Learn a little more about Sara Fleming, August's Volunteer Spotlight:

Tell us how long you have been a volunteer; what brought you to 

the ranch; and what keeps you motivated to continue? My son, Joshua, 

was interested in volunteering with animals. I found Living Grace Canine 

Ranch after losing my 17 year- old fur baby. I wasn't sure I could commit to a 

minimum of two hours a week, every week while taking care of a high-

functioning autistic child, volunteering at his school, and doing ministry work 

but my son was over the moon excited and has always had a beautiful, 

unique connection to animals. Our first time there, the two hours BLEW by! 

Before we knew it, we had been there for hours. They pretty much had to tell 

Joshua that the Ranch was closing because he didn't want to go. The next 

thing I knew, he was begging me to take him back every single day. I laugh 

now at my fear of committing to two hours a week. I know this sounds crazy, 

but most dogs and God love the same way, they both love you 

UNCONDITIONALLY. Some of the dogs at LGCR have been through hell and 

thanks to the Ranch they've found their way back through healing and love. Even after some of the horrible things that human hands have done to them, they still want to love you and spend time with us. I had to be a part of this place, it became my calling, my second home. It’s more than a place to serve, it’s a place to heal and witness transformation. It’s so motivating to see the resilience of the animals and the passion I see in every volunteer. There are countless stories of hope that we get to be a part of every day. It’s not just about what we give but what we receive in return. There is such a sense of community here!

Tell us about your role at the Ranch as Enrichment Coordinator and the impact it has had on the residents. I was joking one day that they might as well put me on staff since I was there so much...and they did. I was offered the job of Enrichment Coordinator. Now my job is to spend one-on-one time with dogs all day! BEST JOB EVER! On Sundays, I try to do more ranch hand stuff to help out since I already get to love on my dogs during the week. During the week, I find out how the residents are all doing, determine if any are anxious or experiencing pain. If we have any new residents, I always take them to the ER for a proper welcome to the Ranch. Some need to spend time on the snuggle couch, others they need some puzzles to distract them while their bonded partner is at the vet, others might need some laser therapy to help their achy joints. On super hot days they get to enjoy pupsicles and a dip in the pool. My ultimate hope is that they feel pure joy every time we spend time together.

Tell us about your life outside of the Ranch? My hubby, Tony, is God's greatest gift to me. He brings me hot tea in bed every morning and helps out at the Ranch. My son, who got me to start volunteering, is now a teenager who has discovered video games and girls. I also have a 27 year old that comes with me to the Ranch periodically. I love leading worship at church and doing mission work, both near and far. My favorite mission trip was Uganda, I would live there if I could. This is my tenth year as a breast cancer survivor!!!  God has been really BIG and BOLD in my life.