Help Preserve Debbie Anderson's Legacy at Sacred Dog Ranch

On July 13, 2026, our lives changed forever when Lilly lost her mom, Debbie Anderson. She wasn't just a devoted mother and animal caretaker—she was the heart of Sacred Dog Ranch, a lifelong animal lover whose greatest joy was caring for animals and sharing that love with others.

Debbie was born into an animal-loving family. She grew up helping in her parents' pet shop and spent more than 50 years as a professional dog groomer. She became well known for raising beautiful champion Silky Terriers under the Debress kennel name. Horses were her greatest passion, especially Appaloosas, and together with Lilly and her estranged husband, Jim, they built Sacred Dog Ranch in Acton, California. It all began in 1988 as a place where animals would always be safe and loved.

If you visit our family photo albums, you'll notice something special. Debbie isn't in many of the pictures because she was usually the one behind the camera. She spent her life capturing memories of her daughter Lilly, the horses, the puppies, and the countless animals that filled her ranch. These photographs reflect the world she created.

Debbie believed every child should have the opportunity to experience animals. Her sister, an urban elementary school teacher, regularly brought her students to Sacred Dog Ranch. For many of those children, it was the first time they had ever stood beside a horse, held a puppy, or met farm animals up close. Debbie loved watching the wonder in their faces.

Today that dream is in danger of disappearing.

Her daughter, Lilly, and her fiancé, Manny, moved to Sacred Dog Ranch before Debbie passed away to help care for her and the animals. They have chosen to stay because they believe in continuing Debbie's life's work. Their dream is to restore Sacred Dog Ranch so it can once again become a place where animals are protected, and future generations can experience the same love for nature and animals that Debbie shared so freely.

The challenge is overwhelming. Sacred Dog Ranch now needs extensive cleanup and repairs after many difficult years. There are barns, corrals, fencing, buildings, vehicles, and decades of accumulated belongings that must be sorted through. At the same time, the animals still need daily care, and there is still a mortgage on the property.

Your kindness will help us:

Care for the horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and other animals Debbie loved.

Cover funeral and estate-related expenses.

Restore and repair Sacred Dog Ranch.

Preserve Debbie's lifelong legacy of compassion for animals.

Give Lilly and Manny the opportunity to continue the mission Debbie began nearly four decades ago.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps preserve something much larger than a ranch. It helps preserve a life devoted to kindness, compassion, and unconditional love for animals.

If you are unable to donate, we would be deeply grateful if you would share Debbie's story with others.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping keep Debbie's dream alive.

With gratitude,

Lilly, Manny, and Jim

"No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe".