About Us
In 1986 Carol began volunteering her time with a local animal rescue group. One of her first rescue experiences was assisting in re-homing a litter of kitties. After that she began volunteering more of her time with the rescue, which then led to a position on their board of directors.
When the Covid pandemic hit in 2020, Carol was living in the Valley of South Texas. During her time there she realized and experienced first-hand the desperate and overwhelming need for animal welfare, rescue, and rehabilitation. There were, and still are, countless individuals in need of assistance with stray animals, dumped animals, and even pets showing up in shelters and on the streets in very poor health. Carol knew she had to help so she put her prior knowledge and experience to use to make a difference and founded Valley Dog Rescue of Texas (VDR). Valley Dog Rescue of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foster-based animal rescue organization.
In June of 2020, VDR partnered with a small shelter in Lyford, Texas. At that time, and for many years previous they had been euthanizing 97% of the animals who entered the shelter. Now, four years later, we have saved over 400 animals from that shelter alone and their euthanasia rate is less than 4%. With VDR’s help and mentorship, all dogs that come into the shelter now receive age-appropriate vaccinations, monthly preventatives, any medical attention they need, and the opportunity to be placed into loving permanent homes.
Two of the biggest challenges we face are the constant need to fundraise, and the never-ending need for loving foster homes.
The Valley Dog Rescue Team
Carol
President
Carol has had a passion for animal rescue, rehabilitation, and well-being ever since she can remember. It all began with her first dog, Bambi, an adorable little Chihuahua. She began volunteering with an animal rescue group in 1986, which led her to becoming a member of their board with a tenure covering the next 18 years. Carol’s prior career paths have all led her to encompass the necessary knowledge, experience, and skill set in establishing Valley Dog Rescue of Texas in 2020. Carol has a special compassion for animals and truly understands them. Rescuing dogs has truly become her life’s work and passion.
Leah Schacherer
Vice President
Leah has had a genuine love and understanding for animals since she was a little girl. Her first dog was a black Cocker Spaniel named Sparky. She rescued her first puppy, Scatter, when she was 14 years old. She brought him home only to have her mother tell her he wasn’t staying unless she got a job and paid for all his needs. That is exactly what she did! Leah has a soft spot for animals with special needs and those that need a little more help than normal. Leah and her family were looking for a small lap dog when they came across an adoption post from VDR about Champ, a 49 lb., 3-legged mixed breed. He was everything they didn’t know they needed and so much more. It was during that first meet and greet that she knew she wanted to do more in her life. She quickly became a valued member of the VDR team. She is not only compassionate about the animals but the necessary advocacy alike.
Paisley
Junior Foster Ambassador
Paisley has had a special way with animals of all kinds since the day she was born. She got her first rescue animal when she was two years old – a white cat with six toes on each paw named Leroy. Unlike most children her age – she is extremely attentive and intuitive to their needs and puts them first every time. Paisley got the nickname “the dog whisperer” because that is exactly what she is. She instinctively gets down to their level, makes them feel comfortable, shows them how to trust, and gently speaks to them in a way unlike we’ve ever seen before. Paisley often bonds so strongly with the dogs that come into our care that she writes the sweetest cards and notes to the animal’s new foster, adopter, or rescue to help them get to know our guys just a little bit better.
Colette Junod
Advocacy Director
Colette is a full-time professional social worker. Her profound understanding of the intersection between animal and human welfare has led her to initiate an Animal Professional Wellness Curriculum. This innovative program aims to deepen comprehension of the interconnectedness between animal and human well-being, showcasing Colette’s dedication to holistic support across diverse realms of welfare. Her ability to manage critical situations, organize community events, and foster partnerships aligns with her current role’s mission, ensuring her continued impactful service in the lives of those she serves in both animal and human welfare alike.
Megan
Public Relations & Partner Rescue Outreach
Megan has been a pet lover since she came out of the womb. Starting at age 4 she repeatedly asked for a dog and finally received her first and only sister, a Sheltie named Kirsty, at age 5. Since then, she’s had numerous dogs, cats, horses and other small animals and can’t imagine life without at least a dog or two. She began her work in rescue over 10 years ago when she was without a dog in NYC and was determined to have an impact on shelter dogs and their futures. Over the years, she has helped NYC based rescues with everything from social media and website design to dog handling and rescue oversight. When she’s not managing her own three rescue dogs – Prince Harry, Mr. Pickles and Boxie Belle, Megan is a PR and communications executive who has led global campaigns for numerous Fortune 100 companies. She is happiest when using her professional skills to further the work in her passion for animal rescue.
Meet Our Dedicated Volunteers
Alice
Foster
Lori
Vet Tech
Teresa
Transport
Aly
Exercise Buddy/ Dog Walker
