Finding Forever Homes for Large Breed Rescues
WELCOME TO DIRKS FUND
About Us
History of Dirk’s Fund
Our story begins in the 1980s, when Bob and Ona Tillay started rescuing dogs. Through the popularity of their own Golden Retrievers, Sadie and Hannah, they were contacted by animal control regarding a Golden Retriever that was going to be euthanized. Her name was Jenny. They were able to find her a home and then replaced her with another homeless dog. This is the cycle that started Dirk’s Fund. They rescued, rehabilitated and found loving homes for eleven dogs in the first year. Bob and Ona used their own home, resources, and personal time to make sure each and every dog’s life had a happy ending.
Today
For many years, Dirk’s Fund was a foster based organization. All dogs relinquished to Dirk’s Fund were kept by a foster family in a home. The organization later moved into their permanent home at 526 Indian Warpath Drive in Pacific. Our kennel can hold up to 12 dogs, each having a generously apportioned indoor pen and outdoor pen. We have five good sized yards where dogs can romp and play. We have a kitchen, lounge area, and a Meet and Greet room for potential adopters to interact with the pups. Our large cadre of volunteers man the shelter 365 days of the year with three shifts per day to care for the dogs.
Every dog that comes into Dirk’s is vaccinated, neutered or spayed, microchipped, heart worm tested, and, if needed, they get a complete round of bloodwork. Any health issue is addressed before a dog is adopted. All potential adopters must supply us with previous vet records of their pets and have a home visit.
The Name Dirk
The name Dirk comes from a Great Pyrenees who could not use his back legs and desperately needed surgery. The surgery was more than Bob and Ona could afford, so they began asking for donations for “Dirk’s Fund.” Dirk was a wonderful dog and they were able to raise enough money to pay for his surgery. After that, the name just stuck.
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Local West St. Louis County Dog Resources
Here are some local dog-focused businesses and resources we know, love, and recommend to our Dirk's Fund families.

Dogtopia of Ellisville - Dog Daycare U& Dog Boarding
Dogtopia of Ellisville provides trusted and safe dog daycare, overnight dog boarding, and spa services for families across West St. Louis County. The location on Manchester Road about a mile east of Clarkson Rd. makes drop-off and pick-up easy for busy pet parents commuting through Chesterfield, Ballwin, Clarkson Valley, and West County.
- Services: Dog daycare, dog boarding, dog spa services
- Address: 15400 Manchester Rd, Ellisville, MO 63011
- Phone: 636-220-3764
- Website: dogtopia.com/ellisville
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogtopia.ellisville

Foxcreek Veterinary Hospital
Fox Creek Veterinary Hospital is a full-service animal hospital providing wellness care, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, and urgent care for dogs and cats. Their veterinary team is committed to compassionate, high-quality medical care for pets in West St. Louis County and nearby communities.
- Services: Preventive care, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, urgent care
- Website: foxcreekveterinaryhospital.com

Love A Gold Rescue
Love a Golden Rescue is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes in the St. Louis area. They provide vet care, foster homes, and adoption support so every dog can find a safe, loving family.
- Services: Golden Retriever rescue, fostering, adoption support
- Website: loveagolden.com

Hot Diggity Dogwalker
Hot Diggity Dogwalker provides professional dog walking, in-home pet care, and luxury private dog boarding for the greater St. Louis area.
- Services: Dog walking, in-home vacation care, puppy & senior visits, pet transportation, wedding dog concierge
- Phone: 636-236-9927
- Website: hotdiggitydogwalker.com

Pacific Animal Hospital
Pacific Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary clinic in Pacific, Missouri, providing wellness care, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, and more for dogs and cats. Their professional and courteous staff focus on high-quality medical care and responsible pet ownership for families in Pacific and surrounding communities.
- Services: Preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, urgent care
- Website: pacificvets.com

Smiling Dog Training & Boarding
Smiling Dog Training & Boarding offers personalized dog training and small-scale boarding focused on positive reinforcement and individual attention.
- Services: Dog training, behavior help, limited boarding
- Email: cheryl.mcquerry@att.net
- Phone: 314-606-2473