Meet Our Team

“I always thought someone should do something about that…then I realized I am that someone”

~ Lily Tomlin

Arati - Executive Director

There is nothing in the world I am more passionate about than animals. I am humbled to finally turn my passion into action and launch Love And Rescue; an organization built from my heart and soul.

For many years I volunteered at one of Houston’s most respected no kill animal shelters. It’s actually where I became a foster failure and adopted my furry baby, Jax (~2.14.09 – 6.16.17). During that time I came across a few emergency cases of dogs that needed to be taken off the streets immediately so I reached out via social media and was overwhelmed by the amount of people that wanted to help, but didn’t know how. I would ask for donations and they poured in, I’d ask for fosters, and although this was a bit more challenging, eventually someone would volunteer. Most importantly, it gave people the ability to donate knowing that 100% of it would go directly towards the animals in need.

This is how Love And Rescue was born. The idea came by realizing that everyone has a different way of helping and if you put those ways together, you can help save more lives and get more animals into permanent homes. I have been humbled by the people who have donated blindly, offered up hours of their time, and opened the door to their homes. Love And Rescue isn’t just MY organization, it is ours. The abused, starved, neglected, and homeless animal population is a problem that will only be solved by coming together as a community.

Alex - Trainer

There has never been a moment in my life in which I have not had a pet. I’ve always been an animal lover which is what me led me to my former job as a dog trainer. Keeping dogs in their homes through training was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Whenever Love And Rescue would come to the adoption events, I would provide them quick tips to have their adoptable pets be in their best behavior to show people what their missing in their homes. Today, I volunteer to train Love And Rescue’s pets not only get them adopted, but also do my best to keep them in their forever home. I am forever grateful for this organization for letting me do what I love.

Amy - Case Manager

My passion and enthusiasm for saving animals started at a young age. The joy of helping the helpless is a very emotional and rewarding experience. Being a part of a rescue has given me a purpose that I’ll forever be grateful for. Houston has such a large population with very few resources for these lost animals, so every little bit counts.

Brittany - Case Manager

My husband, Rob, also a Love And Rescue member, had this crazy idea to foster a dog and here we are 4 years later with 3 dogs of our own. One of which was a Love And Rescue fail. He started working with Love And Rescue helping with social media and I felt a bit left out so thought I would offer my free time to be a case manager. I’ve always had dogs growing up and a firm believer that animals should be treated as part of the family. Working with LAR gives me a feeling of purpose. I love watching the dogs grow and blossom into their own personalities. It’s also a perk that I can tell people ‘I work with a rescue’ when I’m frantically chasing a lost dog around. I’m so happy I joined this rescue and look forward to helping many, many more dogs.

Brooke - Administrative Support

I grew up as an animal lover in Atlanta, attended UT as an animal lover, and live in Houston with my animal-loving husband and two children. Our home is full of rescues, including three dogs and one cat. I have been volunteering within the animal rescue community in some capacity since 2007. I enjoy shelter work, animal socialization, being a foster mom when I can, and scheduling with Love And Rescue. I am proud to be a part of an organization with nothing but love and passion for needy animals. I love that I get to pass our compassion onto the next generation and those around me.

Emily - Adoption Day Manager

Growing up, I was the kid sneaking my parents car out to pick stray dogs up and convincing them they simply showed up on our doorstep (sorry mom!). When I moved from Dallas to Houston, I could not believe the amount of stray animals I encountered. The week I moved here I made it my mission to pick one up. It only took 30 minutes of driving before I found my first Houston rescue, Pancakes the pit! Pancakes was the true definition of a rescue dog; grateful, loyal, loving, the whole 9 yards. When she passed away, I knew I had to honor her by dedicating my free time to saving Houston’s strays. I am so grateful for the opportunity to save Pancakes of all kinds with Love And Rescue!

Fran - Case Manager

I was born an animal lover and have been helping all types of animals since as early as I was able. I’ve rescued ducks, squirrels, birds, cats, and dogs for years on my own until Love And Rescue asked me to become a case manager for them. I have always loved all living things, and truly believe the animals over the years have helped me learn and grow to become who I am today. Animals ask no questions, make no judgments and deserve all of the unconditional love.

Gina - Administrative Support

I’m a huge animal lover with a house full of rescue animals. I originally started fostering for the rescue then became more involved as a case manager. Now, I’ve shifted to the administrative side, where I use my experience to support the rescue efforts in a different way. Saving animals and finding them loving families is my passion, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Lipi - Case Manager

An avid animal lover from practically birth, I spent my younger years getting lost chasing strays all over Houston. Little did I know that I’d still be chasing strays all over Houston in my adult years! At least now, I don’t get lost doing it. In fact, I’ve finally found my way into an organized rescue full of wonderful, generous, people who dedicate their time, money, and effort into saving animals and educating the masses about responsible pet ownership and practices. From being involved in LAR’s first rescue mission to becoming a foster failure of not one, but TWO, amazing rescue dogs through the dynamic duo program, I’ve truly felt proud to be a part of the success and growth of Love And Rescue since its inception. I am honored to be a part of an organization where I have forged true friendships through a shared passion of animals, and am able to fulfill my lifelong dream of helping animals in need.

Raj - Case Manager

I joined this rescue because of my love of dogs and I am now a proud dog foster mum! Before I started volunteering with Love And Rescue, I lived in NYC where I didn’t have space for a dog, after relocating to Houston I started my search for a dog and realized how big of a need for fosters and temporary homes. For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of fostering countless dogs and have seen so many amazing success stories. I absolutely love spending time with each dog and getting to know their unique personalities. Every story of adoption and finding the perfect family warms my heart and makes all of our hard work worthwhile. Being a part of Love And Rescue has been a truly rewarding experience that I am honored to be a part of.

Rob - Social Media Manager

My first two years in Houston, after moving here from Wales in 2013, is the longest I have ever gone without having a dog. Being single and traveling for work meant it wasn’t an option. Luckily that all changed when I met fellow LAR member, Brittany! In the 5 years since, we have adopted three dogs, one of which was a Love And Rescue foster fail (shoutout Big Soph!), and fostered many more. When Arati asked me if I would like to do more than just fostering and get involved with adoption events and social media, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I love being a part of this rescue and playing a small part in trying to solve the homeless dog issue that my adopted city has.