On that day, I met several of the large dogs who live out in the front kennels. Each had their own  12‘ x 12‘ enclosure, with a dog house, blankets, and toys. The dog-friendly ones had kennel mates. All were curious, wagging their tales, some stealing kisses through the mesh enclosure as I greeted them.

A handsome pit bull named Doza quickly caught my eye. A buff, tan-colored boy, he was wearing a yellow and blue striped rugby shirt to ward off the cold, but it was his amber, almost human eyes that transfixed me. I played with Doza many days following that first visit, endlessly throwing balls to him. He was amazing, setting land-speed records across the yard before catching them in mid-air.

One day last October, I came to volunteer and no more Doza. He had found a home with a pit-bull lover in Orange County and was now sleeping on a king-sized bed, playing in his own yard, and riding around town with his new person. Tears sprang to my eyes as I looked upon his empty kennel.

Doza is just one of many success stories. Since 1991, the non-profit Brittany Foundation has helped place over 1,200 dogs in loving homes. The no-kill sanctuary in Agua Dulce is run by founder Nancy Anderson, a tireless animal advocate.

At 61, Nancy is still going strong and often takes care of the 90 dogs by herself. Nancy is a stickler for making sure the dogs have fresh water, good food, and medical care. Their kennels are cleaned daily, with fresh bedding put down whenever necessary. Each dog gets a treat at the end of the day.

During a freak blizzard in December, Nancy took each and every one of the 90 dogs into the 1,200 square foot home on the premises, until the weather subsided and the kennels could be returned to normal. I have never met a more devoted dog person. I am honored to be a part of her organization.

I am also humbled to volunteer among some of the kindest souls on the planet: Rene, Jay, Amber, Heather, Kelly, Nancy S., Gail, and Leeanne, to name just a few.

Then there's the dogs. All of them have touched my heart, though I have my favorites:

Moses, an 8-year old Lhasa Poo, was dumped at the shelter by his owners after they lost their home. Sweet, shy Moses had to have an eye removed due to cataracts, but he's not slowed down one bit. He's just a cool little dog who likes going for walks and getting attention, but is overlooked come adoption time.

Charlie is tied for my second favorite big dog at Brittany (with Buffy, below). Probably the handsomest, smartest fella at Brittany Foundation, Charlie loves to play ball and tug of war. He also likes to give kisses and get his belly rubbed. Charlie has lived at the ranch almost his whole life. It's crazy...he should have been adopted a long time ago. He's awesome! 

Edie Muenster is a charming nine-year Chihuahua with a widow’s peak and wicked underbite that earned her the name. Far from scary, Edie is a little sweetie who loves to snuggle in unfolded laundry. take naps in the desert sun, and give kisses to her human friends. Everyone falls in love with Edie when they visit the Brittany Foundation.

Buffy (aka Buffy Love and Buffy McMuffy) is a nine-year old Lab mix and volunteer favorite. Like Charlie, she's lived at Brittany almost her whole life. Why, I’ll never know. She’s an angel who adores people, sitting in the sun, and getting her belly rubbed. This old girl still has plenty of spunk and can go for a hike with the best of 'em. Hopefully, she'll find a family soon.

While many of their dogs find loving homes, the Brittany Foundation provides a forever sanctuary for those who don’t.

Unfortunately, the economic crisis has taken its toll. Donations have severely declined and they struggle to pay for medical care, food, and daily operations. There are times when Nancy wonders if she’ll be able to keep the doors open.

I know times are tight for everyone, but you could make a big difference by making a donation or sponsoring one of The Brittany Foundation dogs for as little as $10 a month. To do so, click here.

If you live in Los Angeles County and would like to volunteer, The Brittany Foundation welcomes you to take dogs on walks, give baths, do yard work, or just hang out with the dogs and give them lots of love.

If you have room in your heart or home to add a new family member, they have dozens of beautiful dogs to choose from. You can view adoptable dogs online or meet them in person by appointment or during Sunday adoption events, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on the Brittany Foundation, please contact (661) 713-5240 ,email Brittany_dogs@yahoo.com or visit www.brittanyfoundation.com. Donations can be made online or mailed to P.O. Box 738, Acton, CA 93510-0738. All donations are tax-deductible.