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Nikki's Story

Nikki Tibbles’ love for dogs has shaped her life. Raised among rescues, she inherited a deep compassion for animals from her parents, one that would define her life’s work.

Before founding Wild at Heart Foundation, Nikki’s devotion to dogs grew through her travels across India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Puerto Rico, and South America. What began as holidays became rescue missions, feeding, caring for, and organising veterinary support for street dogs. Yet, the sheer scale of suffering was overwhelming.

As a renowned florist, Nikki’s travels exposed her to the global plight of free-roaming dogs. A turning point came when she rescued two abandoned puppies, Rose and Lily, in Puerto Rico. Realising that individual rescues weren’t enough, she founded Wild at Heart Foundation in 2015, initially focusing on rehoming. Over time, the charity shifted to prioritising sterilisation, welfare, and education, key to preventing suffering at its source.

Officially registered in May 2015, the Foundation is funded by public donations, fundraising events, and corporate support. The mission remains steadfast: transforming the lives of free-roaming dogs worldwide, one dog at a time.

"Promoting kindness and compassion towards animals is more vital than ever"

Our Story

We believe in the transformative power of dogs. They lift our spirits, keep us active, and make a house a home. As loyal companions and protectors, they give us unconditional love. In return, we are committed to helping them when they need it most.

Since 2015, your generous support has driven remarkable progress:

  • Over 32,700 dogs sterilised through global welfare and education initiatives with 20+ partners.
  • More than 2,000 dogs rehomed before shifting focus to sterilisation, welfare, and education in 2022.
  • Expanding impact—from launching education campaigns in Africa and Asia (2017) to funding mass sterilisation clinics in Puerto Rico (2018) and crisis support in Lebanon (2019).
  • Emergency aid, including support for partners during COVID (2020) and funding sterilisation in Ukraine amid war (2023).
  • Advancing education through UK school programmes, animated videos, and pet food bank support.

 

Today, we collaborate with seven global partners across Ukraine, Romania, Greece, India, Mexico, and the UK, leading efforts to reduce free-roaming dog populations, save lives, and inspire compassionate change.

Meet the Team

Olivia Staves

Operations Director

Olivia, a lifelong dog lover and Wild at Heart Foundation adopter, joined the team in 2017, advancing to Operations Director in 2024. She is dedicated to driving the charity’s mission forward and improving the welfare of free-roaming dogs globally.

Samantha Dark

Marketing & PR

Samantha, with 20+ years in brand communication, combines her marketing expertise and passion for animal welfare. She supports free-roaming dogs through Wild at Heart Foundation, after studying animal welfare in 2018.

Krishty Ankadu

Accounts

Krishty, a part-qualified accountant with seven years of experience, ensures financial accuracy and supports the Foundation’s mission.

Layla Armstrong

Social Media & Marketing Assistant

Layla, with a background in conservation communications, recently joined Wild at Heart Foundation, focusing on content creation, campaigns, and community engagement to drive action for free-roaming dogs worldwide.

Our Trustees

James Cane

Appointed June 2024

James, a chartered accountant with over 40 years’ experience, is a trustee of the Royal Academy of Dance and chairs its finance, audit, and risk committee. He has also served on LAMDA’s board. James and his wife live in London with Lois, a rescue from Greece, and Tommy, brother of the 2020 Crufts Champion. He fondly remembers Simon, a Bosnian Barakhound rescue who died before lockdown.

Louise Richmond

Appointed September 2023

Louise is a charity fundraiser and marketeer passionate about advocating for young people and animals. Currently freelancing with two charities, she adopted her dog Sandy from Bahrain through Wild at Heart Foundation in 2020. Louise is proud to be a trustee, working to improve the lives of free-roaming dogs. 

Stephanie Camu

Appointed October 2021

Stephanie is a founding partner of Southern & Partners with over 20 years of experience in artist management and serves as a trustee for the Barbican Centre Trust and Old Chiswick Protection Society. Deeply passionate about animal welfare, she adopted her two adorable rescues Ziggy and Ella from Crete. 

Marisha Dhawan

Appointed July 2024

Marisha is a chartered accountant in International Development specialising in financial planning, risk management, and project leadership. Passionate about yoga and ending animal suffering, she became dedicated to the Wild at Heart Foundation after her rescue dogs, Sheru and Helios, arrived from Cyprus in 2018. 

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Registered Charity No: 1161695