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Vote For Your Nominee
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Tracy Frank :: Society for Animal Rescue & Adoption Director
Contribute to Tracy’s voting process by sharing a review after their article below.
SARA, Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption was founded in 1996 by Tracy Frank.
Frank was working as a teacher for children with Autism when the she discovered the great need for an alternative to the status quo of killing unwanted dogs and cats. Always an animal lover, Frank jumped in with both feet after discovering the no-kill sanctuary/shelter concept and started the non-profit agency.
Since its inception, SARA has become one of the largest sanctuaries in North America for unwanted and abused animals serving the San Antonio and Central Texas area. There are no fewer than 850 animals at the sanctuary at any given time.
SARA seeks loving homes and fosters for all animals that come to us, but when adoption is not possible or appropriate, the animals live in the company of other animals at the facility for the duration of their natural lives. Euthanasia is only employed in the true sense of the word; when an animal is terminally ill and suffering.
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Through sheer hard work and tenacity, Frank has built SARA into the internationally known sanctuary it is today. Frank rarely accepts no for an answer and she forged ahead with plans to run SARA as a no-kill shelter while being met with seemingly insurmountable obstacles at nearly every turn, armed with the belief that it is morally indefensible to “kill animals to save them” and that only those animals that are perfectly adoptable and most desirable deserve a chance. Frank believes that the lives of all animals (and people) matter. Today, the no-kill concept is widely accepted as the ideal and goal of animal rescue.
SARA receives most of its support from the San Antonio and Austin area, but its concept transcends geography and we have members all over the country.
SARA welcomes volunteers: primary and secondary schools, scouts, university groups and clubs as well as individuals and families can enjoy hands on gratifying work with an array of domestic animals. SARA is also host to alternative spring break and winter break retreats for Vanderbilt University, Indiana State University, Boston University and University of Texas.
http://www.sarasanctuary.org
COMMENT & VOTE BELOW
(893) Views (29) Comments 
Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:44 AM
As always, anything having to do with SARA is worthy of kudos. We just can't say enough good things about Tracy and her work. She is incredible. Our family is so indebted to her for so much. She's the definition of what it is to be human. We are so proud to know her and of her work. Even though we are not always able to give monetarily or voluntarily, lately, she and her babies are always in our thoughts. Whenever we look at our SARA dog, Socks, or glance at the ashes on our mantle of our beloved Earl we always think of Tracy and what an awesome thing she is doing. Our family is proud to know her. We just think the absolute world of her.
Saturday, November 21, 2009 6:51 PM
What Tracy does over at SARA Sanctuary is truly amazing. Words can not begin to describe the hard work and love she puts in to her work with these animals. Tracy is truly a modern day St. Francis of Assisi. The world is a better place because of her passionate care of all teh 950+ animals at the sanctuary.
Saturday, November 21, 2009 6:52 PM
What Tracy does over at SARA Sanctuary is truly amazing. Words can not begin to describe the hard work and love she puts in to her work with these animals. Tracy is truly a modern day St. Francis of Assisi. The world is a better place because of her passionate care of all the 950+ animals at the sanctuary.
Sunday, November 22, 2009 7:08 AM
I have worked with Tracy throughout this year when I have come upon 2 separate stray dogs and no local city/government facility had the ability/capacity to shelter the stray dogs. However, Tracy has always willingly accepted to take these dogs in and provide shelter for them. One dog has since been adopted through Tracy's association with the PetsMart's pet adoption services and the other dog was reunited with its proper owner. I have also assisted Tracy in her efforts to neuter/castrate several piglets and vaccinate all of the dogs and cats residing at the SARA "home" facility. I was soooo impressed with Tracy's memory of ALL of the pet's names, age, history, etc. I wish I could provide more assistance to Tracy and the animals. I am astounded at all of the work Tracy does on a daily basis and her continual effort to obtain further funding to help out any and all animals. The world needs more people like Tracy, but, thank God we have her here in Texas!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009 6:37 PM
What a beautiful video and awesome job. I can't believe Tracy is responsible for so many souls. Someone with a heart that big deserves mucho kudos and I wish there was a place here in Ohio like that because I sure would volunteer to help!
Monday, November 23, 2009 8:34 AM
Words are not able to describe the miracle of SARA and the incredible blessing Tracy has been to the all too often forgotten population of abused, neglected and abandoned animals that exists within our culture. Spending time at SARA is the only way to understand the magnitude of Tracy's devotion and sacrifice, and even then, a visit can only offer a momentary "snapshot" of her years and years of daily dedication at the battle lines of animal rescue. She is a warrior, a role model and a valued friend to so many of us in the animal rescue community, and her very life is a convicting example to all of us to do more than we think we can do. When we come across yet another animal in need and we think we don't have the time, space an resources to help, we ask ourselves, "what would Tracy do?", and we dig in and rescue that animal anyway. Tracy's gift to the world is that through her unbelievable sacrifice and intense devotion to the cause of unconditional life, she has literally become the benchmark that is set for all of us. Because of Tracy's influence, inspiration and assistance, far more animals have been saved beyond the gates of SARA than she could ever realize, and we are so very grateful that she is finally getting the recognition that she has for so long deserved, but would never actively pursue. God bless Tracy!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 11:30 AM
Tracy is truly an amazing, wonderful person with such a warm and giving heart. My husband and I are so touched by her love for these animals. It's true, she knows everyone by name AND their story. The video barely touches the reality of the animals and their stories that have come to S.A.R.A. Sanctuary. As the video states: ‘A place of refuge and protection. A sacred place, set apart from the profane, ordinary world.’ This IS S.A.R.A. Sanctuary. It is obvious that Tracy’s desire in life is to help these wonderful animals that have but one option, death. To help animals that have no more hope. Animals that should not be in this situation at all. Having been in rescue, we know what kind of strength and dedication this line of work entails. It’s easy to get ‘burnt out’. Every time you turn around, there is another animal in need, and another, and another. It never ends. Tracy has that strength and dedication. She has always persevered to MAKE this work. What is truly amazing is that this is not a 9-5 job but one that is 24/7. She lives this every waking day of her life. And she loves what she does! Tracy has sacrificed daily and devoted herself to this wonderful cause. She IS the Voice for the Animals. Thank you Tracy, for not giving up and MAKING this work! God Bless You!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 11:20 PM
Tracy Frank is the modern day version of the Late, Great Dr. Dian Fossey! I have never met anyone, man or woman, that lives with such absolute conviction, determination, strength, courage, and kindness. I can honestly say that Tracy is the most genuine, giving person I have ever known. Tracy doesn't just go to work and hope to make a difference; she makes personal sacrifices everyday so that she can continue to provide Unconditional Life & Love to the thousands of animals that have crossed her path over the years. Tracy never wants anything in return, that is why I am so happy to see that she is finally getting the recognition that she greatly deserves! I can honestly say that the past 4 years volunteering at SARA and getting to know Tracy and all of the SARA Animal Residents -- Past and Present (& I am sure future) has profoundly changed my life forever.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 4:25 PM
Tracy dedicates all of her time, energy and $$$ to help animals in need. If animals could vote for her, she'd have at least 1000 more votes!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 4:34 PM
We have been associated with SARA for three years now. We can only watch and be amazed at the work that Tracy does on a daily basis to save and love the animals that are brought to her. As others have stated, her dedication and self sacrifice knows no bounds. She is deserving of recognition at the highest level for her countless hours of caring. No need or task is too hard to accomplish if it involves one of her animals. She is truely a friend to all living animals.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 8:36 PM
Tracy is actually doing the work so many of us only wish we could do. She is an inspiration and we are proud to have her here in San Antonio. Thank you Tracy!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 8:56 PM
I just saw SARA in person for the first time this last Thanksgiving. I was absolutely amazed what one woman has started and can accomplish. It was a day many animals could be thankful for all that she and her dedicated and compassionate volunteers have done. But sadly, we all know there are many more animals and many more needs.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 11:37 PM
Words can't describe how special someone like Tracy is. What an unfathomable undertaking. It makes me wish I was already living in Texas so I could help her more. I loved being out with the animals, and seeing how she really cares for them all. Each and every animal there is special, loved and looked out for. Truly an amazing experience - one I'd hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to enjoy. Get out there and help out just one day, and you'll see.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 11:42 PM
Also...I'm THRILLED to see one of the pics I took in the video!!! (the pig, 3rd pic from beginning) One of the BIGGEST pigs I've ever been around, and amazingly gentle.
Thursday, December 03, 2009 3:54 AM
I first heard about SARA years ago when I found 2 dogs alongside a busy highway. One was blind, and the other was very clearly acting as the guide dog for the other. I didn't have anywhere to keep dogs, and couldn't find a foster home. Tracy said "bring them here." That's what Tracy always says...her heart is always open. I found a last minute adopter for the two dogs I found, but a year later Tracy took in a feral dog who had been living in our neighborhood. Her words were "No, she'll most likely never be adopted but she'll always have a safe home here." I don't know how she does what she does day in and day out. She's truly amazing.
Thursday, December 03, 2009 6:43 AM
Absolutely the most dedicate and phenomenal person I know. She is truely one of a kind and the most deserving of recognition and honor.
Thursday, December 03, 2009 7:07 AM
The amazing work Tracy does at SARA has earned her hero status in my eyes and the eyes of the thousands of animals that have lived at the sanctuary! So many hunderds of lives have been saved and made better because of Tracy. We honor you Tracy.
# Laura Seargeant Richardson
Thursday, December 03, 2009 7:51 AM
Having volunteered with Tracy for 8 years and being the original creator of the website and much of the content you see, I can say that i have never seen a person give more of herself to such a needy cause. The animals are her children and in good years and in bad economies, Tracy has dedicated herself to bettering animal welfare. She gives 110%. It's our turn to give back.
# Michelle L'Eplattenier and Shawn Stoeffler
Thursday, December 03, 2009 8:50 AM
Tracey is an amazing women, with a fantastic attitude. She dedicates ALL of her time, money and energy to these animals, and it is a PLEASURE to volunteer at SARA.
Thursday, December 03, 2009 11:28 AM
Thank you for doing this important work!
Thursday, December 03, 2009 2:59 PM
Tracy is an extraordinary human being. Her efforts on behalf of animals are remarkable and truly inspiring. Our society and each of us should strive to be more like Tracy, to give so unselfishly to others, especially helpless and homeless animals. There is simply no way to measure the goodness of Tracy's heart or the good that her work does everyday for hundreds of animals.
Thursday, December 03, 2009 4:17 PM
A beautiful video. I always wish I could do more to help.
Thursday, December 03, 2009 4:40 PM
Tracy has what I don't have, the courage and determination to make a difference. I am so happy she has worked very hard to reach out to others and give us a chance to help her ; she shares her home and her love love with all the beautiful loving and sadly unwanted lifes. She has given herself unconditionally and completely to those that have been thrown away. A price tag cannot be put on what she has given. Tracy is a role model for all of us to follow. She has earned my vote. She and her extended family deserve all the support that is available. 2009 was truly more challenging with the drought, and the winter is fixing to hit her sanctuary hard. No matter who arrives at her door she will find a way to provide food, shelter and love to the unfortunate & helpless.
Friday, December 04, 2009 5:44 AM
I volunteered out at SARA in 2003 and was totally amazed at the love and dedication Tracy had for all 400 plus animals out at the sanctuary. I have seen over the years that her commitment to God's innocent creatures continues to grow. She deserves this recognition for the hard work, dedication and unconditional love she provides for these wonderful animals. Tracy, Thanks so very much for having the courage that most of us can only dream of!
Friday, December 04, 2009 7:57 AM
Without Tracy and her selflessness and ambivalence to the hundreds of animals who call SARA home would likely be dead, homeless, or living miserably. She has helped me, and my dogs, through these tough times by giving them somewhere to live while me and my mom and sister where practically homeless living in a motel. For her to help us and my beloved dogs, without hesitation, she has become one of my heroes. She is a hero to the animals and to people. Tracy sees that every life is important and worth so much. She lets the abused and abandoned know what life should be. I am immeasurably grateful to her and what she does. She is a TRUE hero.
Friday, December 04, 2009 2:58 PM
Hey Everyone, Tracy is a "REAL ANGEL"she just doesn't know it,but all the babies in her care are actually "SPECIAL L ITTLE HUMANS" some can see it and some can't, only you Special People know what know I mean, If ever an ANGEL needed a special thank you that would be Tracy!!! I only wish you the very best you deserve the very best , you are a "Very Very Special Angel!" Love You forever Tracy
Saturday, December 05, 2009 3:32 PM
SARA is wonderful!
Friday, December 18, 2009 12:30 PM
What Tracy does is beyond my ability to comprehend. The number of stray and mistreated animals in rural Texas, along with the absolute ignorance and meanness of some of the human population, is staggering. Tracy deals with this on a daily basis and makes a huge difference in the face of overwhelming odds. What Tracy has done at SARA continues to amaze me. She truly puts the animals first. The heat alone in Central Texas would drive most people to give up in the first year, but somehow Tracy keeps it going. If you live in the area, make it a point to visit SARA to get an idea of what she does. This is not a celebrity photo op type of sanctuary!. Go out in August and see what it takes to keep this many animals thriving in 105 degree heat. (And bring your gloves and sunscreen and spend a few hours volunteering. I promise you will go home tired but feeling like you did something that matters.) Tracy and SARA deserve the very best!
Friday, June 11, 2010 12:48 AM
The original creator of the website and much of the content you see, I can say that i have never seen a person give more of herself to such a needy cause. The animals are her children and in good years and in bad economies, Tracy has dedicated herself to bettering animal welfare.....Thanks...
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