About 20 miles southeast of San Angelo, there is a small community called Vancourt. It epitomizes what most "Yankees" assume Texas is all about: big plots of land for farming, scattered houses on big pieces of property, and flat land that goes on for miles. It has a post office, but if residents need gas or groceries, they usually travel several miles to do so.
Amongst Vancourt's citizens is a man who has dedicated his life to rescue and care for abandoned, abused, neglected and helpless dogs. Richard Oxley and his sister, Sheryl Francis, were raised around animals all of their lives. Their recently passed father, Larry Oxley, was a hog farmer and Auctioneer.
"We've always had our share of pets, and worked hard, but this dog rescue is somewhat of a challenge at times," stated Richard.
Several years ago, Cathy Ray, also a resident of Vancourt, started an informal dog rescue and Richard said he would voluntarily go twice a day to help her because he loved the dogs and wanted to help. In later years, her health prohibited her to be as active, so Richard started taking some of the dogs to his home in an effort to lighten her load.
When Cathy passed in 2013, Richard felt his duty was to carry on her legacy, and thus, Vancourt Dog Rescue was established. Richard immediately realized with 100 dogs, he couldn't pay for all of their needs, so he filed for a 501c3 non-profit certification in hopes of local businesses and private citizens making charitable donations to assist in the dogs' care and expenses.
Currently, VDR is providing for 148 dogs of all breeds and ages, and there are some who have medical needs.
"The feed bill alone is close to $2,000 a month," said Sheryl. "There are several that have upcoming Veterinary appointments for their shots, microchips, spaying and neutering. We are scheduled to do a few fundraisers this month and next to help with the costs, but we would also be very grateful for grants and donations as this is an ongoing operation."
Richard said their mission is to help dogs and to speak for them because they can't speak for themselves.
"We rescue, save, protect, provide for, and love as many animals as we can and place them in loving caring homes," he said. "We have two acres of land surrounded by a 10-foot metal fence, which is currently in the process of being completed, so we are excited to say the dogs are allowed to run around free and not be all cramped in little bitty cold kennels or cages all the time. Some cases, unfortunately, are so severe or unsafe that they must still be in kennels because of their conditions, but still receive attention daily from 1-5 or more people."
"We need the community's help to find the dogs the best, most compatible owners/homes they deserve," said Richard. "I'd love to keep them all, but they deserve their own loving families."
"Vancourt Dog Rescue is a "no kill" shelter and many dogs will live out the remainder of their days here, as some are too sickly to be adopted out, or have suffered such abuse in their prior homes," said Richard. "It is better for all if they "retire" here."
Overall, it takes compassion, caring, loving, and patient individuals to take on such a project, and because of these qualities, Richard and Sheryl's mission continues.
If anyone is interested in helping VDR with monetary donations, building materials, dog food, or are willing to provide a loving caring home for a dog, please feel free to contact [email protected], [email protected] or call (325) 763-7800.
Readers can also check out the agency's
Youcaring.com page, Facebook page, and/or mail a tax-deductible donation to Vancourt Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 32, Vancourt, Texas 76955.
Post a comment to this article here: