My journey into animal rescue began at the tender age of five, when I heard a faint, desperate cry coming from the bushes near our apartment. I rushed over, my small heart racing, and there, hidden among the damp leaves, I found a tiny, two- week-old kitten, abandoned and trembling in the cold. I scooped her up and brought her home, where my mother and I lovingly bathed her, bottle-fed her, and gave her the warmth she grew strong and healthy, becoming a cherished member of our family. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for saving animals, a commitment I’ve carried with me ever since.

As the years went by, my mother and I rescued many more animals together. It became a mission that filled my heart with purpose. In 2005, I had the honor of volunteering at the South-Central Animal Shelter, where I met Linda Blair, the founder of the well-known Linda Blair Foundation. Her deep knowledge of animal rescue and her compassion for every animal opened my eyes to a world of pain and healing I hadn’t fully understood before. I learned a lot of valuable traits throughout the process, as well as the horrific circumstances of the abused animals in dog fighting. Through her guidance, I learned the true depth of suffering that many animals endure, and it was this education that inspired me to start my own rescue organization the “Cats and Dogs Foundation”. From there, I began fostering and rehoming animals in need, always striving to give them the love and care they deserved.

I continued along the path of animal rescue and wellness and a year later, my path led me to a deeply moving experience working with Veteran Affairs. I had the privilege of placing a service dog with a combat veteran struggling with TBI and PTSD. Knowing that I played a part in easing his pain brought a deep sense of fulfillment that stays with me to this day.

In 2011, my husband and I welcomed an owner surrender 3-month-old Blue Nose Pit Bull puppy named, “Charlie” into our home. Despite being diagnosed with a heart murmur, Charlie filled our lives with boundless joy for the next 8 years. His passing was sudden and left a hole in our hearts, but we cherished every moment we spend with him.

In 2013, we rescued a Chocolate Lab/Pit Bull puppy from the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. He was placed in a loving home where he continues to thrive today, a testament to the resilience of animals and the power of compassion.

That same year, I became certified in grooming, a skill I felt would not only improve the animals’ wellbeing but also help them feel calmer, happier, and more adoptable.

In 2014, I was asked to foster a female Blue Nose Pit Bull named “Pickles” who had been put on the red list. She was diagnosed with bone cancer and had undergone surgery to amputate her right leg. Without hesitation, I picked her up and brought her home. An instantaneous bond was formed, and although her outwardly appearance was intimidating with her cropped ears and barreled chest, she displayed a very gentle and deep soul. She had just delivered a litter of pups and the sadness in her eyes was apparent. She and Charlie quickly became inseparable, and what began as a temporary foster situation turned into a permanent adoption. We named her “Bella Bleu”. Bella defied the odds, living five more years with holistic treatment, far beyond the prognosis she had been given. During that time, she became the matriarch of our home, helping care for the many puppies and kittens we fostered, nurturing them as her own. Bella taught me more than I could ever express resilience, her gentle spirit and her unshakable will to live and love.

Although Bella passed over the rainbow bridge, her spirit still remains. In honor of Bella, I renamed our 501c3 to Bella’s Animal Rescue Haven. Our future endeavor is to create a haven for animals to heal and thrive, just as she had. I will make my dream a reality where all animals, regardless of their past, can live comfortably in a safe, loving, peaceful environment and with the care they deserve.

Then on December 26, 2019, I viewed a video on Social Media about Red Nose Pit Bull named “Eleanor”. Eleanor was surrendered to the Palmdale Shelter. She was severely malnourished and emaciated, with fresh wounds covering her face and neck. I called the shelter and inquired about Eleanor. Eleanor had been used as a bait dog for dog fighting. Eleanor was then dumped at the shelter with her litter of puppies. I immediately drove to the Palmdale Shelter and brought her home. Eleanor was only 29 pounds and was unable to walk. The sadness in her eyes was a clear sign hat she had given up on hope. She was terrified of everything and had a severe case of PTSD. Not only were the injuries and scars on her face and neck evident, she had a broken tooth imbedded in her chest that caused a tract infection, requiring surgery. Rehabilitation from her physical and emotional trauma was a very long process but through patience, love, and dedication, she began to heal. We renamed her “Ellie” and she became another foster failure in our home.

Today, Ellie is an energetic, loving, and affectionate dog who truly appreciates life. Ellie enjoys hanging out with her older fur brother “Benson”, a fellow rescue, her two feline siblings, our tortoises and bearded dragon. She adores children and is a fanatic for camping and playing in the snow. She often has play dates with “Mickey” who was rescued from the North Central Animal Shelter and placed in a loving home. They are best buddies. Ellie has since become a certified therapy dog at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Our home has become what some might call a modern- day zoo- filled with animals of all kinds, all rescued, fostered, adopted or released. I care for every animal such as birds, squirrels, tortoises, bearded dragons, mice, and even bees.

Through all these experiences, I have come to realize that while we, as humans, may think we are saving these animals, it is often they who save us-guiding us through life’s challenges with their unwavering, love, trust and resilience. I will continue to be their voice, their protector and their advocate, always.