About Us

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Early Life and a Passion for Rescue

Divya Thompson was born and raised in New Delhi, India, where street dogs were a common part of daily life and compassion for them was not always encouraged. From an early age, she felt a strong connection to animals. Although dogs were not allowed inside her family’s home, she cared for them outside whenever she could.

When trucks came through her neighborhood to collect stray dogs, local children would run to find Divya. They knew she would gather as many dogs as possible and hide them in her yard. By the 1980s, she learned the heartbreaking truth that many of those dogs were being taken to their deaths.

That realization changed the course of her life. She became, in her own words, a rebel with a cause—challenging expectations and defending animals others often overlooked. The unconditional love she received from dogs strengthened her resolve. Despite multiple bites and rabies shots, she never stopped advocating for their safety.

A New Beginning in the United States

In the early 2000s, Divya moved to the United States. Unlike India, she no longer saw street dogs in need on every corner, but her commitment to helping animals remained unchanged.

A turning point came in 2012 when she met her husband, Kenji. Together, they adopted a dog named Sugar Momma from Front Street Animal Shelter. Through Sugar Momma, Divya gained her first experience with the U.S. shelter system. Inspired to do more, she and Kenji began fostering dogs and helping them find permanent homes.

Over time, they fostered numerous dogs, further deepening Divya’s dedication to rescue. She later became a foster coordinator for a local rescue organization, gaining experience in rescue operations, adoptions, and animal welfare. Although she dreamed of starting her own rescue, she assumed that goal would have to wait until retirement.

Personal Challenges and Unwavering Determination

Life took an unexpected turn in 2016 when Kenji was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. He lost his left leg, and suffered severe injuries to his right leg.

As their support system dwindled, Divya and Kenji relied on each other—and their dogs. Living on Divya’s $3,000 monthly income, they struggled to access the care they needed. She was even told Kenji might qualify for additional assistance if they divorced. Though she briefly considered it for his sake, she knew it was not the answer.

Instead, she persevered.

While working two jobs, Divya continued caring for her family. Each morning before leaving for work, she placed a baby monitor beside Kenji and Sugar Momma and told their beloved dog, “You take care of Daddy for me.”

Founding 4ever Yours Rescue

In 2018, Divya lost her job as an IT Analyst. What could have been another setback became an opportunity to pursue a long-held dream. She decided it was time to build a rescue grounded in compassion, accountability, and a lifelong commitment to every dog.

That decision led to the creation of Sugar Momma’s Rescue, now known as 4ever Yours Rescue Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Building a Rescue with Purpose

Since its founding, 4ever Yours Rescue has rehabilitated and rehomed nearly 100 plus dogs each year from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders, all while Divya and Kenji continued working full-time. The rescue also supports homeless dogs through food assistance, medical care, spay and neuter services, and other lifesaving resources.

The organization developed a special focus on dogs with urgent medical needs and complex challenges—animals often overlooked because of the cost or difficulty of their care. Divya is committed to ensuring every dog receives quality medical treatment and a genuine chance at a better life.

All dogs in the rescue are fully vetted, and receive dental care when needed. The adoption process includes applications, phone interviews, reference checks, and home visits to help ensure successful placements. Most importantly, 4ever Yours Rescue stands behind every dog for life. If an adoption does not work out, the rescue will always welcome the dog back.

Dogs live in loving foster homes where they can heal, decompress, and prepare for their forever families. Restoring stability and trust gives them the best chance at the life they deserve.

Perseverance Through Adversity

In January 2023, Divya faced another life-changing challenge. While protecting her small dog during an attack, she was mauled by one of the dogs and left permanently disabled- spiral fracture of the knee. Many believed her rescue work had come to an end.

After a year of intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation, she returned to rescue work with the same determination that had guided her throughout her life.

Every donated dollar continues to go directly toward the care and support of animals in need.

Gratitude for the Rescue Community

Divya is deeply grateful for the people who make the mission possible: her husband Kenji, dedicated veterinarians, shelter partners, transporters, the Board of Directors, fosters, volunteers, donors, and supporters who believe in giving dogs a second chance.

Most of all, she is grateful for the dogs.

They have carried her through some of the hardest seasons of her life, offered unconditional love, and reminded her that no one is ever truly alone.

A Lifelong Promise

In the words of Robert Frost:

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”

For Divya Thompson, rescue is not a hobby or a phase. It is a lifelong promise.

Rescue is never-ending.

Inside Sacramento wrote an excellent article about her efforts to save, rescue, and rehabilitate abandoned, neglected, and abused animals.