal from her past and learn how to trust again has been one of the most moving experiences of our lives. She reminds us every single day that no matter how hard things get, love and a safe space can heal almost anything. She holds a fiercely special place in my heart because of the deep, unspoken bond we share she didn't just find a home with us; she became the missing piece of our family's soul." - Kandra Lyn Kuhn

Guys! This is why the UNDERDOGS matter!

Skye and the rest of the Kuhn family will be featured in Underdogs Volume 2. This project has raised $7000 for Rescue One to date and has hopefully inspired many people to open their minds to adopting.

If you'd like to be part of this project, please reach out soon; only a few spots remain.

As always, thank you for sharing these stories!!

09/09/2026

If you have seen or purchased the Underdog book, pretty, pretty please leave a review on Amazon.
The Underdogs and I would be ever so grateful.

Ok, love you, bye!

A heartwarming coffee table book celebrating the incredible journeys of rescued dogs and the families who gave them a second chance. Through powerful portraits by Barbara Neely and the moving personal stories of her subjects, this collection captures resilience, unconditional love, and the deep b...

09/03/2026

"I was in a very dark place when he arrived, running a dog training business that had been sabotaged from within, and facing many levels of personal loss. I knew in that moment that I needed him as much as he needed me, that in elevating his potential I would be elevating my own. He continues to amaze me every day." - Justin

Demon and Captain are featured in Underdogs, Volume 2!

09/02/2026

The Underdogs Project has almost doubled the amount I originally set out to raise, and I honestly can't be more grateful!

You guys have blown me away with your heartwarming stories of dogs you've given a second, third, fourth, and sometimes even more chances at finding true love and a place to call home.

There are several themes I’ve heard over and over from those who have participated:

“I thought I was saving them, but it turns out they saved me.”

“They helped me through the hardest times of my life.”

“I was so depressed and almost didn't make it. My dog gave me purpose and a reason to get up every day.”

“They bring me joy and make me laugh every day.”

“They have taught me so many lessons about forgiveness, true love, patience, and resilience.”

“They have brought so many wonderful new friends into my life through volunteering and new hobbies.”

In short, dogs really are man's best friend. They are little bits of heaven sent into our lives, and they are absolutely something worth celebrating.

There are a limited number of spots left to join Volume II.

If you and your adopted or rescued dog have a happy ending story and you'd love to help inspire adoption, support rescue efforts, and create beautiful keepsake artwork of your dog for yourself, please consider applying!

And please... share, share, SHARE with your friends and family. ❤️

Thank you!!!!!

09/01/2026

Dogs are a vertible form of self-care.

"My three pugs have made what can be a very exhausting and strenuous job more manageable. I can come home after a day that I probably would never like to relive and they can just tell that I need happiness at that moment. They remind me everyday that life is short and you really have to enjoy it. I genuinely miss them when I’m not with them so I take them with me as often as possible. Even to work." - Brandi Jo

Read the rest of their story in Underdogs, Volume 2!