Ramblings From The Ranch – July 2024

Leaving a Legacy

Over 20 years ago, two women made a decision that would create a legacy in the Lake Chapala dog rescue community. Around the year 2000, Diane Hazen and Gudrun Jones began the rescue that would later be known as The Ranch. At that time, a dog shelter existed in Riberas that helped only small dogs (this group is now the Friends of Animals who do amazing work through their pet store). Gudrun had at least 15 dogs at her home and realized that was not sustainable.

Gudrun and Diane hosted innumerable fundraisers and cocktail parties and finally had enough funds to build nine kennels on the property of Paul East-Raza, the site where The Ranch is still located. Dogs were taken to local spay and neuter clinics and given basic vaccinations. Gudrun and one employee (Martin Marquiz, who continued at The Ranch until a health crisis earlier this year) did most of the work, with some help from volunteers.

Over time, as donations permitted, The Ranch grew. Currently, the facility has 35 kennels, two play yards, and four part-time staff.

“I started volunteering at The Ranch about 13 years ago,” current Board member Corrine Kelly told me. “At that point, we didn’t have many adoptions; we were just providing a place for rescued dogs to live out their lives. We didn’t have the internet and social media to find adopters, like we do now.”

Director Syd Sullins joined The Ranch in 2012 or 2013. “By that time, we had learned which vaccines and treatments are best to keep the dogs healthy and parasite-free. We also had a few part-time staff and more volunteers. Gudrun left The Ranch in 2015 or 2016, after the death of husband and after her own serious health issues.” [sic]

“Gudrun and Diane took the important step to incorporate The Ranch as a legal charitable organization (AC) in Mexico,” said Corrine Kelly. “This is a difficult process, one that many organizations have not completed. We are so grateful that Diane and Gudrun did this — it provides fiscal safeguards to ensure funds are spent responsibly, and it requires two Board members to approve all expenditures. Donors can be confident that their money will be used for its intended purpose.”

“Every Ranch Board has left a legacy,” Syd added. “Gudrun and Diane did so much. Former Board member Carolyn Cothran was responsible for getting a solar power system donated and installed. Before that, we had no power at The Ranch. Now we can keep our vaccines refrigerated, run a water pump, and use security cameras. It’s a huge difference.” Syd herself has spearheaded kennel expansions and the crucial connections with adopter organizations “up North.”

Diane Hazen remained on The Ranch Board until her death in September 2023. Gudrun Jones passed away in April of this year. Both of these women left an incredible legacy. But legacy donations (funds left in individuals’ wills) have also made a difference to The Ranch. The Ranch’s long track record has only been possible due to conservative fiscal decisions. “You can’t stay in business this long unless you’re careful,” Syd Sullins reminds us. “Legacy gifts have made things possible that would never have been achieved through normal day-to-day donations.”

The Ranch’s long-term needs include purchasing property of our own. While we have been blessed with a stable and understanding landlord for many years, renting is inherently risky. To ensure care for our 100+ dogs, owning our own property is key. Legacy donations are likely the only way this will happen.

If you would like to leave your legacy to the dog rescue community here at Lakeside, please make sure your wishes are clearly spelled out in your will and that your next-of-kin and executors know this information. Often, we put off doing these things or think, “oh, my daughter/son knows I want funds to go to The Ranch.” Without a legal will, however, your wishes are unlikely to be followed. In naming The Ranch, it’s important to use the legal name established by Gudrun and Diane so many years ago — “The Lakeside Spay and Neuter Center AC.” Alternatively, it is also possible to name The Ranch as “beneficiary” on your bank accounts, retirement accounts, etc. Your attorney or The Ranch’s Notario (Luis Enrique Ramos Bustillos) can assist you. You can also email us for more information at adoptaranchdog@outlook.com.

Lakeside’s dog rescue community lost two of its founders when Diane Hazen and Gudrun Jones died. Now’s the time for the next generation of leaders to step up to volunteer and to donate. One of those leaders can be you.

Find our adoptable dogs at www.theranchchapala.com or contact us at adoptaranchdog@outlook.com