Krystle & Allen

Krystle & Allen Woodward

Allen & Krystle Woodward

Pinky Paws Search & Rescue

Selma, CA (Outside of Fresno, CA)

Krystle and Allen Woodward are the husband-and-wife team behind Pinky Paws Search & Rescue, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recovering lost and stolen pets, rescuing abused and neglected animals, and saving wildlife in desperate situations. Krystle’s passion for animal rescue began more than two decades ago after witnessing the heartbreaking reality of unnecessary dog euthanasia, inspiring her to dedicate her life to giving animals a second chance. Today, she is California's only certified pet detective through the Missing Animal Response Network (MARN).   Allen, who grew up surrounded by animals and once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, brings the physical strength, fearless attitude and hands-on field expertise to the duo.  Krystle is in the process of putting in the hours to become a Private Investigator to further her credentials to help find stolen pets. Together, they've transformed their organization from a traditional rescue into a sanctuary, where they share their 2.2 acre property outside of Fresno, California, with approximately 150 dogs in need of loving homes.

Their investigation combines neighborhood canvassing, reward campaigns, scent stations, surveillance, harness hidden cameras and days, or even weeks, of stakeouts before making their move. Their work has led them into dangerous situations, including confrontations with hostile property owners, remote wilderness searches, freeway rescues, and undercover investigations involving suspected stolen pets. They have admitted to entering/trespassing on a property, using tools to cut open a locked gate to enter and retrieve a lost or stolen pet. They routinely crawl beneath homes, rappel down cliffs, trek through vineyards, navigate dangerous backroads, and enter some of California's harshest environments to reach animals in crisis. They also rescue and recover wildlife such as: possums, hawks, owls, ducks, foxes, goats, and bats. 

The pets that are typically stolen are “designer” breeds: French Bulldogs, Cavapoos, Pugs, King Charles Cavalier’s. Pets are often stolen for financial gain. Some are sold for quick profit, while others, particularly unspayed or unneutered animals, are targeted because they can be used for breeding and producing litters to sell. Larger breeds, such as Pit Bulls and German Shepherds, may also be stolen for use as guard dogs or, in some cases, for illegal dog fighting operations. 

There are a few signs to inform them if a dog is stolen or missing. A stolen dog tends to be a very friendly, approachable dog. If the dog has no history of escaping or running away, it was very likely stolen. Their approach is blasting social media, posting flyers, neighbor canvassing, door knocks, requesting to see their doorbell camera footage, etc.  Their most memorable stolen dog case was a stolen cavapoo. After days of door knocks, media blasts, the thief came forward for the $1,000 reward and they were able to apprehend the culprit and turn them over to authorities. 

Their work has led to some extraordinary recoveries. They once reunited a family with a senior cat after an exhausting 29 day search. They also rescued Coco, a Labrador mix that survived for five years alongside coyotes at an Interstate 5 rest stop before ultimately becoming their own beloved pet. They've also saved countless neglected animals, including one dog whose harness had become embedded deep into its skin.

Pinky Paws’ arsenal includes thermal drones capable of locating animals across mountains, orchards, and dense terrain, thermal monoculars for ground searches, scent-trained tracking dogs, Wi-Fi and live-feed trail cameras, extender antennas, underground inspection scopes, professional humane traps, walkie-talkies, and custom field equipment designed for long-term surveillance. Their trapping systems are carefully engineered to safely recover frightened animals without causing additional stress or injury.

What truly sets Krystle and Allen apart is their unwavering commitment to the animals that everyone else has given up on. They've witnessed heartbreaking neglect, abuse, and unimaginable suffering, yet they continue to answer every call because they know each rescue represents someone's beloved family member.