OUR STORY
Our love for helping animals in need started from a very young age and continued to grow throughout the years. Our beloved dog “Dude” passed away Easter morning 2023 surrounded by the people who meant the world to him, his humans. Dude was a lover of all animals big and small; he was the “King” of his castle and “Big Daddy Dude” to 2 orphaned kittens ( Jinx & Mr. Whiskers ) he raised, loved, and nurtured them as his own when they were just a week old. Over the years Dude has watched and assisted his humans rescue, foster, and adopt others just like him in need of a loving forever home.
When Dude passed away after 17.5 years of giving unconditional love, devotion, and comfort to his humans and fur babies alike Brendon and Brian knew they needed to continue Dude’s mission to provide “A safe haven for all animals in need.” This is when we decided to turn Dude’s passion for all animals in need into a 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue organization.
MISSION, VISION & VALUES
Our Mission
At Dude's Animal Ranch And Sanctuary, our mission is to provide compassionate care for special needs, and senior animals. We work with pet owners and their families who have beloved pets needing rehoming due to owner passing or illness. We aim to help keep the shelters within their capacity by rehoming these special populations while living in a loving and home-based foster environment. Ensuring the well-being and finding loving homes for all animals in need is our number one priority. We are dedicated to protecting all animals big and small through our foster to adopt program whether it be end of life care, trap spay-neuter and release, or public education on the importance of responsible animal ownership.
Our Vision
Our vision is for all animals to live a life free of cruelty and suffering.
Our Values
Dude's Animal Ranch & Sanctuary embraces, above all, kindness, respect, compassion, awareness and integrity in all aspects of our mission and vision for a cruelty-free world.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brendon Roatch-Cardenas, NREMT
Director of Operations & Compliance
Board President
Co-Founder
I am a dedicated dad, animal rights activist, and a passionate first responder in the fire-rescue community. My journey has been shaped by the values of compassion, service, and a profound respect for all living beings.
As a father, I strive to instill in my children the importance of empathy, responsibility, and the necessity of standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I believe that nurturing a sense of compassion starts at home, and I take pride in teaching my kids about the world around them, including the significance of animal welfare. My commitment to animal rights stems from a deep-seated belief that every creature deserves to live free from harm and exploitation. I actively advocate for better treatment and rights for animals, participating in various initiatives and campaigns aimed at raising awareness and fostering change within our communities.
In my professional life, I serve as a first responder, a role that brings both immense responsibility and profound fulfillment. The challenges I face each day only strengthen my resolve to make a difference in the lives of others. My experience in fire-rescue has taught me the value of teamwork and leadership, and I approach every emergency with a calm demeanor and a focused mind. I am proud to be part of a community that prioritizes safety, preparedness, and the well-being of individuals in crisis.
Balancing my roles as a father, an activist, and a first responder can be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Each aspect of my life is intertwined, allowing me to draw on my experiences as I work towards positive change. Whether I am advocating for an animal in need or responding to an emergency, I approach each situation with a caring heart and a determined spirit.
Through my work and my passions, I aim to inspire others to join me in making a difference, whether it be in their family, their community, or for the animals we share this planet with. I am committed to fostering a more compassionate world for all beings, and I believe that together, we can create meaningful change that echoes across generations.
