A Nissan employee and her Ariya give rescue dogs a second life

A little love, time and care can make all the difference.

Henriëtte James, a Tennessee-based Nissan Communications team member and animal lover, began fostering rescue dogs this year after hearing about a local program in Nashville.

"I was working with a colleague who introduced me to a local organization," says Henriëtte. "I wasn't sure how it worked or if I could do it, but then I learned that they give you all the supplies and food, and fostering is a manageable two-week commitment for each dog. So I thought, 'Yes, I can do this.'"

Getting to know Tula

Henriëtte's latest foster, Tula, is a brown and tan Rottweiler with a gentle soul who loves playing with her two German Shepherds, Jade and Z. Like many rescue dogs, Tula's previous situation left her traumatized, scared and often hiding in a corner.

"When Tula was rescued, she could barely walk," says Henriëtte. "She didn't get much exercise or food and looked very sad. Since I've been caring for her, she's much less shy, trusts people more, looks a lot better and can walk easily again."

Henriëtte fosters for Wags and Walks, a community of canine lovers whose mission is to reduce euthanasia in overcrowded shelters by letting people know rescue dogs make great pets. The nonprofit organization rescues dogs in need and places them with fosters like Henriëtte, who prepare them for adoption by providing safe and loving care.

Kathryn Dhall, executive director of Wags and Walks in Nashville, shares the passion that gave birth to the organization.

"In a country that has so many dogs, the focus should be serving those who need it most," says Kathryn. "Bringing dogs who need rescue into your home is the most impactful way you can save a life and give back."

A smooth, comfortable journey

A large part of fostering involves taking rescue dogs to get health checkups, shots and fulfilling their other needs. A big fan of EVs, Henriëtte uses her Nissan Ariya to take them around.

"I've driven electric cars for over 10 years," says Henriëtte. "They're fantastic. I love the tech and how smooth they are. But more than that, they save so much money by avoiding gas stations, especially when I make so many trips carrying dogs. Wags and Walks is a 45-minute drive for me, so the Ariya is great."

Before transporting them on hot days, Henriëtte likes to cool down the Ariya's cabin in advance using her convenient Nissan phone app to set the air conditioning. The foster dogs and her own can also enjoy a comfortable ride thanks to the Ariya's ample space and plush ride provided by its advanced all-wheel control technology, called e-4ORCE.

"It's really smooth and gentle when driving, which helps make trips more comfortable for dogs like Tula," says Henriëtte. "Every bit of comfort helps in their healing process."

Where one road ends, a new one begins

Over the past two weeks with Henriëtte, Tula has made a remarkable turnaround – from a distant and shy demeanor to energetic and brimming with love.

Tula's next chapter begins soon after being adopted by a new, loving family.

"It's so rewarding to see a rescue like Tula become more cheerful and happy, hang out with other dogs, run around and get the love she deserves," says Henriëtte. "When a foster can help an animal prepare to be adopted by a new family, it's like giving a dog a second life, and that's the best."

Related stories:

Nissan e-4ORCE is pawfect for a drive with your furry friends

Nissan pet-friendly accessories are ready for the whole pack

Read more Nissan Stories from the U.S. and around the world.