Forever Homes for Senior Dogs

In 2019, Central Texas lacked community resources for senior pets to secure new companions after a pet parent’s passing or caregiving incapacitation, which created a burden for shelters and rescues. During that time, Rhonda Minardi, LGCR founder, saw hundreds of old dogs, orphaned or displaced, sitting in shelters without hope, needing vet care, and a slim chance of adoption. But, since 2020, hundreds of senior dogs with medical, physical, and behavioral challenges have experienced belonging, purpose, and wellness as LGCR residents in a new permanent home in Bertram. Rhonda says, “Look no further than an old dog’s eyes to gauge life – our residents’ eyes twinkle from a joy-filled life.”

WHAT WE DO

Living Grace Canine Ranch is a senior dog life care sanctuary dedicated to serving senior canines across Texas that are displaced, unadoptable, and unwanted due to old age or illness. Some of their programs include:

• Let’s Shake Paws: Dogs provide companionship to seniors who are often at high risk for loneliness and depression. In addition, LGCR canine residents serve the community as visiting therapy dogs.

• Forever Foster: To increase lifelong senior dog companionship, LGCR supports all aspects of caregiving, including food, vet care, grooming, and medications.

• Forever Home: An endowment-based pet planning option that offers parents peace of mind when they can no longer care for their canine pets.

LASTING IMPACT

LGCR has transformed countless lives—canine and human—like Sun City residents Vicki and Bob Moore. The two began volunteering at the ranch three years ago; Vicki managed whatever tasks were needed while Bob, who has memory and mobility issues, cuddled with the dogs. Vicki says, “A couple years ago, there was a little Pomeranian named Giger. Someone picked her up and put her in Bob’s lap and she stayed there three hours. That happened for months and months. One day I told Rhonda, ‘I think I’ll take Ginger home a couple of days.’ She never went back.”

After Ginger passed away in April, the couple continued to volunteer and, two months later, found themselves taking Penelope, another Pomeranian, home. Penelope is part of LGCR’s Senior to Senior foster program, in which the ranch provides for a senior dog’s medical needs and grooming to make it financially easier on senior foster parents.

Penelope goes on errands with the couple, from the grocery store to Bob’s group meetings at the Sun City Worship Place. “She goes pretty much everywhere with us,” Vicki says. “LGCR is a huge blessing to us overall. We’re all like a family out there. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful place.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Since 2020, managing the cost of veterinarian services has been an ongoing challenge. With more than 100 senior dogs, the average monthly expense for veterinarian services, prescriptions, and therapies is $30,000. Monetary gifts and volunteering directly impact homeless old dogs’ quality of life and are profoundly appreciated. Visit LGCR online at LivingGraceCanineRanch.org or scan the code for additional information and upcoming events.