VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MARILYN FUENTES

Some volunteers arrive quietly and end up becoming unforgettable threads in the fabric of Doodle Dandy Rescue. This week, we’re honored to spotlight Marilyn Fuentes, a volunteer whose journey began with one simple offer to help—and blossomed into years of compassion, commitment, and life-changing impact for dogs across Texas.

A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Calling

Marilyn’s rescue story began in August 2025, when she saw a Facebook post asking for transport help for a dog named Tundra traveling from South Corpus Christi to Houston. By the time she reached out, the transport had already been covered—but Marilyn didn’t walk away. Instead, she signed up to volunteer anyway, determined to help wherever she was needed.

That single moment of “I’ll help” became the beginning of something extraordinary.

Three Years, Twelve Fosters, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Marilyn and her family fostered for three years, opening their home—and their hearts—to twelve dogs, each with their own story and personality. Their foster journey included:

• A bonded pair

• Sibling pups

• Dogs with medical needs

• And even one pup already in DDR’s care

Every dog brought something new: new quirks, new challenges, new victories. And like many foster families, the Fuentes household eventually experienced the sweetest “occupational hazard”—a foster fail. With their home now full and their hearts even fuller, Marilyn knew it was time to continue helping in a different way.

From Transport to Foster Placement

Marilyn began her volunteer work in transportation, ensuring dogs made it safely to fosters, vet appointments, and new beginnings. But soon, she found her true rhythm in foster placement, where she helps match rescue dogs with the families who will guide them through healing and transformation.

This role lets her witness the magic up close—the kind of magic that keeps all of us in rescue:

• Dogs arriving fearful, matted, or starving

• Slowly learning trust

• Discovering joy

• Becoming confident, silly, cherished companions

“Playing a small role in their second chance is what makes volunteering so fulfilling for me,” Marilyn shared. “Seeing this side of rescue has made me love and appreciate my own dogs even more.”

Life at Home: Beautiful Chaos

Marilyn’s home is joyfully full with four beloved pups—a Shepsky, a Husky, a Doodle, and a Schnauzer mix. It’s a house filled with energy, fur, and the kind of love only rescue families truly understand.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Treasured Member of the DDR Family

Marilyn brings warmth, reliability, and heart to every role she steps into. Her journey reminds us that rescue thrives not just on big moments, but on everyday acts of kindness from people who choose to show up.

We are deeply grateful to have Marilyn as part of the Doodle Dandy Rescue team. Her dedication helps create second chances—one dog, one foster family, one joyful transformation at a time!

Written By: Denise, DDR Volunteer