If you've been around Doodle Dandy Rescue long enough, you’ve probably heard us mention a foster with a magic touch. That’s Niya. She’s the kind of person who shows up for the tough cases—the heartbreaking ones, the complicated ones, the medically urgent ones—and somehow brings calm, compassion, and clarity to the chaos.
Take Murph, for example. One afternoon, Niya noticed something wasn’t right after his lunch. Her instincts kicked in, and she rushed him to the vet. Thanks to her fast action, Murph survived emergency surgery for life-threatening GDV (bloat). She didn’t just foster him—she saved his life.
But that’s who Niya is. Whether it's a dog battling extreme separation anxiety or one recovering from serious medical needs, she creates a space where healing can begin. Her gift is part intuition, part experience, and all heart.
Niya has been with DDR since 2020, beginning her journey during peak COVID. What she found here was more than a mission—it was a sense of purpose and community that deeply resonated with her. In her words, "Thank you for adding purpose and meaning to my life." What she may not realize is how much she’s added to ours.
In addition to fostering, Niya is an incredible mentor, always ready to lend a hand or offer guidance to new fosters, whether through advice or hands-on help. She's also an invaluable part of our transport team, ensuring our dogs get to where they need to be—whether it’s the vet or their forever homes.
When it comes to showcasing our dogs for adoption, Niya steps in with her camera to capture the moments that show their true personalities. And when it comes to events like the Krewe of Barkus parade, she’s there volunteering her time to support DDR, helping our mission shine even brighter.
We’d be remiss not to mention her husband Sai, who’s a key part of her fostering journey. From cuddles to car rides, he’s part of Team Niya, and their foster dogs know they’re loved from every angle.
Niya, your dedication, empathy, and quiet strength have left a lasting mark on this rescue. Thank you for loving the hardest dogs, mentoring with compassion, and sharing your heart so generously. You truly are the sweetest soul—and we are forever grateful for you.
