My name is Nikki Donaldson, and I am the founder of Companions to Caretakers. My passion for creating this rescue was born from a life-changing moment on October 5, 2023. Before that day, I was a confident and dedicated critical care paramedic with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. I took pride in being an optimistic caregiver, always ready to help those in need, while spending my days off recharging in nature—exploring the outdoors with my pack by my side.
Everything changed when I suffered a stroke following a chiropractor adjustment. In an instant, the life I knew was gone. Each day since has been a journey to rediscover myself and find a sense of normal again. In my darkest moments, it was my dogs who carried me through—offering unwavering love, support, and purpose when I needed it most.
Over the past three years, two of my girls have been trained—both professionally and by me—to become the caretakers I never knew I would need. Atlas and Kora, through their loyalty, intuition, and constant guidance, have helped lead me toward a new beginning. They are the heart behind this mission.
Because of them, I made the difficult decision to step away from my EMS career and dedicate my life to something new. Companions to Caretakers exists to provide pet adoption opportunities and give rescued dogs a second chance—not only at life but at purpose. Through our dog boarding and dog walking services, we transform them into service animals, creating a path where both dog and human can heal, grow, and support one another in ways that are truly life-changing. Additionally, we offer obedience training and service training to ensure these dogs can thrive in their new roles.
