A chaotic, love-filled haven where misfit dogs (and misfit people) find second chances. We're building a rescue powered by dogs, dreams, and the belief that everyone deserves a fresh start—tail-waggers included.

On a 5-acre slice of heaven in Ctawba, North Carolina, tucked between the trees and chaos. We’ll give you the address once you’re ready to visit—we don't want to show up on Zillow tours just yet.

With one dog, a broken heart, a stubborn dream, and a sprinkle of “what if.” I’ve been rescuing animals forever, but Legacy Paws was born when I decided to do it on my own terms—fencing or no fencing (don’t worry, it’s coming).

We’re not your average rescue. We don’t just save dogs—we build a second chance from the ground up. Every dog here gets time to decompress, learn, and just be a dog before finding their forever home. We don’t use fosters, we live with them. Literally. They’re in our living room, snoring on the couch and stealing our hearts (and snacks).

Plus, our long-term vision includes a dog-powered dog park, a youth mentorship program, off-road trails, and even a memorial island for pets who’ve crossed the Rainbow Bridge. This isn’t just a rescue—it’s a movement. A little messy, a lot magical, and totally driven by love.

Yes we are! EIN 33-2211382, baby. Your donations are tax-deductible and deeply appreciated (especially by our chewers, diggers, and treat lovers).

Absolutely! Whether your dog is barking at invisible squirrels, ignoring your commands like a teenager with headphones, or turning mealtime into a mystery, we’ve got your back.

We’ve seen it all—chewers, pullers, jumpers, picky eaters, and full-on drama queens—and we know how overwhelming it can feel.

That’s why we put together our Dog Essentials Guide, packed with:

• ✅ Must-have tools that actually work

• 🐾 Simple training tips for real-life issues

• 🧠 Dog psychology basics (so you know what they’re really thinking)

• 🍽️ Nutrition do’s and don’ts

• 💩 A poop decoder, because yes—it says a lot

• 💕 Plus other tail-wagging wisdom to keep your pup healthy and your sanity intact

Just subscribe to our mailing list, and the guide is yours—free.

Because every dog deserves a better life… and so do you.

Click the “Adopt” tab, stalk our available dogs, fall in love, and fill out the form. We’ll do a home check and a vibe check to make sure it’s the right fit for everyone—including the dog.

Your adoption fee helps keep this whole crazy, beautiful rescue running—it directly supports the mission that saved your dog’s life. Since Legacy Paws runs entirely on donations, every adoption helps cover not just your pup’s care, but the next dog's chance too.

Your fee includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, flea/tick prevention, and all the love and work that went into helping your dog become ready for a forever home. You're not just adopting—you’re becoming part of their rescue story.

Yes! In fact, we insist. We want sparks flying—for both you and the dog.

Sometimes! If we can do a proper home check and the stars align, we’ll make it happen. Transport costs will apply unless your love knows no mileage and you’re road-tripping it.

We get it—sometimes it’s not a match. Bring them back. No guilt. We’d rather they come back to us than get passed around like an old couch.

By appointment only for now—we’re still building our dream space (and fencing, ramps, and doggie splash pads don’t build themselves).

Soon-ish. We’re raising funds for fencing and safety zones now. Once it’s open, expect a magical blend of off-road trails, agility zones, and a doggie paradise like no other.

Yes! It’ll be membership-based so we can keep it safe and support the rescue. Think of it like a country club… but for dirty paws and zoomies.

Fill out the volunteer form, tell us your superpowers, and let’s see where you fit. Dog cuddler? Poop picker-upper? Event planner? We need you.

Yes, with supervision! We believe kids should grow up learning compassion, responsibility, and how to use a poop scoop.

Easy. Donate. Share. Shop our merch. Send us coffee. Offer your skills. Or just tell people about us. Awareness goes a long way!

However your heart (or wallet) leads you! You can donate right here on our website—every dollar goes straight to the dogs, not some big corporate overhead. We also gladly accept supplies like food, blankets, cleaning products, and anything else that helps keep tails wagging and kennels clean.

Running a rescue takes a village (and a lot of poop bags), so whether it's $5, a Costco haul, or just sharing our story—you’re making a difference.

Yep! We’re a registered 501(c)(3). You’ll get a receipt and a virtual hug.

Yes please! We always need blankets, kennels, food, cleaning supplies, and peanut butter (for pills and bribes). Email us to set it up.

Absolutely. Want your name on a kennel? Done. Want to sponsor the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Island? Even better. We’ll name a rock after you if that’s your thing.

Oh yes. Open houses, dog socials, spooky Halloween trails, and whatever weird idea we think up next. Watch our social media for details.

YES. Please. Bake sale, car wash, silent auction, dog yoga—we're open to it all. Message us and let’s collab.

It’s our tribute to the ones we’ve loved and lost—a peaceful memorial space on the property where their memory lives on. And yes, there will be a literal Rainbow Bridge that crosses over the creek to the island, because we don’t do anything halfway around here.

You’ll be able to hang your pet’s collar, leave a note, or just sit with their memory under the trees. It’s a place to grieve, celebrate, and remember that once they’ve touched your heart, they’re always part of the pack.

Absolutely. Legacy Paws Sanctuary was created for you.

This is a safe, peaceful space for people who are grieving, healing, or just not ready to welcome a new dog into their lives—but still have love to give. Here, you can spend quiet time with senior rescue dogs who are also recovering from loss and learning to trust again.

There’s no pressure to adopt. Just companionship, comfort, and shared understanding between two souls who need each other in the in-between.

Come sit in the garden, take a walk with a dog who needs a friend, or simply be present. Sometimes, the love you’ve lost has a way of leading you to a new kind of connection.

You’re welcome here—just as you are.

Yes, and we’d be honored.

The island is a sacred part of Legacy Paws Sanctuary—a place to remember the ones who loved us unconditionally and left pawprints on our hearts. If you'd like to hang a wind chime, tag, ribbon, or other lightweight memorial, you are welcome to do so with love and care.

Please keep items respectful, weather-friendly, and safe for both dogs and wildlife. We recommend:

• Biodegradable or natural materials

• Weather-resistant tags with your pet’s name or a short message

• Small wind chimes or charms that won’t tangle or fall

• Nothing sharp, glass, or heavy

This is your space to grieve, remember, and celebrate the love that never leaves. Every tag, every ribbon, every whisper in the wind—it all becomes part of the story we’re building here.

If you're unsure what to bring or need help creating a memorial piece, just reach out. We're here to help honor them beautifully.

Rarely, and only if we have space. We prioritize shelter dogs who are out of time. If you need help, reach out—we’ll try to guide you to resources.

ot unless you’ve gone through proper stray hold and reporting. We’re not a public intake facility (yet), and we have to be responsible with our limited space and funds.

Absolutely. Join our chaos on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. And don’t forget to sign up for emails—we promise to only spam you with dogs, updates, and the occasional existential crisis.

Not yet—but once our dog park is up and running, we’ll be looking for passionate weirdos to join the team. Follow us to be the first to know.

That said, we are always looking for volunteers—so if you’ve got time, love dogs, and don’t mind getting a little dirty, we’d love to have you!