Creating a Legacy of
Compassion, Advocacy, and Education
Through Saving Senior Dogs!
Our History
2011 – Los Angeles, California
We had the pleasure of fostering our first senior dog, a 15-year-old pittie mix from a Los Angeles shelter. We had fostered many dogs before, but the one who stole our hearts was Lionel.

He was in terrible shape when he joined us and wasn’t given much time to live,
But his spirit and will amazed and inspired us all. Lionel, originally known as Sad Lionel Boy, came to It’s the Pits dog rescue from a shelter in Los Angeles at the age of 15. He was extremely thin, barely able to walk, infested with fleas and worms, and his ear canals sealed shut from chronic and untreated ear infections. Lionel truly was sad as he gazed into our eyes. We could hear Sad Lion Boy saying, “Why? Why didn’t they take care of me? What did I do wrong? Ok, so I barked a little.”
Lionel taught us many things
For one, to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life! He also opened our eyes to the plight of homeless senior animals in our communities. Many senior pets end up abandoned at shelters because pet owners cannot pay for medical care, sometimes aging pet owners are impacted by their own physical limitations, and periodically families are unable to manage their pet’s age-related changes like incontinence or cognitive decline. Sometimes pet owners have to move and aren’t sure their senior pet can handle the change. Although Lionel’s Legacy rescues senior dogs, our ultimate goal is to help beloved pets stay with their families.
What Others Are Saying

Lionel’s Legacy is and amazing Organization! The owner, the fosters, and the volunteers all care deeply for the animals and want the best for them. They take in and rehabilitate the beautiful seniors and, when ready, find them amazing forever homes.
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you’re interested in fostering, volunteering, or different ways to donate… we’d love to hear from you!
Meet the Team
It takes a lot of hearts to keep us going! Here are just a few of the wonderful volunteers that make up our team.

Laura Oliver
Director of Operations & Medical Coordinator

Sunny
Foster Coordinator - FOREVER FOSTERS

Kelly Disbrow
Foster Coordinator - ADOPTABLES

Cyndi Bolseth
Matchmaker Lead

Leigh Defreece
Matchmaker

Angela Stanger
Matchmaker

Ashley Davis
Matchmaker

Cathy McKinney
Keeping Pets HOME Coordinators

Jan Krehbiel
Applications

Staci and Michelle T'Oliver
Community Engagement Events