Let’s get Barb and Bodhi back in business!
Donation protected
If you’ve had the pleasure of knowing Barb, you know she is one of the kindest, hardest-working people you will ever meet. She has a huge heart—she’s spent her life volunteering and advocating for animals and will do anything for someone in need. She’s also not one to ask for help—so we’re doing it for her.
After COVID-19 swept the nation and shelter in place took effect, Barb lost her job at Berkeley Humane Society due to the elimination of training classes. With no income, she took a part-time job (which ended May 1st) at a pet food store in Oakland. Unfortunately, her car died on the way to work and she was left stranded on the side of the road. All GoFundMe donations will go toward buying Barb a car so she can get back to business.
Here’s a little more about Barb, her “heart dog” Bodhi, and her volunteer/advocacy work in the Bay Area:
Barb started out as a dog walker in Marin County. When she moved to Oakland in 2011 she adopted the love of her life—a pitbull named Bodhi. “She’s the dog who set me on my path—working with dogs, dog sitting, dog walking, dog training. She’s my road dog and my copilot.”
Bodhi was diagnosed with liver disease 3 years ago and needs constant vet care and medication. She also developed an ear hematoma in mid March, which requires additional, and expensive, treatment.
When she started working with animals, Barb first volunteered at Berkeley Animal Care Services and took pitbulls and other dogs to training classes put on by East Bay pitbull rescue BadRap. She devoted her time to helping dogs so they could find forever homes. She also volunteers with BadRap. She’s taken training courses and became a professional dog sitter, however that work became obsolete due to COVID-19.
When she’s not at the shelter or caring for other people’s pets, she’s spending as much time as she can at the seaside or on road trips with Bodhi. They love finding new dog-friendly places so she can enjoy a taste of freedom off leash, and are always down for a new hiking trail.
If you are able to help in any way, even just a few dollars, it would mean the world to Barb.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me (even before GoFundMe). I’m not sure how I will be able to pay anyone back, but if I can do something in exchange, I will. If you live in the Bay Area I can offer free pet/house sitting for a weekend getaway, a couple social distancing zoom classes, or other online basic pet training classes. I’m also a great organizer and house cleaner, and I’ve been making masks if anyone needs one.”
After COVID-19 swept the nation and shelter in place took effect, Barb lost her job at Berkeley Humane Society due to the elimination of training classes. With no income, she took a part-time job (which ended May 1st) at a pet food store in Oakland. Unfortunately, her car died on the way to work and she was left stranded on the side of the road. All GoFundMe donations will go toward buying Barb a car so she can get back to business.
Here’s a little more about Barb, her “heart dog” Bodhi, and her volunteer/advocacy work in the Bay Area:
Barb started out as a dog walker in Marin County. When she moved to Oakland in 2011 she adopted the love of her life—a pitbull named Bodhi. “She’s the dog who set me on my path—working with dogs, dog sitting, dog walking, dog training. She’s my road dog and my copilot.”
Bodhi was diagnosed with liver disease 3 years ago and needs constant vet care and medication. She also developed an ear hematoma in mid March, which requires additional, and expensive, treatment.
When she started working with animals, Barb first volunteered at Berkeley Animal Care Services and took pitbulls and other dogs to training classes put on by East Bay pitbull rescue BadRap. She devoted her time to helping dogs so they could find forever homes. She also volunteers with BadRap. She’s taken training courses and became a professional dog sitter, however that work became obsolete due to COVID-19.
When she’s not at the shelter or caring for other people’s pets, she’s spending as much time as she can at the seaside or on road trips with Bodhi. They love finding new dog-friendly places so she can enjoy a taste of freedom off leash, and are always down for a new hiking trail.
If you are able to help in any way, even just a few dollars, it would mean the world to Barb.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me (even before GoFundMe). I’m not sure how I will be able to pay anyone back, but if I can do something in exchange, I will. If you live in the Bay Area I can offer free pet/house sitting for a weekend getaway, a couple social distancing zoom classes, or other online basic pet training classes. I’m also a great organizer and house cleaner, and I’ve been making masks if anyone needs one.”
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicole Baptista
Organizer
Oakland, CA
Barbara Rella
Beneficiary
