When the Weinberg intensive care unit lead nurse practitioner, Julie King, casually mentioned she was looking for another dog, nurse practitioner Eva Ramgopal sprang into action. In her spare time, Ramgopal is the director of operations for CHARM Rescue, a volunteer-led animal rescue in Columbia, Maryland.

“I really enjoy that when I help a co-worker adopt a dog, I get to keep track of the dog’s adventures long term,” says Ramgopal. “I love knowing that this once‑homeless animal is now thriving in a home with people I trust to give it an amazing life full of long hikes, plenty of treats and so much love.”

CHARM Rescue focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, community outreach and veterinary access, and Ramgopal is involved in every aspect of it.

“I don’t know what we would do without Eva,” says CHARM Rescue director Carolyn Derrenbacher. “She keeps things going. She’s very attuned to all the different groups within the rescue. If anyone needs something, they can ask Eva. She will always get it done. She’s the middle of the wheel that holds all the spokes together.”

King says she has adopted two dogs with Ramgopal’s help: a herding dog mix named Dee Dee and a miniature Australian shepherd named Ruby. Ramgopal fostered Dee Dee before King adopted her.

“She made sure this dog was a good match for us,” says King. “We were able to meet Dee Dee and make sure she got along with our other dog before we adopted her.”

Ramgopal supports many aspects of the rescue center. In addition to serving as the director of operations, she is also the lead of the adoption and medical teams.

“I help all the volunteer teams work collaboratively, as well as serving as a point person for our local animal shelters to help streamline operations,” Ramgopal says. “As the medical coordinator, I’m triaging dogs with medical needs and coordinating vet care. The adoption team focuses on creating the right fit, carefully matching each dog with an adoptive family by considering the needs of both the dog and the humans.”

Ramgopal says there are many ways to get involved with CHARM Rescue, even if adopting, donating or a hands-on role is not an option.

“A lot of the work is done virtually, and is very meaningful,” she says. “There is truly a role for everyone; even if you only have a few hours a week, you can make a meaningful difference, and along the way, you may meet some genuinely caring and creative people.”

Brenda Perez, a member of the rescue’s board of directors, has been volunteering with Ramgopal for eight years.

“Eva is our constant. She’s so dedicated; we truly would be lost without her,” says Perez. “She’s so talented and nothing slips through the cracks. Eva has built a lot of the teams we have. She recruited, trained and helped create the foundation for this rescue.”

Communications team lead and adoption coordinator Kathleen Marchsteiner says Ramgopal is a great leader.  

“Eva is a fantastic communicator, and really good at coordination and organization,” Marchsteiner says. “She is so involved, and helps things run smoothly. She played a huge role in helping build the rescue from the ground up. She works with the volunteers and is such a strong presence. Eva’s leadership and her ability to be present in fun times and serious times make her a great volunteer.”

For more information, visit https://charmrescue.org.