Big Dog Ranch Rescue

Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and educate until every dog has a loving and safe place to call home. The organization believes they can achieve this goal, and will achieve an end to dog homelessness and abuse through legislative efforts, hard work, and strategic partnerships near and far. “We will never give up and we will never back down from the needs of all heartbeats because every life matters,” according to president and founder Lauree Simmons.

Simmons’ passion for saving dogs led her to create Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the largest cage-free, no kill shelter in the United States. Founded in 2008 in Palm Beach County, FL, the rescue has evolved into a powerful global voice with Simmons leading the way on issues including ending dog euthanasia in kill shelters in the Southeast U.S., stopping the China dog meat trade, and as a key participant in the White House signing of the first animal anti-cruelty bill in U.S. history, preventing all forms of animal abuse.

Simmons first became inspired while volunteering at a Weimaraner rescue. She would later assume full control and convert it to serve dogs of all breeds. One afternoon, she visited a kill shelter where 14 dogs were about to be euthanized. She left that facility with all of those dogs filling her car—it was then that her vision of Big Dog Ranch Rescue was born. Her unique concept of creating a temporary home that nurtured dogs both physically and mentally has become a prototype of what every rescue should be.

Simmons’ advocacy work has extended to the rescue of hundreds of stray dogs left at the U.S. southern border by migrants. On a recent visit to Eagle Pass, TX, near the Rio Grande, Simmons personally saw hundreds of starving and abandoned dogs. “They were left to fend for themselves,” she said, “and they can’t survive on their own.” This experience led Simmons to open a new 100acre rehabilitation, medical, and adoption facility in Shorter, AL, in an effort to save more animals from euthanasia and to help transport dogs to the Northeast for adoption.

Big Dog Ranch’s website states that their “mission is to save as many innocent dog lives as possible through education, sterilization, and legislation” and its foundation “is a collection of donors, staff, volunteers, and corporate partners who share the same vision. Through an annual consolidated commitment, we can develop mutually beneficial relationships and provide recognition of generosity.“

Big Dog Ranch will be represented on the catwalk by Paris-based designer Anne Fontaine, who will be wearing her own creation. Fontaine, an ecologist and president of the Anne Fontaine Foundation that concentrates on protection of the Brazilian rainforest, is known for her collections that emphasize elegance and refined chic. “I am so lucky to be able to partner with Big Dog Ranch, such an amazing Foundation that rescues all these animals.,” said Fontaine. “This cause goes hand in hand with my Anne Fontaine Foundation which helps to plant trees in the Brazilian Rainforest, also giving animals a home.” Fontaine will be accompanied by a dog from Big Dog Ranch on the runway. ■

Sponsor : Barbara Gilbert and Lauree Simmons / bdrr.org

Jameson Humane Rescue is guided by the connection among animals, humans, and the environment. The organization seeks to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life.

Back in 2014, Monica and David Stevens founded Jameson Humane (Jameson) as a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education. Guided by instincts, the Stevenses and their leadership team have not followed the traditional path of “animal rescue,” but instead listen to the community and respond holistically to the needs of its animals and their human guardians.

The Jameson founders describe the organization as an impact-driven nonprofit that collaborates and educates to inspire change in animal welfare, not only in local communities but around the world, Jameson’s program model includes various novel solutions and approaches driven by education, prevention, and intervention. Its work is guided by how animals, the environment, and the community are all inextricably connected.

The organization recently rebranded itself to represent its growing mission, to better reflect who it is today, and to symbolize its dynamic future as an impact-based organization that is guided by the connection among people, animals, and the planet.

Jameson Humane works to find loving and permanent environments for animals in need, and helps to save animals from euthanasia, sickness, and abuse. They also endeavor to keep animals with their families through their Community Animal Assistance Program (CAAP). This program provides financial assistance for families who are having difficulty paying for veterinary care for their beloved animals. Jameson Humane has also recently partnered with five other animal sanctuaries to create the “Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet (LEAP)” humane education program. LEAP offers participants hands-on farmed and domestic animal care experience, education, and the opportunity to earn scholarships by volunteering at participating animal sanctuaries.

(Monica) Stevens wrote that “Jameson knows there is a more compassionate path for students who would like to work with and do better by the animals. It is high time. We regularly receive calls from students in other ag programs who have lovingly cared for pigs, cows, sheep and goats, and have come to the realization that they will be going to auction, to slaughter, and want to do what they can to save them. I am thrilled and grateful that Jameson Humane is part of this celebrated event that will bring both awareness and funding to the necessary life-saving programs at our sanctuary and rescue.”

Jameson will be represented on the catwalk by model Tanya Ward, who will be wearing a design by Napabased designer Karen Caldwell and will be accompanied by Chloe the dog. Caldwell is known for her vintage Hollywood aesthetic and her glamorous creations that include evening gowns, dresses, and suits in bold colors and retro silhouettes, and for using vintage fabrics and repurposing items, which is very much in line with the Napa Valley aesthetic of staying green and recycling. Caldwell describes her clientele as “women who have confidence in their strength and beauty.” ■

Sponsor : Jan Zakin / jamesonanimalrescueranch.org