The Deed team sat down with Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc. to talk about their important mission, and how companies can help drive more impact.
As we continue our nonprofit spotlight series, Deed had the pleasure of speaking with Chynna Luschen, the president of Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc., to learn more about their work as a rescue organization and their partnership with Deed.
Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc. is a volunteer-led organization that works to rescue, revive, and rehome Shar-Pei, Pei mixes, and honorary Shar-Pei. They provide all the medical treatment and rehabilitation necessary to bring them back to good health while also ensuring they are loved, well cared for, and never again endure what their previous life gave them.
Continue reading to hear directly from Chynna Luschen about the history and incredible work of their rescue, and how Deed is helping Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc. achieve its mission.
How did Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc come to be?
"I’ve been in rescue for decades—it’s just always been a passion of mine. I’ve been really lucky in my career. I worked in the fashion industry for years, had an exciting run, and recently retired. Even when I was deep in my fashion career, I still wanted to give back, so I found ways to help rescues on the side.
When I moved back to Miami Beach, I was trying to slow down and travel less, which let me get even more involved in rescues. I started working with a Shar-Pei rescue, doing a bit of everything, and eventually, a friend of mine and I started our own chapter under another 501(c)(3). We ran the Florida and Southeast region, operating pretty independently. Eventually, we decided it was time to start our own rescue with one of my close friends, Karen.
We’re a true grassroots rescue—I call us the bohemians of rescue. We figured out our strategy and filed for 501(c)(3) status for Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc."
What is the main mission of Shar Pei Nation Rescue today?
"We rescue and rehome Shar-Pei and Shar-Pei mixes, as well as what we like to call 'honorary Shar-Pei.' We present them that way because we want them to have the best life too, right alongside the purebred Shar-Pei."
How has your organization changed since it was originally founded?
"Over time, our organization has grown and changed in a lot of ways. One of the biggest changes is how transparent we've become. We make it a priority to post everything, and if anyone reaches out—whether by phone, email, or message—we’re always ready to share whatever information they need. That openness has really helped build our reputation. If you ask people in the rescue community today, they’ll tell you we’re a solid, trustworthy rescue.
In the beginning, especially within the Shar-Pei community, it took time to earn that trust. But as we kept consistently rescuing and adopting out dogs, not only to people deeply involved with the breed but also to companion families, people started to see that we were serious. We weren’t just a fly-by-night operation. We genuinely love this breed, and we've always been open to learning from others to do right by these dogs.
We’ve also grown a lot through our mistakes. Rescue work is hard—every situation is different, and it can be emotional. Sometimes that emotion leads to decisions that, in hindsight, weren’t the best. But what’s really changed is how we handle those moments. We’ve always been honest about our mistakes. We never try to cover them up. Instead, we own them, we learn from them, and we’re transparent about how we’re improving. I think that level of honesty has earned us a lot of respect. People see that we’re not perfect, but we’re committed to getting better every day, and that’s made a big difference in how we’ve grown as an organization."
How has Deed helped with support for Shar Pei Nation Rescue
"One of the Deed employees, Christine, has been an amazing volunteer for our organization. She has helped us learn how to take advantage of giving platforms like Deed, where we are able to receive donations and matches to support our rescue."
How can someone best help support Shar Pei Nation Rescue?
"I call it 'F squared'—fosters and funding. We’re a foster-based rescue with no facility, so finding foster homes is absolutely critical for us. Before the pandemic, it was much easier to find fosters. Now, it’s much harder. And because of that, we won’t pull a dog unless we have a foster lined up. We’ve learned the hard way that boarding is not the answer—it’s stressful for the dog, it’s expensive, and it can really sink a rescue if you’re not careful. So, if anyone wants to help, fostering is the biggest way to make a difference. We even call our fosters 'golden eggs' because they’re so essential. Without them, we can’t save dogs, no matter how much funding we have.
Of course, funding is important too—we cover all the vet care and supplies—but fosters will always come first. Without them, we simply can’t do what we do."
Deed’s conversation with Chynna was another great reminder that there are so many nonprofit organizations across the globe that started with a love and passion for helping. By partnering with Deed, Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc. has been able to fundraise and receive donations, but they are always looking for new people to foster and home their amazing rescues. We urge you to visit Shar Pei Nation Rescue, Inc.’s Deed profile to learn more and support their work.