Our Story Is Written inRescued Lives
What started as one woman, one dog, and 104 degrees of Texas heat has become a sanctuary where second chances aren't the exception—they're the rule.
The Day Everything Changed
July 2019. Big Spring, Texas. The thermometer read 104 degrees. The asphalt was hot enough to fry an egg—or burn the paws of a terrified, abandoned dog.
Jhettlyn Wolfe was driving home when she saw him: a brindle pit bull mix, ribs showing through matted fur, cowering in the corner of an empty parking lot. No collar. No microchip. No one coming back for him.
She could have called animal control. Could have assumed someone else would help. Could have told herself it wasn't her problem.
Instead, she opened her car door.
That dog—later named Duke—spent his first night in Wolfe's garage, drinking bowl after bowl of water, slowly learning that not all humans leave. Within a week, Wolfe's phone was ringing. Another abandoned dog. Then another. Then a litter of kittens found in a dumpster.
"I didn't plan to start a rescue," Wolfe remembers. "The rescue started itself. I just said yes."
Five years later, that garage has become a 5-acre sanctuary. That one dog has become 5,000+ saved lives. That single act of compassion has become a movement.
Our Journey
Every milestone represents thousands of wagging tails, grateful purrs, and families made whole.
One Dog, One Dream
Wolfe rescues her first abandoned dog from a scorching parking lot. The Barking Lot is born in her garage.
Community Rallies
During the pandemic, adoptions surge 300%. The community discovers that rescue animals heal hearts both ways.
New Facility Opens
Our 5-acre sanctuary opens its doors—a purpose-built haven for healing, with veterinary suite and training areas.
1,000 Lives Saved
We celebrate our 1,000th successful adoption. Each one represents a story of redemption and love.
Regional Recognition
Named 'Top Animal Rescue in West Texas.' Our model becomes a blueprint for other communities.
5,000+ and Growing
We've now saved over 5,000 animals. The garage rescue has become a movement.
What We Stand For
Our values aren't just words on a wall. They're the decisions we make every day, for every animal.
Compassion Without Limits
We never say 'too old,' 'too sick,' or 'too scared.' Every animal that enters our doors receives the same unconditional love.
No-Kill Commitment
We maintain a 100% no-kill policy. We will never euthanize for space, age, or adoptability. Period.
Community Partnership
We believe in lifting up, not judging. We help families keep their pets when possible and find loving alternatives when necessary.
Transparent Operations
Every dollar is accounted for. Every decision is made with one question: 'What's best for the animals?'
Second Chances
The dog who bit out of fear. The cat who hid for months. The senior nobody wanted. These are our specialties.
Excellence in Care
Medical care that rivals the best. Training that transforms lives. Facilities that feel like home. Nothing less will do.
The Hearts Behind the Mission
Every rescue takes an army. Meet the leaders who inspire ours.
Jhettlyn Wolfe
Founder & Executive Director
After finding an abandoned dog in 104-degree Texas heat, Wolfe knew her life would never be the same. That one rescue became a mission. That mission became The Barking Lot.
"Every animal deserves a second chance at love."
Dr. Sarah Martinez
Lead Veterinarian
Board-certified with 15 years experience, Dr. Martinez has saved over 3,000 animals others deemed 'hopeless.' She sees potential where others see problems.
"Medicine is science, but healing is love."
Marcus Thompson
Operations Director
Former Marine who found his purpose in rescue work. Marcus runs our facility like a precision operation—because these lives deserve nothing less.
"Structure saves lives. Every detail matters."
Elena Rodriguez
Foster Coordinator
With a network of 200+ foster families, Elena orchestrates a symphony of temporary love that leads to forever homes.
"Every foster home is a bridge to happiness."