Our Team

  • Saharai "Sada" Salazar

    Saharai “Sada” Salazar has been working professionally with canines for over 19 years. Saharai’s education in canine studies included behavior, anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and diseases at the University of California, Davis.

    Saharai is a shelter dog aggression and fear specialist whose greatest passion is working with dogs slated for euthanasia. Her behavioral approach is founded on patience, empathy and kindness. As a relationship-based dog trainer, Saharai works to cultivate bonds through safety and trust with each individual dog and bring out the best in them, regardless of their environment.

    Saharai enjoys cooking, video games, astronomy, and hiking.

  • Xevelia "Xev" De La Cruz

    Xevelia’s passion for dogs began when she got her first bulldog in college and was ill prepared to put it mildly. She eventually started fostering English Bulldogs to help them heal from trauma and health ailments that were caused so humans could make a quick buck.

    Eventually she became head of California Bully Rescue (CBR) and worked to save the lives of bully breeds throughout the state. During her time in rescue, she saw the most common reason that people abandon dogs are avoidable and rehabilitate-able behavioral problems. To prevent this, she now works tirelessly to provide holistic health and behavioral resources for dog owners in need.

  • Nathaniel "Nate" Valente

    As an advocate for shelter dogs, bully breeds and underdogs everywhere, Nate works diligently to provide pragmatic, practical solutions to the rescue world. Nate’s experience working in animal control and services offers invaluable insight and support to animal shelters, rescue organizations and community members.

  • Jorge "JD" Duran

    Jorge had always felt a strong connection to bulldogs and commonly referred to them as his spirit animal. He loved to nap, eat, and do things as long as it was his idea. Getting his first bulldog in college really opened his eyes to dogs and the struggles of having one when you aren’t prepared.

    He embarked on a journey with his spouse to foster through California Bully Rescue and saw how important it was to use social media to further the mission and get dog’s adopted to good homes. Jorge’s passion lies in telling stories through videos or photos. He helps us show how we turn trauma to triumph and hurt to health with the right techniques, mindset, and patience.