Lionel's Legacy

Lionel's Legacy Creating a legacy of COMPASSION, ADVOCACY, and EDUCATION through saving senior dogs. We have accomplished so much but still have a long way to go.
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In 2011 we had the pleasure of fostering our first senior who was a 15 year old pittie mix pulled from a Los Angeles shelter. We had fostered many dogs before but the one who stole our hearts was Lionel. He was in horrible shape and wasn't given much time to live but his spirit and will amazed and inspired us all. After his passing, we soon realized the amazing gifts he shared with us and felt com

pelled to advocate for senior dogs in need. In the rescue world it's an extreme gamble as adoption rates for seniors are low and medical costs often high. As a result, so many senior dogs are left behind at the shelter to live out their final days in confusion and discomfort. It is our goal to save and advocate for ONE senior furbaby at a time, and support anyone who is willing to do the same. The second component to Lionel's Legacy is the message we share with our children. As an elementary school teacher, I've learned how little we are doing as a society to educate our children about humane issues involving animals. As a result, we have a mounting problem that so many rescues are working to resolve each day. Through our humane education program at Central Elementary, we will be working with Sweetwater High Animal CARE Club to provide an educational program to our students who have a passion for animals. The goal is for students to become compassionate, advocating, respectful, and educated animal lovers who can share their new found knowledge with their p*ers and leave a legacy that Lionel will remember!

ADOPT ME!Meet Wally! Wally was surrendered to us August, 11th of 2025. This 5 yr old stud muffin is a complex little fel...
06/06/2026

ADOPT ME!

Meet Wally! Wally was surrendered to us August, 11th of 2025.

This 5 yr old stud muffin is a complex little fellow. He nailed housetraining within 3 days, but came from a home where he used p*e pads and will use them if available. He is a true lady’s man and will bark at men and visitors. He is currently rooming with 7 senior dogs. He seems a bit indifferent to them so he could likely be happy in a home with or without canine companions, however a playmate with similar energy to his would be a bonus. He has had a few instances of resource guarding, primarily his human. He is a classic wiener in every sense, equipped with every quirk Dachshund lovers know all to well. He is torpedo fast and enjoys turbo sp*ed zoomies around the yard and playing fetch. He is terrified of being on leash. He is fearful of wheels, cars, bikes, skateboards. We are hopeful he overcomes his fearful tendencies. He rides well but apprehensive in the car. He is a great eater. A backyard is an absolute must have for this little bundle of chocolatey sweetness.

LEARN MORE AT
www.lionelslegacy.org

06/05/2026
06/05/2026
ADOPT ME!!!Meet Lil Man, also known as Gary Cooper. This little guy is a 12 year old Yorkshire Terrier. Gary Cooper is 6...
06/03/2026

ADOPT ME!!!

Meet Lil Man, also known as Gary Cooper. This little guy is a 12 year old Yorkshire Terrier.

Gary Cooper is 6 pounds of cuddle! He loves to be beside his human(s) and soak up any love offered to him. He’s low energy, high love, and as cute as can be. He’s pad trained so a perfect apartment dog!

To learn more go to www.lionelslegacy.org ❤️🐾

🏡🐾 Home Away From HOME- 12 yr old BoscoWhen Bosco’s family first reached out to us, their hearts were breaking. They tho...
06/02/2026

🏡🐾 Home Away From HOME- 12 yr old Bosco

When Bosco’s family first reached out to us, their hearts were breaking. They thought they had no choice but to surrender their beloved 12-year-old senior.
They love him dearly, but life had thrown them a major curveball. Bosco has been struggling with bladder incontinence, and living in an apartment with multiple flights of stairs made it incredibly difficult to get him outside in time. It was a stressful situation for everyone, and they felt completely stuck.

After sitting down with with his family, we saw just how deeply they adore this sweet old boy. We knew we couldn't let them say goodbye just because of a temporary housing hurdle and a medical bump in the road.

Instead of taking Bosco in for adoption, we offered his family a lifeline: our Home Away from Home Program. This specialized program provides 60 days of free emergency boarding for senior dogs whose families are facing temporary crises. It is designed to keep families together when they hit a rough patch, giving them the breathing room they desperately need.

While Bosco is safe in our care, his family is using these 60 days to search for a new, more accessible living space—somewhere without the daunting stairs, where Bosco can easily and quickly step outside. We aren't just giving Bosco a place to rest; we are also stepping in to run advanced diagnostics to figure out exactly what’s causing his incontinence so we can help manage it.

Our ultimate goal? To get Bosco healthy, happy, and right back where he belongs—in the arms of the family who loves him.

Stay tuned for updates on sweet Bosco as he starts this next chapter!

FOREVER FOSTER FRIDAY!!!Meet Dreamer! Dreamer was rescued from Orange County Shelter on January 31st, 2025.Dreamer is a ...
05/29/2026

FOREVER FOSTER FRIDAY!!!

Meet Dreamer! Dreamer was rescued from Orange County Shelter on January 31st, 2025.

Dreamer is a special guy! He is mellow, loves exploring, and is quite a cuddle monster and he’s not even species specific. However, cuddling is a requirement for him! He was recently neutered and had the remainder of his micro-eye removed and even though he has another eyeball its pretty useless for seeing the world. That’s ok, he really uses his nose to do that! Dreamer is quiet, sometimes you even forget he’s there! He will let you know when he wants to come back in with a little bark, its pretty endearing, he sounds like a little old man. We also think he might be a Chorgi, part chi part corgi, but who knows that’s really just a guess based on his adorable features! Little Dreamer is so smart he gets routines down quickly, he knows where his bed is, where the feeding station is, and when it’s time for napping and eating. He’s a pretty regular guy! We really have nothing but great things to say about him, he reminds you of a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day, makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Who wouldn’t want that?

Dreamer is one of 30+ Forever Fosters in our care due to medical and/or behavioral needs that are best supported in a lifelong foster home. Thanks to our incredible foster families and monthly sponsors, Lionel’s Legacy provides necessary food, supplies, and medical care for life. ❤️

Help us keep this promise. Become a monthly sponsor today: https://lionelslegacy.org/make-a-donation/ 🐶

ADOPT ME!!!Meet Eugene, a spirited 12-year-old, 9 pound Pomeranian mix. Don’t let his age fool you - this little guy is ...
05/28/2026

ADOPT ME!!!

Meet Eugene, a spirited 12-year-old, 9 pound Pomeranian mix.

Don’t let his age fool you - this little guy is always ready for adventure, especially if it involves a fast-paced walk or a car ride (his absolute favorite!).

Eugene thrives on human companionship and wants to be by your side as much as possible. He gets along well with other dogs, though he has a preference for hanging out with female dogs. He would love a home with an owner who is committed to continuous training - he loves to be challenged and learn new things! Eugene secretly aspires to be an agility champion, so if you have an agility course or some fun challenges for him, he will be in doggy heaven. He is also fine with cats and older children.

Though he may be a little shy when meeting new people, he quickly warms up with some affection. Once he’s comfortable, you’ll see his playful side shine - he’ll even grab his leash in excitement for a walk! Eugene would do best with an active human who will take him on adventures - he might just be your new hiking companion!

While he loves being near his human, Eugene is also okay being left alone once he’s settled into your routine - no separation anxiety here! At night, he’s happy to curl up and snooze peacefully.

Eugene is house-trained, recently had a dental, and has a clean bill of health. With THE most adorable underbite, he is sure to steal your heart.

If you are looking for a devoted, cuddly, and energetic companion, Eugene is your guy!

To learn more go to www.lionelslegacy.org 🤍🐾

ADOPT ME!!!Meet Stella, your loyal little shadow!Stella is a wonderful 10-year-old, 9-pound chihuahua who is just about ...
05/24/2026

ADOPT ME!!!

Meet Stella, your loyal little shadow!

Stella is a wonderful 10-year-old, 9-pound chihuahua who is just about perfect. While she’s not a big cuddler, she’ll always be right by your side and happily follow you from room to room. She’s the definition of a loyal little shadow.

Stella is super sweet and easy to have around. She’s great in the car, a bit skittish with new people at first, but she warms up quickly once she knows she’s safe. She can be protective of her special “person,” but in a loving, devoted way.

She coexists smoothly with other dogs—she mostly keeps to herself but has no issue sharing a bed and even snuggling with them. With cats, she’s a mixed bag: sometimes she ignores them completely, and other times she’ll give a bark or two.

And those eyes—the most beautiful, soulful eyes you’ve ever seen.

Stella is the perfect companion for someone looking for a sweet, steady, loyal little friend to share their days.

To learn more go to www.lionelslegacy.org

Address

Lakeside, CA

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 2pm
Friday 11pm - 2pm
Saturday 11am - 2pm
Sunday 11am - 2pm

Telephone

+16192125623

Website

https://linktr.ee/lionelslegacy

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