Bruiser's Legacy

Our Values

Bruiser’s Legacy is a tribute to the love and resilience of our beloved dogs, dedicated to rescuing, fostering, and finding forever homes for dogs in need. My journey with dogs began early in life, starting with my first babysitter, a Rat Terrier/Beagle named Pokey, and my constant childhood companion, a Border Collie/Collie named Sheba. Losing Sheba was overwhelming and made me very protective of my animals. We are not their owners but their guardians and protectors, and they do the same for us.

My first rescue experience began with B.J. III and his brother, whom I rescued from a difficult living situation. B.J. III was the catalyst that thrust me into what became my destiny and calling. Over the years, my pack has changed, but the dynamic has always been positive.

In 2000, we visited a farm with two litters of puppies born on the same day. From these litters, we adopted Bruiser, a Smooth Collie/Border Collie mix, and Tory, a German Shepherd mix. They joined Kinara, our smart and dominant Pointer/Australian Shepherd mix, who trained Bruiser. Bruiser and Tory were perfect pack leaders under my guidance.

My adventure continued when we moved from Kansas in which we had already added two Miniature Dachshunds, and headed to Wisconsin expanding our pack with a Puggle. Life was beautiful, but we lost Tory to congestive heart failure in 2011. Bruiser, devastated by her loss, passed two years later. My heart was broken, but their love inspired me to help more dogs.

I decided to not just get another dog for myself but to be a bridge for dogs coming from neglect, abuse, or abandonment, providing them with a safe place before moving to their new homes. Through fostering, I assisted other rescues and helped transport dogs to their new homes. I also educated the public on various topics, from children and dog interactions to choosing the right dog and basic training.

My personal calling is to care for senior dogs and those with special needs, often providing their final home. We have had dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, from feisty Pomeranians to gentle giants like a Bernese/Golden mix. Many fosters have passed through our doors, with some becoming permanent members of our pack.

To honor these beloved companions, I have rainbows decorating my home and property. Our facilities include separate enclosures, gates, and rooms to ensure every dog’s safety and comfort. With the help of a dear friend, we created this website to reach more people and achieve 501(c)(3) status, enabling us to expand our capabilities.

Bruiser’s Legacy is my destiny. My heart dog, Bruiser, led me to the greatest adventure of my life, and I pray to continue this work for many years to come.