Our People

Meet the drivers, the doers, and the animal lovers that make Big Dog Ranch Rescue run every single day. From founders, to executive officers, to board of directors and our beloved Big Dog Ranch Rescue mascots, each of these people play a key role in making our mission possible!

FOUNDER, CEO, & PRESIDENT

Lauree Simmons

Lauree Simmons’ passion for saving dogs led her to create the LARGEST cage-free, NO-KILL dog rescue in the United States.

Lauree first became inspired while volunteering at a Weimaraner rescue. One life-changing afternoon, Lauree visited a kill shelter where 14 dogs were on the list to be euthanized that night.

That day, her car left the facility filled with those dogs, and her vision and mission of Big Dog Ranch Rescue was born. Her unique concept of creating a temporary cage-free home that physically and mentally nurtured dogs has become a prototype of what every rescue should be.

Since founded in 2008, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has become a powerful advocate for change, from rescuing dogs at the border to championing animal cruelty legislation signed into law.

Her 33-acre facility, designed with her award-winning architectural and interior design skills, provides a nurturing, cage-free environment for the dogs. Despite her success as a national award-winning builder and designer, Lauree dedicates her time and resources to the rescue, accepting no compensation and enlisting her family’s business, Cheney Brothers Inc., to support the cause.