Our Team
Dallas Keeney, President and Founder
I’ve been involved in rescue since the day I was born. Literally, my parents already had two rescue dogs and before them had rescued fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, you name it. My parents instilled in me from an extremely young age how people are meant to be protectors and defenders of animals, and just how important rescue work is. I watched my parents help run a Rottweiler and large breed dog rescue in Nebraska where I grew up, and once I was married to David, we immediately got involved in any rescue we could when we moved with the military. I’ve been a foster mom to countless dogs and cats, jumped out of cars to save a dog from the road, spent thousands of hours and dollars on rehab work with animals, and dedicated my life to learning medicine and techniques to help with mental, emotional, and physical rehab in animals. My M.S. in Biochemistry and Microbiology helps me be better able to work with our vets and farrier in developing plans to improve animal welfare and treat animals in a holistic and well rounded manner. Diego is my soul dog, and this entire sanctuary is an extension of my love for him and the incredible way he’s saved me countless times over the years.
Barbara Krimminger, Secretary, Co-Founder and Transport Coordinator
Our first adoption was a puppy named Kaisey who we got from the Denver Dumb Friends League in 1988. A few months later we rescued a Rottweiler who was a guard dog at a car lot, thus beginning our lifelong love of Rottweilers.
We moved to Nebraska in the mid 90’s and in 2002 I joined MidAmerica Rottweiler Rescue. In 2004 I became a Board Member serving as Transport Coordinator and later as president. Around 2005 I began working with a couple of shelters in Missouri to move their dogs, via volunteer drivers, to no kill rescues in Colorado and Minnesota. Over the years that blossomed into facilitating the moving of over 1000 dogs a year out of kill shelters in Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri into no kill rescues, while of course, moving our Rottweiler’s into loving foster or forever homes. These wonderful volunteers are still on the road every weekend moving as many dogs or cats as we can to rescue. And although horses are bigger and we can’t get them in the back of a minivan, the need is so great to rescue these beautiful animals. We’re grateful that you’re here and hope you’ll join our mission
David Keeney, Vice President and Co-Founder
Dave grew up with horses and started riding from a very young age, but he didn’t have an intense emotional connection with a horse until he adopted Misty in 2021. Since then, his entire mind set around horses and farm animals changed. Having married Dallas, he has been involved in dog and cat rescue for nearly 15 years. David has never said no to an animal that needs help, and has on more than one occasion jumped out of a car on the highway to save an animal from being hit or to rush a dog that had been hit to the emergency vet for treatment. After almost 15 years of marriage, he’s lost count of the strays Dallas has brought home, but he’s always made room for them. David and Dallas went completely plant based in 2014 after witnessing the cruelty of a local meat and dariy farm when they were stationed in New Mexico. David takes pride in physical fitness and educating people about nutrition and exercise science to rehabilite injuries and meet fitness goals. He uses these skills to help the rescue animals recover from injuries and regain flexibility and movement. David served in the Air Force for 14 years and has a passion for mental and emotional health. He helps other veterans find peace through working with animals and having quiet moments with the horses.
Diego Moose
The Heart and Soul of the sanctuary. Diego was with us for a glorious 13 and a half years. He was almost 16 when he went to Heaven. Diego was with Dallas, David and their daughter through ever major life event, every animal rescue, every deployment and cross country move, every college degree, and ever win. Diego was there for it all. His unconditional Love and loyalty inspired the entire sanctuary; because everyone should have the chance to live as free and happily as Diego did. Diego was a throw away dog, found at a tiny little high kill shelter in the middle of the desert in New Mexico back in 2011. Dallas had a miscarriage earlier that day, and Diego instantly knew she needed him. Of all the dogs in the shelter, he was the only one who looked right into her eyes and was more interested in being with her than eating or anything else. Dallas went into the kennel and sat with Diego and he instantly pressed into her as if saying: “It’s okay, I’m here now.” From that moment on, they were inseparable. Diego spent the entire car ride home from the pound giving kisses and making David and Dallas laugh. He was purity. Diego went everywhere with his family. He was his human kid’s protector and friend, raised countless foster animals, and was beloved by all who met him. He was an ambassador for large dog breeds, a therapy dog, a healer, and a teacher. Diego saved countless lives. He used everything God gave him to spread love and joy wherever he went. Dallas knew Diego’s time was coming soon, and she promised him to never make him wait longer than he wanted. When it was his time, Diego looked at Dallas while they were lying in the front yard under his favorite tree, and she knew he was telling her he was ready. Their beloved vet was ready in a moments notice. Diego passed while peacefully sleeping on Dallas’ chest while they laid outside looking up at the clouds and blue sky. David was able to be with Diego in his final moments by sheer Divine intervention. The journey started with the three of them together at that little shelter in the desert, and Diego’s Earthly life ended with the three of them outside together, holding hands and kissing him while he slept. When he passed, Dallas felt an immediate sensation of pure joy and lightness, believing it to be Diego teling her he made it to Heaven, and everything was going to be okay. While he is now running free, Diego’s legacy lives on forever in this sanctuary and in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
Michelle Carpenter, Director and Board Member
I think most children are born with an instant love and obsession for animals. There is an honesty and genuine connection between animals and humans that is almost sacred. I, like so many others, have loved animals my entire life; especially horses. I am committed to protect and love as many precious lives as possible. My goal is to make that 7 year old horse-girl inside me proud.