Who We Are
Forget Me Not Rescue of Kern is a group of likeminded local individuals with the common goal of helping both in need/shelter dogs & cats, and homebound, isolated seniors. The group is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, all rooted in animal-based occupations and passions.
The group includes vet techs, dog groomers, and individuals that have done “boots on the ground” rescue for many years. Some members show dogs as a hobby, while others spend weekends volunteering at local shelters. The common thread that ties this committed group together is a passionate belief that ALL animals deserve to be loved and cared for. The same sentiment is shared about the senior community.
Forget Me Not Rescue of Kern is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Their tax ID number is 84-4918316.
Executive Director, Dorothy Line
Bakersfield native, Dorothy Line has an extensive background working with animals. She is a professional dog groomer and has been for most of her working life as well as a volunteer groomer at Kern’s local shelters. Dorothy started out working in a boarding kennel while learning to groom shortly after high school. She has also shown dogs in dog shows when time allows.
It was while volunteering for the Christmas For Seniors non-profit in Kern County that Dorothy saw firsthand how owning a pet benefitted the seniors that were lucky enough to have one. For many of the seniors she visited, Dorothy recognized that their pet was their best and sometimes only friend.
Dorothy observed that seniors spend countless hours caring for and tending to their best friends. Not only is it therapeutic and meaningful for the seniors, the little dogs and cats benefit immensely. It was during this time that Dorothy realized the mutual benefits of connecting local seniors with cats and dogs that needed loving homes.
Secretary, Susan Madigan
Susan began her involvement in animal welfare and education many years ago on the board of CALM, California Living Museum. She later spent numerous years running a local guinea pig rescue. Susan soon after spent 10 years serving on the Kern County Animal Services Commission. She also spent several years on the board of Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation.
Currently Susan serves on the action team of PAWS, Pet Awareness Week for Students, when schools are in normal session. She also runs a program known as Neutered Gems, from which 100% of jewelry sales goes to animal welfare organizations. Susan is available for consultation to animal welfare groups in the areas of Strategic Planning, Organizational Structure, Board Development, and other administrative tasks.
Professionally, Susan is a retired Social Worker from Kern Regional Center, and was previously a supervisor and systems tech at Mercy Hospital. She also served on the board of HEARTS Connection Family Resource Center while at KRC. Susan holds two graduate degrees from CSUB in Healthcare Management and Counseling.
Susan enjoys photography, and lives in central Bakersfield with her husband and much loved animal children.
Treasurer, Monique Morosa
Monique is a Bakersfield native and has been a passionate rescuer her entire life. As a child she and her mother Ginette were both huge animal lovers and could never turn away from an animal in need. Monique is the woman you see pulling her car over to the side of the road and running to the middle of the street to pick up a scared, lost or even injured animal. She has spent countless hours (and dollars) at her vet’s office. She is the only credit account at her vet’s office. That’s how well they know her. And that speaks volumes.
Monique has helped dogs, cats, ducks, horses and more. She is the person you see taking plates of food to people in need. She is the first one to stand up when there is an animal in need but the last one to speak up when folks are talking about their accomplishments. She is such a huge asset to our rescue. She is always available to man our vendor booth, run an errand or lend a hand.
She is truly one of a kind and the epitome of the saying “boots on the ground” when it comes to animal rescue. She even comes with her own headband flashlight for crawling under houses when need be. We would be lost without her.
Social Media Manager, Robin Ackling
Robin Ackling, a Bakersfield native, manages our social media. Robin has a love for animals, seniors, children, and has a special place in her heart for helping those in need. Robin co-manages the animal welfare nonprofit, Bakersfield Pet Food Pantry, works full time, and enjoys spending time with her senior pup.
