Meet Heather Rice | Founder and President of Lucky Penny Rox Rescue

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was volunteering at a local shelter and saw how big the need was for animal rescue organizations to help homeless animals. I decided to start my own non-profit animal rescue organization so I could help more animals in need.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Animal rescue does not have a blueprint or model to follow. You jump in and just have to learn as you go. I have been an official rescue for 10 years and I still feel like there is something to learn every year. I was told early on that I would not have the quality of rescue that I wanted and I am proud to say that I have achieved that. We put quality over quantity and every animal receives full medical care whether they have no health concerns or major medical conditions. We have been able to achieve this model by staying small and adopting animals straight to homes rather than transferring to other organizations or no-kill shelters. It may take a little longer than others, but it allows the pet more stability and security overall. Every animal comes with it’s own challenges whether it is behavioral, medical, or simply puppyhood (haha) and I have learned to not make animals conform to human wants to find the people that can meet the animal for who they are and understand what they have been through. It is rewarding to see an animal come in abandoned and broken and find a forever home where they can thrive and have a family adore them. I always want the world to know that nothing is perfect. Animals and humans are not perfect and the meeting each other where we are and providing kindness and understanding to humans and animals will make everything a better place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love to go hiking and to end up at a nice brunch spot. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and Cullinan Park are amazing parks with lots of a BEAUTIFUL hiking trails to either take your dog or group of friends on a nice relaxing walk. The Houston Arboretum is like =n oasis in the middle of the city and has boardwalks, lily ponds, and wildflower trails. Cullinan Park offers miles of beautiful trails and bird watching. Both locations are pet friendly and are perfect places to take your dog for a trip through nature. Brunch is a must after a good hike! Hitting up The Rustic, Lazy Dog, or Dish Society are perfect places for a good brunch and cocktails while sitting on the patio with your 4 legged friend. Their food is amazing, service is always spectacular, and pet friendly is an added bonus. We also enjoy a good drag brunch with mimosas at Bar Boheme in Montrose. Their buffet style brunch is out of this world and performances are so much fun! An Astros game, trip to the zoo and Hermann park, and Museum of Natural Science are always a must see in the city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout series to the team that makes our organization run smoothly. Abby V., Laura R., Kara S., Kassie C., Frankie S., Columbus Animal Clinic, and The Lighthouse Vet Clinic, Without a team of fosters, directors, supporters, and medical team, we would not be able to have the resources to save the animals that we do. We have a small, but mighty team behind every little paw that comes through our rescue and I am so grateful for all of their hard work.

Website: https://www.luckypennyroxrescue.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckypennyroxrescue