Founders Rick and Connie Eicher
Rick and Connie Eicher poured their hearts and souls into building the Sanctuary, dedicating over two decades to the pups and their welfare. The Sanctuary operated from their home until donations enabled the construction of a great facility named Trooper's Dream.
On July 29, 2025, Rick was called home. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and dogs. We take comfort imagining the homecoming on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Over the years, Rick saved hundreds of dogs. His spirit will forever live on at the Sanctuary.
Connie now serves as a Consultant, offering her time and sharing the wisdom she has gained after years of experience.
Our Team
Jessica Smith, Director
Jessica, daughter of Rick and Connie, lives near College Station with her husband and four children plus a wide variety of animals. She handles a majority of the administrative activity of the Sanctuary, and makes those hard decisions no one else wants to make.
Melissa Pici, Co-Director
Melissa works remotely from South Laredo where she lives with her husband, four kids, and a cat. She adopted two dogs from the Sanctuary years ago - before she even met her husband - and they lived their best lives together. Melissa assists with all things administrative.
Dr. Jessica Todia, Consultant
Doc Jess operates the A to Z Veterinary Clinic in Midland. She is a member of our Board and caregiver for all our pups. Her dedication makes the Sanctuary possible. You won't find a better small animal vet north of Big Bend.
Crystal Allen, On-Site Operations Manager
Crystal is the Heart Whisperer of the Sanctuary, understanding dogs in a special way. She manages everything on-site from feedings, scheduling vet appointments, administering medicines, bathing the dogs, and keeping the rooms clean, to helping the pups heal from past trauma.
Krista Burdine, Social Media & Marketing Manager
Krista lives outside of College Station with her husband and two of her kids - one of her adult sons recently moved to a home of his own. She shares all of the happenings around the Sanctuary with our followers on social media. Krista also spearheads initiatives like the Sunshine Sponsor Program to ensure the pups' day-to-day needs are met.
Jake Allen
Jake helps transport dogs to and from their veterinary appointments, keeping them calm on the way. She also makes time to love on the pups, particularly during their playtime.
JD Dominguez
JD helps keep the Sanctuary clean - inside and out - for the pups. His work does not keep him from slowing down to give the dogs the TLC they crave.
Jeff Cowell, Transport Coordinator
Jeff lives in Middle Tennessee on Woods Resevoir with his three dogs and generally a foster pup or two. He arranges transports as needed - both to get dogs to the Sanctuary, and to help those who are adopted make their way to their forever home.
Rhonda J. DeCann, Application Coordinator
Rhonda lives in upstate New York with Sir Avon. She is a long-time supporter and friend to the Sanctuary and assists with processing adoption and foster applications. She is diligent in her efforts, helping us ensure that the right homes are approved for our adoptable and foster dogs.
