Every month in rescue feels impossible lately.

And somehow… every month we still wake up and keep going.

At Layla’s Heart Ranch and Rescue, we are a family-run 501(c)(3) sanctuary and last-chance rescue built on 20 acres of raw land in Texas. We rescue the dogs nobody else wants. The ones labeled “too broken,” “too sick,” “too scared,” “too much work.”

The dogs everyone else gave up on.

This month, we desperately need help raising $15,000 to survive May.

We haven’t been fundraising the way we normally do because emotionally… we’ve been drowning after losing my soul dog, Tuxedo. Many of you followed his journey. He was my heart dog. My shadow. The dog who stayed beside me through homelessness, pregnancy, single motherhood, loss, recovery, rescue, and every hard chapter in between.

He had the biggest goofy pit bull smile you’ve ever seen. He loved baby chickens. He loved belly rubs. He loved my son Jackson before Jackson was even born, resting his head on my pregnant belly like he already knew him.

And while grieving him, rescue hasn’t stopped.

Because suffering doesn’t stop.

This month alone we are facing multiple major veterinary visits, mounting bills, food costs, and summer preparation expenses.

Smoke

Smoke walked up to me outside of a laundromat.

He was starving. Every bone visible. Missing fur. Covered in old scars, old tears, bite wounds, infected elbows, worms, and heartworm disease.

He looked exhausted.

Not aggressive.

Not dangerous.

Just tired.

Like life had been hard for a very long time.

Smoke goes back to the vet again this month, and his care is ongoing.

Walker & Rodeo

Walker and Rodeo are our parvo survivors from our western litter.

That litter was originally scheduled to die at only six weeks old simply for having ringworm.

Instead, they survived ringworm, parvo, parainfluenza, bordetella, isolation, ICU care, and every terrifying setback imaginable.

And somehow they still became joyful, goofy, loving puppies.

They continue needing veterinary care and follow-up visits this month.

Daisy Mae’s Puppies

Daisy Mae and her puppies were found dumped on the side of a back-country road.

The puppies’ eyes weren’t even open yet.

They were still nursing from their mama when I rescued them.

Daisy Mae unfortunately passed away shortly after.

Leaving me to bottle-feed and raise seven newborn puppies around the clock every three hours for weeks.

They are growing now, thriving, learning how to play and be loved… but their veterinary care, vaccines, deworming, food, and medical expenses continue.

Bubba

Bubba is a 16-year-old shepherd mix rescued from horrific abuse.

He spent his life being beaten and body slammed into the ground.

He is terrified of most people.

But recently something incredible happened.

For the first time, Bubba walked on a leash willingly.

Not because he had to.

Because he trusted me enough to try.

I am truly the only person Bubba fully trusts. He rolls over for belly rubs now. Gives kisses. Runs to my house and waits outside for me.

After 16 years of suffering, he is finally learning what safety and love feel like.

What Your Donations Help Cover

Every dollar raised goes directly toward the animals and the rescue itself.

Monthly rescue expenses include:

* Dog food

* Veterinary care

* Vaccines

* Medications

* Heartworm treatment

* Electricity

* Water

* Propane

* Mortgage on the rescue property

* Sanctuary housing payments

* Fuel

* Summer preparation supplies

* AC units for dogs during Texas heat

* Generators and generator fuel

* Baby pools and cooling supplies

* Emergency medical care

We currently go through around 70 pounds of dog food every single day.

And because this property was raw land when we purchased it, we still do not even have a proper road. When it floods, we walk nearly 1,500 feet through mud carrying food, supplies, medicine, and everything else the animals need.

But we keep showing up.

Because they deserve that.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser.

Another way to support us is by purchasing my children’s book, Eyce & Phineas: Hands and Hearts, inspired by a real deaf rescue dog. A portion of proceeds helps support the rescue. Signed copies are also available directly through me with a $25 donation to the rescue.

My next children’s book, Am I A Bad Dog?, releases July 5.

We are trying so hard to create sustainable ways to fund this rescue so we can continue saving animals without constantly living in survival mode.

Thank you for believing in us.

Thank you for believing in these dogs.

Thank you for helping us continue.

With love and gratitude,

Katie Johnson

Layla’s Heart Ranch and Rescue