The Situation: A Profitable Business, 30 Jobs, Protected Land, and a Founder’s Freedom are at Stake

I never thought I would be here asking for help.

Nine years ago, I built Jumping Jack Dog Ranch, a dog boarding, daycare, and grooming facility just outside Austin, Texas, in honor of my dog, Jack. I built it from the ground up to provide structured, force-free care that keeps dogs happy, safe, and well cared for. What started as a dream has grown into something far bigger than me. Today, we serve more than 6,000 families in Hays County, including dogs who need extra love and specialized care, such as seniors and special-needs pups that many places cannot accommodate.

Jumping Jack is not just a business. It is a community.

Today, that community is at risk.

For the past three years, I have been in a legal fight with a minority shareholder, my ex-husband, who is trying to force the sale and shutdown of Jumping Jack Ranch. The judge assigned to our case, Judge Alicia Key, has issued rulings that severely limit the company’s ability to defend itself and continue operating. If we lose, the consequences will be devastating for our employees, our clients, the dogs in our care, and the land we have worked so hard to protect.

What Is at Stake

The Animals: We care for more than 6,000 client families and also support foster dogs and local rescue nonprofits. Jumping Jack has become a safe place for dogs who need patience, structure, and specialized attention.

The People: We employ 30 people and provide living wages and full benefits. Some of our staff members have disabilities and live on-site. If Jumping Jack closes, they could lose both their jobs and their homes.

The Land: Our 11-acre ranch sits directly on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. We are committed to protecting this land from overdevelopment and preserving an important local water source. We believe that if Jumping Jack is forced to close, the property could be sold to developers or private equity interests, putting that protection at risk.

Small Business: Texas is often described as a pro-business state with limited regulations. Yet in this case, Judge Key has ruled that she can control salaries, bonus structures, and restricted the company's ability to fund its own legal defense. I have been told that if I want to defend Jumping Jack , I must personally pay for that defense, even though my salary has been capped by Judge Key. If this ruling stands, it could create a dangerous precedent for small businesses across Texas.

The Urgent Crisis: April 8 Deadline

Judge Key of the 483rd Hays County Court has issued a series of rulings that have pushed us to the brink.

First, the company has been restricted on using its funds to pay for legal counsel, effectively stripping Jumping Jack of its ability to defend itself. At the same time, the court is considering a motion to dissolve the company.

Second, I have been personally ordered to pay $107,000 into the court registry for legal fees. For a small business owner who reinvests everything into staff, care, and operations, that is an impossible amount to produce on short notice.

Third, if the money is not paid by April 8, I am facing the threat of contempt, which could mean jail. If that happens, Jumping Jack may be forced to close its doors for good.

We have done everything we can to resolve this situation. We have worked hard to build something different, a business that puts people and animals first, not just profit. Now we need help protecting it.

Where Your Donation Goes

We must raise $107,000 by April 8 to satisfy the court-ordered payment. These funds will help:

Our Promise to the Community

This money is being raised to meet a court requirement. We believe that, in the end, we will prevail in this lawsuit and that these funds for legal fees will be returned. If that happens and money is returned, we will make a donation to Jack Jack’s Pack, a 501(c)(3) dog rescue in Hays County. This organization is not affiliated with Jumping Jack Ranch.

Your support today is an investment in protecting Jumping Jack and a future gift to rescue dogs in our community.

If you believe in small businesses, fairness, and protecting something built with heart, I am asking for your help. Even $5 can make a difference. Please share your stories about Jumping Jack in the comments and help us spread the word. Click HERE to read the story of Jack.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Brett Mundy

Owner and Founder

Jumping Jack Dog Ranch