Dear Friends, Family, and the Heart of Our Community,

I’m writing this with honesty, vulnerability, and my whole heart because I don’t know what else to do but be transparent with the people who have stood beside us for so long.

As many of you know, we moved the rescue from South Austin to our own land — 20 acres of raw, untouched dirt — after the property we were leasing was sold. We didn’t have the luxury of choosing something already built. We didn’t raise enough to construct permanent structures outright, so every single kennel building and sanctuary house is on rent-to-own. That means we pay for them monthly… and right now, those payments are behind. Every building. Donations have dropped so drastically this past year that we are beyond in the red.

And now winter is here.

We need heaters for the dogs’ buildings to keep everyone safe and warm. The ones we’re hoping to purchase are $250 each, plus a $30 hose to connect them to propane. We need straw to insulate and protect from freezing temperatures. And because the holidays should feel magical for every soul here, we’d love to give the dogs toys, bones, and treats — something joyful after the hard lives so many of them came from.

It’s a scary, scary time for us. Scarier than it has ever been. Running a rescue is never easy, but this season has brought a level of financial strain that has taken our breath away. We are behind on everything and desperately need to get caught back up on our bills so we don’t lose the buildings the animals rely on for safety.

Asking for help is humbling… but right now we truly need our community more than ever. If you can donate — to the heaters, to straw, to toys, or simply toward our general bills — it would mean the world to us and to every animal who calls Layla’s Heart Ranch & Rescue home.

And if you’re unable to donate right now, sharing our post is truly appreciated and helps more than you know. Getting our story in front of more eyes can save lives.

Thank you for reading, for caring, for believing in what we do. We can’t do this without you. We never have.

With love and gratitude, 

Katie

Layla’s Heart Ranch and Rescue