At Doodle Dandy Rescue, some volunteers are the quiet force that keeps everything moving — coordinating details, solving problems, and ensuring every dog gets where they need to be safely and efficiently. Mikaela Elizondo is one of those incredible behind-the-scenes heroes.

Jill Wilson’s journey with Doodle Dandy Rescue began with one doodle, one leap of faith, and one very memorable windshield incident. Since then, she has become a cornerstone of the Houston volunteer community — compassionate, reliable, and always ready to open her home and heart to a dog in need.

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, joyful… and yes, sometimes a little messy. If you’re preparing to adopt one of our sweet doodle puppies, potty training is one of the very first skills you’ll begin working on together. The good news? With consistency, patience, and realistic expectations, most puppies catch on quickly. Here’s your guide to starting strong.

This month, we’re proud to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on someone whose leadership, heart, and dedication have shaped the Houston region in extraordinary ways: Jordan Orta, Houston’s Lead and a volunteer admired by everyone who works with her!

Ever wonder what it really looks like when a Doodle Dandy Rescue pup enters foster care? Here’s the behind‑the‑scenes path every dog takes on their way to a forever family — a journey filled with healing, structure, patience, and so much love. Every step matters, and every dog moves at the pace that’s right for them.

When people think about fostering, they often imagine opening their home for weeks or months at a time. But there’s another type of fostering that’s just as critical to saving lives: temporary or short-term fostering. In emergency situations, even a few days in a safe home can make all the difference for a dog in need.

At Doodle Dandy Rescue, every volunteer brings their own story, passion, and purpose to our mission — and some journeys come full circle in the most meaningful ways. Randi Shelton’s story is one of those beautiful moments where adoption turns into advocacy, and love for one doodle grows into a deep commitment to helping countless others find safety and second chances!

If you share your home with a doodle, you already know you’re living with a creature of great complexity. They’re part comedian, part therapist, part toddler, and part Olympic sprinter. But behind all that charm is a dog with some very real health needs — and understanding them is the key to a long, joyful, zoomie‑filled life together. This month, we’re breaking down the essentials of doodle wellness in a way that’s helpful, heart‑centered, and just a little bit funny.

Submitting an adoption application is exciting — and we know it can also feel a little nerve-wracking while you wait to hear back. One of the most common questions we receive is: “What happens after I apply?” Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to walk you through the adoption process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and why things sometimes take time.

Thinking about adopting a doodle? We love that already! At Doodle Dandy Rescue, our adoption coordinators truly read every single application. Behind the scenes, our team is cheering for great matches and forever homes — and we want to help you put your best foot forward. Here are some friendly, insider tips straight from our adoption team to help your application shine!

Living with a doodle requires fluency in a very specific language! If you share your home, couch, or personal space bubble with a doodle, you already know: these dogs don’t just live with you — they communicate with you. Loudly. Dramatically. With full-body enthusiasm and a vocabulary that would put a toddler to shame. I present to you: The Official Doodle Dictionary. A field guide for decoding your fluffy linguist.

If you’ve spent any time around rescue, you’ve probably heard someone say, “I foster failed.” It’s usually followed by a laugh, a smile, and a dog curled up right at their feet. But here’s the truth: a foster fail isn’t a failure at all — it’s one of the best outcomes we could hope for. At Doodle Dandy Rescue, foster fails happen often, and for a very good reason.

New year, new leash on life! Rescue dogs remind us that resolutions don’t have to be complicated. Chase joy, savor snacks, forgive quickly, and love deeply. Their wagging tails prove that every fresh start is worth celebrating—and maybe we humans should take a paw-sitive cue from them this year!

Here's everything you need to know about adopting a Doodle Through Doodle Dandy Rescue!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and, unfortunately, also prime season for scammers. Here’s what you need to know ...

Fostering dogs is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference in a rescue dog’s life — yet so many people hesitate because of myths or misconceptions. At Doodle Dandy Rescue, we see firsthand how fostering can change everything. Dogs in foster homes are 14 times more likely to be adopted than dogs who stay in shelters, which are often over capacity and chaotic. Foster homes give dogs a safe, loving environment — and your help is desperately needed! Let’s debunk five co

Socializing Your Rescue Dog: From Nervous to Confident. When a rescue dog joins your home, it’s one of the happiest days of their life — but it can also be the start of a big adjustment. Many doodles that come through Doodle Dandy Rescue haven’t had consistent social experiences in their past. Some arrive shy, unsure, or overwhelmed by new sights, sounds, and routines. The good news? With patience, structure, and love, even the most timid pups can blossom into confident, happ

The holidays are magical—twinkling lights, delicious food, and enough wrapping paper to build a fort. But while you’re decking the halls, your dog is plotting… plotting how to eat, chew, or knock over every festive thing in sight. Let’s keep the season merry and safe with these laugh-out-loud but oh-so-important pup safety tips.

Spaying and neutering are core to responsible rescue work. Every year, millions of unwanted pets enter shelters across the country, and sadly, not all find homes. By ensuring that every Doodle Dandy Rescue dog who is medically able is spayed or neutered — or has a contract in place requiring sterilization at the appropriate age — we help break that heartbreaking cycle.

As much as we all love the amazing Thanksgiving food and festivities, so do our furry friends!