ABOUT
Our Mission
Valley Dog Rescue is dedicated to changing the lives of overlooked dogs, placing them in nurturing foster homes and leading them toward loving, forever families. We are committed to giving dogs a second chance to live, heal, and be loved.
Our Story
Valley Dog Rescue was born from a love for dogs and a drive to change lives, both theirs and ours.
Valley Dog Rescue was founded in 2025 by Maria Pearlman, a lifelong animal lover with a soft spot for dogs, especially the ones often overlooked.
Before starting the rescue, Maria spent years as a local news reporter, often highlighting the stories of dogs needing homes. She witnessed firsthand how raising awareness could change a dog’s life. But it wasn’t until after the devastating LA wildfires that she truly experienced some flaws in the dog foster system. Following an upsetting experience—not with the dog, but with the organization—Maria knew there had to be a more compassionate, transparent, and supportive way to find loving homes for dogs, and consider the fosters along the way.
That’s how VDR came to life. We’re a foster-based rescue primarily serving the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys, focusing on saving overlooked dogs across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. We specialize in medium to small-sized dog breeds and prioritize seniors—those often passed over but just as deserving of a second chance.
Though we’re currently working toward our official 501(c)(3) status, we already operate with a nonprofit mindset. Every donation, every merchandise purchase, and every dollar raised goes directly back into the rescue to support our dogs and the people who love them.
Our Board of Directors
Maria Pearlman/ Founder & President
Maria founded Valley Dog Rescue in 2025 to follow her lifelong passion for helping shelter, stray, and surrendered dogs find the loving homes they deserve. Dogs have always been a part of her life, from childhood through adulthood, and she deeply understands the joy, companionship, and unconditional love they bring. After rescuing a senior dog herself, Maria experienced the unique bond and gratitude that older dogs offer, and she hopes to inspire others to open their hearts and homes to senior pups, too. When she's not advocating for rescue dogs, you'll find Maria exploring dog-friendly spots with her husband and their two pups, Daisy and Dolly, and always keeping her eye out for the next dog whose life she can help change!
yasi sahely/ vice President
Born into a family of animal lovers, Yasi has been obsessed with all animals for as long as she can remember. She has had cats, dogs, fish, pigeons, and even pet hermit crabs - to name a few! Yasi worked at the animal shelter in high school, and loves to donate to and support various wildlife animal organizations. Yasi's passion for and commitment to fostering dogs began during COVID, where she eventually became a proud foster fail to a senior Yorkie named Petey. Along with Petey's cat sister Maisie, this trio resides in Detroit, where Yasi works as an attorney for the Detroit Lions.
Yasi is thrilled to be a founding member of the VDR Board, where she can't wait to save the lives of many more senior dogs like her own, and to continue spreading the joy that comes from fostering dogs in need.
leah loewenthal/ treasurer
Leah has had a love for animals since she was little and over the years has volunteered at animal shelters, rescues, rehabilitation centers, teaching zoos, and aquariums. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a bachelor’s in Animal Science, and even after graduating, she has made time to care for the well-being of hurt, endangered, and homeless animals.
She currently works in finance, where she has gained skills that will directly benefit the rescue in her role as treasurer. She currently resides locally with her husband, son, and their two rescue dogs.
kayla crandall/ secretary
Kayla is passionate about giving all animals a chance at a great life. She and her husband share their lives with her Great Pyrenees, Bear, and her yellow tabby, Win. With master’s degrees in Nonprofit Management and Civic Engagement, Kayla brings valuable skills to support the organization’s mission. When she’s not working, you’ll find her on a mountain—or dreaming of the next one.
Kayla takes on this role with great pride in memory of her late sister, Stephanie Burt—an angel on earth who dedicated her life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals of all kinds.
