Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2024) – Sometimes puppy love turns into happily-ever-after. At Helen Woodward Animal Center, two happy-endings became a reality for one man who organized a one-of-a-kind PUP-posal to the woman he loved.
Halley Nathwani said “yes” to Nathan Kelleher. “Yes” to adopting a dachshund/chihuahua blend puppy named Holly and “yes” to a lifetime together as Holly’s married parents. The couple, who are passionate about rescue, have proven they are equally passionate about each other.
Kelleher, a San Diego local, met Nathwani in college at UC Berkley over 7 years ago. The duo were an instant match and have stood the test of time together, eventually ending up in Alexandria, Virginia where he now works as a consultant in healthcare and she works as a software engineer.
“When we moved in together, she brought her dachshund pup named Nutmeg,” explained Kelleher. “She adores that dog. That was her number one love and it was important to her that I loved Nutmeg as much as she did. I can honestly say that today I do.”
When Kelleher decided it was time to make things official, he felt certain he knew the perfect way to seal the deal.
“I obviously had to find a life partner for Nutmeg so that became a major part of the plan.”
Kelleher and Nathwani flew to San Diego to see family, with the engagement ring tucked safely in Kelleher’s pocket. He explained that he knew of the great work that Helen Woodward Animal Center did and planned to surprise his girlfriend with a visit. As fate would have it, before the couple even made it to the rescue facility, the Center’s HOPE Telethon was live on their television and Nathwani was struck by a little dachshund/chihuahua blend being held by one of the hosts.
“She looked so much like Nutmeg,” said Nathwani. “Nutmeg is very shy and I’ve been really wanting to find him a perfect companion. Holly was so cuddly and loving and I just knew she’d be a wonderful friend to him.”
Yesterday morning, hearts were aflutter as the perfect union of man and woman and dog became a reality. Holly surprised Nathwani with a diamond attached to the rescue pup’s collar. Nathwani said yes to both unions.
“We’re probably going to name her Cardamom – Cardy M for short – for even more spice, to match with Nutmeg,” laughed Nathwani. “We can’t wait to take her home and introduce them.”
“Puppies are simply love and magic with fur,” stated Helen Woodward Adoptions Services Director Kendall Schulz. “I personally can’t think of a better way to propose than to do it while committing to even more love in your home.”
Helen Woodward Animal Center offers love and congratulations to the newly engaged couple and their new forever puppy.
For information on Helen Woodward Animal Center or to adopt an orphan pet, go to https://animalcenter.org or call (858)756-4117 x 313.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: https://animalcenter.org.
