Living Grace Canine Ranch

04/27/2025

For years, Jelly Bean held the title of President of LGCR's Golden Year Club (GYC), a role cherished and earned with time. Today, we celebrate a beautiful transition as Lil Bit, at just twenty, takes the gavel and leads our members into a new chapter.

We warmly invite all residents aged thirteen and above to our annual GYC Club Celebration. Join us on Saturday, June 7th, as we come together to showcase their unique styles and share in the joy of community, all while embracing the swagger that comes with confidence and pride.

04/26/2025

Neglect refers to the failure to provide basic care for a dog, which includes various actions or omissions that compromise the dog's well-being. The key term here is "well-being," which, at LGCR, we define as "feeling whole."

The long-term impact of chronic neglect is often more emotional than physical. Take Leah, for example. After her owner passed away, animal control had to coax her out from under a bed in a dilapidated house that reeked of urine and f***s. Although Leah was healthy for her age, she was emotionally damaged.

At the ranch, it took a year before she would make eye contact. Two years later, the little girl who once shied away from being 'visible' blossomed into the most vivacious Texas rose.

LGCR aims to provide adoption-disadvantaged senior dogs with hope, health, and lifelong happiness pathways.
Join Us!
www.livinggracecanineranch.org

04/25/2025

Get ready to reserve your front-row seat for the 5th Annual Golden Years Club Parade hosted by LGCR! After months of dedicated lifestyle enhancements for seniors, over one hundred residents are embracing longer and healthier lives.

Join us on Saturday, June 7th, as our cherished seniors proudly parade to the uplifting sounds of applause. Be part of this special celebration that honors their journeys and inspires us all!

04/25/2025

Every year, we have the pleasure of being home to nesting bunnies. Apollo discovered the bunny hole in one of our agility parks - all are safe. This park is currently closed to the residents.

04/23/2025

Life is precious at every stage.
Soon to celebrate his fourteenth birthday, Kash's journey with LGCR has been one of hope after abandonment, managing his healthy lifestyle needs and happiness while living with his Forever Foster mom since 2021.

04/23/2025

Can a female dog remain protective of her offspring?
Absolutely! Female dogs often exhibit strong protective instincts toward their puppies, even into adulthood. This protectiveness can lead to aggressive behavior toward unfamiliar people.

While some protectiveness is normal, excessive behavior may indicate inadequate training or past negative experiences. For example, Xena and her son Marshall were abandoned, but after four years, we still work daily to help ease her fears.

**Indicators of Overprotectiveness:**
- **Heightened alertness:** The mother dog stays watchful when her adult offspring are nearby.
- **Tension or rigidity:** Physical tension may occur during interactions.
- **Growling or snapping:** She might growl, snap, or bite to defend her puppies.

National Dog Mom Day is quickly approaching; what do you think Marshall plans to give his 'best mom ever'?

04/21/2025

Let's be honest; maladaptive behavior in senior dogs, much like in aging humans, often leads to increased isolation and loneliness. These behaviors can strip away joy, a sense of belonging, and purpose from their lives. Take Mr. Wilson, for example. From the ages of four to eight, he was surrendered to shelters seven times, leaving deep emotional scars.
Today's blog post focuses on the principles of neuroplasticity and how residents like Mr. Wilson is discovering a life of happiness.
👉

Let's be honest; maladaptive behavior in senior dogs, much like in aging humans, often leads to increased isolation and loneliness. This sadness can strip away joy, a sense of belonging, and purpose from their lives. Take Mr. Wilson, for example. From the ages of four to eight, he was surrendered to...

04/21/2025

Contrary to popular belief, natural selection does not govern the survival of domesticated dogs. In rural Central Texas, many think working dogs thrive by "living off the land," but they face serious risks like heartworm disease, distemper, and rabies. The notion that they can reproduce to replace those that don't survive is misguided. Their survival depends on a unique bond with humans based on love and care, leading to a type of evolution defined by nurturing rather than survival of the fittest.

LGCR's Rural Roadside program aims to provide a haven while delivering essential wellness care. As part of this program, dogs like Valentine and Love are treated for heartworm while undergoing our trust-building process with humans. It's a gradual journey, but it's worth it. Do you agree?

04/20/2025

May this Easter season inspire you with hope, bring you immense happiness, and open up a world of endless possibilities! Wishing you a joyful and vibrant celebration!

04/19/2025

Fairytales are captivating stories that transport readers to magical lands filled with fantastical creatures and incredible adventures. These timeless tales ignite the imagination and invite us into worlds where anything is possible, and dreams come to life.

Since January, LGCR's Rural Roadside Rescue Program has changed the lives of twenty-five dogs of all ages who have faced abandonment, cruelty, and life-threatening injuries. This program offers them hope, health, and the promise of a lifetime of happiness.

Experience the joy of our Mission-in-Motion video channel, where canine fairy tales come to life. Enjoy watching!
👉https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChKIbtar9-skeE1PmB7mcuQ

04/18/2025

On this solemn occasion, may the love of Christ fill your heart with peace, hope, and gratitude. We wish you a blessed Good Friday.

04/17/2025

"Orphan" is usually defined as a child who has lost their parents. However, it's essential to recognize that senior dogs who have lost their owners often undergo a similar emotional experience. These dogs may feel lonely, lost, and isolated, much like orphaned humans. Understanding their emotional struggles can provide better support and care for these animals during challenging times.
Here are some ideas to support them:

1. Include an item of the owner's clothing, such as an unwashed sock or scarf, in their dog bed. These items carry familiar scents that can help ease their anxiety.

2. Maintain a consistent routine to provide them with a sense of security.


3. Offer extra attention, affection, and mental and physical stimulation opportunities.

Should you ever be blessed as a caregiver to a canine orphan, we hope our experience significantly aids you in their adjustment and helps them find a new sense of normalcy during this challenging time.

04/17/2025

It's official—Thor has embarked on a transformative new chapter after being abandoned by the roadside. He faced harrowing challenges, including severe emaciation, dehydration, and barbed wire embedded in his gums.

This resilient two-year-old has found his forever human, pledging to brush teeth daily and cherish each other unconditionally.

LGCR's Rural Roadside Rescue dogs arrive with nothing, but they always leave healthier, happier, and ready to thrive.

Congratulations to Thor and his new mom! May your journey together be filled with joyous memories and unwavering companionship.

04/16/2025

In life's journey, senior dogs in Texas, primarily those disadvantaged in the adoption process, are accompanied by love and companionship and never face their experiences in isolation. The sanctuary provided by LGCR offers a supportive environment that delivers medical, physical, and emotional assistance throughout their journey.
❤️

04/15/2025

Ren's journey toward healing unfolds like a winding path, fraught with many emotional and developmental challenges that may span months or even years to comprehend fully. Yet amidst the turmoil, one truth stands resolute: the deep scars of betrayal will no longer cast a shadow over his future.

Read more about Ren on the Living Grace Canine Ranch Sanctuary Sweetheart page. His resiliency is moving. But best of all, he knows that you know that an LGCR life is one of hope, health, and happiness.
🧐

Life Will Get Better, We Promise

04/14/2025

It’s hard to believe that it’s been fifteen months since Lil' Bit jumped out of the trash and into the loving arms of LGCR. His nightly serenades fill our hearts with comfort, reminding us of the resilience and joy senior dogs bring to Life's meaning.❤

04/14/2025

At the ranch, Sara Brown Fleming serves as the Enrichment Director for LGCR, responsible for planning daily activities tailored to residents' specific cognitive and behavioral needs. However, to residents, she is affectionately called the "fun lady" who generously provides unconditional affection through her caring interactions.