

Legacy Paws Rescue: Saving Lives, One Paw at a Time
(And Trying to Keep Our Sanity Along the Way)
At Legacy Paws Rescue, we’re all about giving dogs their second chance at life. From scrappy survivors to golden oldies, we’re here for the pups no one else will take. Why? Because every paw deserves love, belly rubs, and maybe a ridiculous amount of treats.
We’re not just a rescue—we’re a movement. Whether it’s saving lives, building a community of dog lovers, or proving that wagging tails can heal hearts, we’re doing it all. One paw, one slobbery kiss, and one miracle at a time.
About Us
Legacy Paws Rescue is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization dedicated to saving the lives of at-risk dogs. Instead of operating a traditional shelter, we place each dog in a loving foster home, where they receive individualized care, socialization, and a safe space to heal while awaiting their forever family. Our mission is to provide second chances and lifelong love—one paw at a time.
The Big Vision:
Saving Animals, Transforming Lives, Building a Legacy
Expand Rescue Operations: Every Animal Deserves a Second Chance
We’re going beyond pups. The dream is to create a safe haven for all animals in need—whether they bark, neigh, bleat, or bray.
From dogs wagging their way into forever homes, to horses finding peace after neglect, and goats living their best playful lives—Legacy Paws Rescue will be a sanctuary for any animal that needs saving.
Because every creature deserves a second chance, no matter how many legs (or hooves) they have.
A New Future for Aged: Out Foster Youth
Every year, thousands of foster youth are aged out of the system without support. Many face homelessness, unemployment, or worse. We’re here to flip that narrative.
At Legacy Paws Rescue, they’ll find:
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Temporary housing—A safe, supportive space to land when the system says, “You’re on your own.”
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A rescue companion—Each youth will be paired with an animal (dog, horse, or goat) to foster responsibility, compassion, and a sense of purpose.
But that’s not all. These young adults won’t just participate—they’ll lead.
The Rec Center: Building Real Skills for Real Life
Let’s face it: schools don’t always teach the skills that actually matter. We’re fixing that.
Our recreation center will be a launchpad for kids and young adults to gain real-world skills that will help them not just survive—but thrive.
What will they learn?
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Cooking: From basic meals to culinary masterpieces—because ramen shouldn’t be a lifestyle.
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Financial literacy: Budgeting, saving, and understanding credit—real adulting skills.
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Car maintenance: Oil changes, flat tires, and how to avoid getting scammed by shady mechanics.
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Cleaning and organization: Adulting 101—because nobody likes a mountain of laundry.
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Self-love and boundaries: Confidence, respect, and knowing your worth.
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Healthy relationships: Building connections that last and nurturing respect for themselves and others.
And here’s the kicker: we’ll bring in community volunteers—chefs, mechanics, artists, entrepreneurs—to share their expertise and help young people gain practical skills that will shape their futures.
The Journal Series: A Game-Changer for Young and Old
Here’s something incredible you might not know—we’ve already published a journal series that truly changes lives, helping both the young and the old.
But right now, these journals are just self-published. Imagine if we could take them to the next level—get them into the hands of those who need them most and use the proceeds to fund Legacy Paws Rescue.
Know a publisher? Let’s talk.
Even better—imagine these journals being used by:
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Schools—to help kids learn emotional resilience
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Hospitals—to support patients through healing
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Counselors and therapists—to empower clients on their journeys
If you have connections with schools, counselors, hospitals, or mental health professionals, let’s make this happen. Every journal sold helps fund this mission and changes lives along the way.
The Game-Changer: A Prototype That Could Fund It All
We’ve developed an invention prototype that could completely fund this entire mission. The idea? Game changing.
But here’s the problem—it’s not patented, and we don’t have the funds to take it from prototype to production.
If you’re a product developer (or know someone who is), this could be your chance to help bring this breakthrough to life—and potentially fund every rescue, rec center, and second chance we’re working to create.
A Real Legacy: Run by the Kids Who Lived It
Imagine this: the very foster youth who once found shelter and support here running the entire operation.
That’s the dream—Legacy Paws Rescue will one day be operated by those who lived it, learned from it, and are now ready to lead.
But we’re thinking bigger:
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Rescuing more than just dogs—horses, goats, and other animals in need will find sanctuary here.
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A rec center that empowers young adults with life-changing skills.
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Temporary housing that supports aged-out foster youth while giving them purpose and responsibility through animal care.
This is a cycle of compassion, responsibility, and empowerment that will never stop giving back.
How You Can Help Bring This Vision to Life
Big dreams need big hearts—and a lot of hands. Here’s how you can help make it happen:
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Join our board—We need leaders ready to dive in and help steer this life-changing mission.
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Help build our fence—Got tools or skills? Let’s get to work!
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Help develop our invention—Take our prototype from dream to reality and help fund the future of Legacy Paws Rescue.
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Volunteer your expertise—Chefs, mechanics, artists, animal trainers—share your skills and help empower future generations.
This Is Your Moment: Let’s Build a Legacy Together
This isn’t just about saving dogs—it’s about rescuing every animal who needs us and creating life-changing opportunities for foster youth.
We’re building something that will outlast us all. A legacy of hope, responsibility, and love for every soul—human or animal—that walks through our doors.
Are you ready to help us change the world, one paw print, hoof beat, and heartbeat at a time?
Let’s make history—and save some tails along the way.

Help Us Help Them:
Because Apparently, We Can’t Do It All Alone
Help Us Save Tails (and Stop Great Escapes!)
Your support can literally change lives—dog lives, to be exact. We’re raising funds to build a top-notch rescue where at-risk pups get the love, care, and belly rubs they deserve. Think luxury digs—minus the spa, plus endless snuggles.
Oh, and urgent alert: We need a fence. Like, yesterday. Our crafty pups are plotting their great escape, and we’re out of excuses (and zip ties).
Donate today to help us build this dream—one paw, one fence post, and one wagging tail at a time.




Meet the Founder
(a.k.a. the Human Behind the Chaos)
Let’s be real—I didn’t just stumble into this life of saving animals and creating chaos. I was born for this.
It all started with a determined little girl, marching through neighborhoods, collecting donations for shelters, and running a full-blown DIY animal rehab center in whatever space I could claim (armed with snacks, Band-Aids, and a whole lot of stubborn heart). If it had fur, feathers, or gave me the “save me” eyes—I was on it like a kid on Halloween candy.
Speaking of Halloween—yeah, I’m obsessed. Spooky season? That’s my Super Bowl. Haunted trails, pumpkins, creepy vibes—bring it on! But let’s be honest, my favorite thing (besides rescuing every creature in sight) is pulling off a good prank. If there’s an opportunity for some harmless mischief? I’m in.
But let’s get real for a second—yup, I’m a classic people pleaser, shaped by childhood trauma. And while that might sound like a heavy story (and yeah, it is), I’m not bitter. Those experiences gave me something powerful: the ability to connect deeply with people, especially those who feel unseen.
That passion led me to become a nurse—driven by my love for both people and animals. I had a special place in my heart for the underdog—especially those battling addiction and mental health struggles. I was less than a year away from becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner when life threw me the ultimate curveball: a devastating car crash that ended my career and flipped my entire world upside down.
But here’s the plot twist—I didn’t let it break me. That life-altering moment gave me something I didn’t know I needed: time to pursue my real, lifelong dream—Legacy Paws Rescue.
And then there’s my special connection with teens—especially the ones who feel forgotten. The kids kicked out of their homes, the ones living on the streets, or just battling challenges no young person should have to face. I’ve opened my home to more than a few homeless teens, and every time, I’m reminded of one powerful truth: sometimes, just one person believing in you can change the entire course of your life. For teens—especially those at risk of suicide—that one connection can mean everything.
Through all of life’s chaos, one thing has remained constant: dogs have been my healers. It all started with Gretchen (pictured above)—the dog who ignited my passion for rescue. Every dog since has been my confidant, my soother, and my reminder that unconditional love doesn’t need words.
Along the way, I picked up a resume that’s anything but boring:
🎖️ United States Air Force veteran
🧠 Former trauma and psychiatric RN with a passion for addiction and mental health recovery
🌍 Lifelong mission worker
🧒 Former CASA advocate for foster children
🛠️ Teen life group leader
🏠 Devoted community mission worker supporting the homeless
And yes—still rescuing animals through every wild, messy chapter.
And let’s not forget my other lifelong dream: being that mom. You know—the “all up in your business” kind, cheering embarrassingly loud at every event and always way too involved. Mission accomplished. I now have three incredibly successful adult children who survived my “enthusiastic” parenting style and still (mostly) answer my calls.
When I’m not wrangling escape-artist dogs, I’m living my best life by off-roading in my Jeep, splattering mud like it’s art therapy, diving into a good painting session, or plotting my next epic prank—because nothing beats a good scare (except maybe the laughter that follows).
Enter Legacy Paws Rescue—my beautifully chaotic, slightly spooky dream come true. Here, it’s not just about saving dogs. We’re creating second chances for all animals—horses, goats, and any creature that needs love, care, and maybe a ridiculous nickname.
But it doesn’t stop with animals—we’re also helping aged-out foster youth find leadership opportunities, mentorship, and life skills through our rec center. They’re not just participants—they’re future leaders, teaching younger kids, running programs, and proving that second chances can build incredible futures.
Now for the real horror story: We need a fence. Like, yesterday. The dogs? Plotting breakout strategies worthy of a Netflix special. The dogs? Certified ninja-level escape artists. Got tools? Know someone who’s handy? Help me out before this turns into a full-blown animal rebellion.
Welcome to Legacy Paws Rescue—where second chances thrive, tails wag nonstop, Halloween lives year-round, and a little harmless mischief is always just around the corner.
Let’s build something unforgettable—one paw print, one prank, one spooky adventure, and one muddy Jeep ride at a time.
Much love,
Domenica
Contact Us
Address
1589 Conestoga Xing
Catawba, NC 28609
Contact
980-222-4420
Opening Hours
Hours: 24/7… but by appointment only! (Because while the dogs never stop, neither do I—seriously, sleep is a myth!)