How did Dynamic Duo Dog Rescue begin?

Dynamic Duo Dog Rescue (DDDR) was founded in 2013, born from a deep need to give dogs in rural shelters a fighting chance at life. At the time, I was serving as the adoption and rescue coordinator for a nearby County Animal Control, where I witnessed heartbreaking conditions—dogs were often trapped in a bleak cycle at a shelter run for profit through boarding, euthanasia, and disposal. With little hope of adoption, I began personally transporting dogs to rescue partners in the Bay Area, where they had a real shot at finding loving homes.

Our First Foster:

Our very first foster, Ginger, was a sweet and resilient pittie girl. She came from a case of severe abuse and starvation and spent an entire year at a rural shelter in Red Bluff as evidence in a court case. During her time there, Ginger endured unimaginable hardship, including giving birth to eight puppies on a cold shelter floor after being impregnated by a kennel mate due to negligent housing practices. When the court case concluded, Ginger and her pups were ordered to be euthanized. A neighbor alerted me just in time, and I welcomed the family into my care. With a warm space, a secure yard, and the support of rescue partners, Ginger’s puppies all survived and were placed in loving homes. Ginger stayed with me for two years before being adopted by a wonderful young couple. She later became a beloved family member and protector to their newborn children, proving the incredible strength and love rescue dogs have to offer. Ginger’s journey taught me what rescue truly takes—fosters, volunteers, transporters, and a community of kind-hearted people willing to step up. DDDR was built on this spirit, and I am forever grateful for every person who has helped make it possible.

What is your most memorable or favorite rescue story?

Gosh, so many incredible rescue stories… hmm, oh I know! I was leaving the San Juan airport with my SUV packed to the roof with dog crates I had shipped from California. I got on the expressway, was cruising along, and saw a big black dog in the middle of the freeway on some grass under a tree. He had to cross the expressway to get there. I pulled over—in flip-flops and a sundress—while my cousin was telling me, “Don’t get out, it’s a pit bull.” I have ZERO dog fear and speak dog, so I wasn’t worried. I grabbed my handy slip leash and started walking toward him. He barked. I sat down for a couple of minutes to let him know I wasn’t a threat. I felt he was ready. I approached him slowly with a gentle, calm voice and energy. I put the slip leash around his neck, and he just melted. He was safe—he knew it. He had road rash from being rolled by a car, but he was okay. He sat on my middle car console looking at me, then gave me a big lick on the side of my face. He was grateful. I named him Batman because he was black with huge stand-up ears. He ended up in a lovely home in San Jose. They loved him and said that when they walk him, all the kids in the neighborhood love to greet him.

What other rescues have you worked with?

I have worked with many all over the Bay Area. The ones that have helped me most are Rocket Dog, Copper’s Dream, and Milo Foundation—all solid, badass women!

How many dogs do you own?

A few… I’m at ten. I live on 65 acres of land! I also have dogs that have stayed with me because of behavioral issues and are not adoptable. They are safe here with me for life.

How many animals do you have and what kind?

I have dogs, cats, two cows, pot-bellied pigs, ducks, peacocks, guinea hens, chickens, swans, a green-cheek conure, an umbrella cockatoo, a sulcata tortoise, and an ancient pygmy goat. Most are rescues; the bird and tortoise I’ve had for thirty years.

What do you love about rescue?

I love dogs... so to play and be able to hang out with dogs all day, every day??? Heavenly. Dream job, really! It’s not a job—it’s a complete OBSESSION and adventure.

What would you change about rescue?

The bad ones that don’t spay/neuter and are run poorly. They don’t know how to properly pick dogs to come to the Bay Area. I believe that rescues need to put ambassador rescue dogs in the community. I’m here to tell you—shelter/rescue dogs, when picked properly, are the absolute BEST! I promise they will give you a lifetime of unconditional love and companionship.

How has rescue changed since you started 15 years ago?

It’s becoming corporate, with big rescues hogging all the resources and leaving smallercommunity-based rescues without anything. I used to always get dog food donations. Now corporations sell the pallets for pennies on the dollar instead of donating to local rescues. I have to buy all my dog food now. Vet care has tripled in the past few years, so local rescues aren’t thriving.

What is your background and what compelled you to be the guardian of so many dogs and animals in need?

As a little girl, I was always a huge animal lover. I had rabbits, ducks, a lamb, dogs, cats, and birds. We drove my parents crazy—my sister and I would drag home every stray dog or cat we found. I guess I was born to save animals.

What is your goal for your future in rescue?

Sky is the limit. I’m a very spiritual person and believe in taking each day as it comes and doing your best. My dream is to one day to own and offer free or low-cost spay and neuter services widely available, and for basic veterinary care—like vaccines and sterilization—to be accessible to everyone. Animals shouldn’t have to suffer due to cost. I believe with enough heart, collaboration, and compassion, we can create a future where every animal has a chance to thrive.