Our Story
Our story started way before this rescue did. Most of us volunteered with another rescue and helped to save the lives of hundreds of dogs before they were put to sleep by high-kill shelters. But on a routine trip to bring dogs to safety, the unthinkable happened, and the rescue tragically lost its founder Denise Penna, who was the heart and soul of the rescue. Unfortunately that rescue had to be shut down.
​However, several volunteers decided to continue Denise's legacy by founding Friends for Life Animal Rescue. We used all that we learned over the years and have tried to make the rescue even better, but we will never forget Denise.
She was an incredible animal-loving person who did everything in her power to save every animal she could.
On our logo, we dedicated the star to Denise by adding her initials. She's our shining star who we believe is keeping an eye from above on the animals and our rescue.
We choose the name Friends for Life because it emphasizes that our feelings and connection with Denise hasn't ended and that we are committed to doing all in our power for each animal we are caring for.
Our volunteers provide the animals in our care with a safe environment, medical care, and love and attention until they find their forever home.
As an organization we also try to help owners who for various reasons can no longer keep their animals. By doing so, we hope to prevent these dogs and cats from going to shelters where the future is unknown for them.
As a non-profit (EIN 86-1660545) organization, we are totally depend on public donations, and our volunteers and fosters.
Our Mission
Our mission is to rescue abused/tortured, neglected, and unwanted dogs from rural areas of Texas by providing veterinary care and finding them loving forever homes up north.
Our Vision
Friends for Life Animal Rescue’s (FFLAR) vision is to help stop animal cruelty and neglect. We work primarily in partnership with other rescue groups and individuals that are based out of the rural areas in Texas where many dogs are abused/tortured (poisoned, shot, caught in inhumane leg/foot traps, chained to a tree, etc.) and dumped without food or water in extreme temperatures. Even those that are considered to be family pets are often left to live outdoors and receive no routine or emergency veterinary care. Many are not fixed and allowed to roam, thus leading to a tremendous overpopulation problem and unwanted puppies. The shelters there are overcrowded and all dogs regardless of age, health or size are only given a few days, at most, before they are euthanized. FFLAR works to get these dogs the medical attention they need, and transport them to the tri-state area where we match them with loving adopters who are willing to provide them forever homes where together they find a “friend for life”.
