The Doggie Dude Ranch is a nonprofit foster ranch in Celina, Texas, which is 13 miles north of Prosper, Texas. Doggie Dude Ranch was founded on March 14, 2013, in Aubrey, Texas, by Mr. The Mission Statement for the Doggie Dude Ranch is: “To provide the very best cage-less safe haven while our dogs are waiting for their forever homes.”
Unfortunately, there is much more to this story than just a
selfless individual on a mission to help rescue homeless animals from traditional kennels that “retire” them after a 30-day period. You see, 2 years before Big Jon launched the nonprofit, no-kill, cage-free animal retirement paradise in 2013 with a miniature dachshund named “Wags” (his first rescue), he was diagnosed with a rare terminal illness. “Reoccurring Transverse Myelitis,” which has no known cure and has rendered him totally disabled. Jon Scruggs in an equally impossible situation along with the animals he rescues. Destitute with disease, “Big Papa Jon” still continues to help others less fortunate than himself. Jon and Wags became best-friends, rewarding them with comfort, love, and mutual support. “Wags'" life went from homelessness to Heaven. Whereas, Jon's life went from Heaven to Hell. We said there is MUCH more to the story and we meant it! If a man destitute with disease and undying resolve to keep helping others doesn't get you emotional, then hang on, there's more. During 2015, 4 years into his debilitating disease, Jon was hospitalized for a little over 24 months. During his confinement, Mr. Scruggs and Wags were forced out of their lease-to-purchase that had been paid into for the previous 4 years, in effect losing all equity that had accrued from the supporters' contributions. The hospital confinement lowered Jon's spirits farther than any of us could imagine. Regardless, he turned the loss and demolition of the Doggie Dude Ranch's puppy Heaven tp an uplifting inspiration. Amazingly, Jon, turned the tragedies into a new battle cry and a seemingly impossible promise to “Wags.” The promise to “Wags” was to one day rebuild the Dude Ranch come hell or high water. Just as amazing as it is to imagine a man diagnosed with a terminal illness and putting others before himself, Jon is more passionate and focused than ever to rebuild the Dude Ranch. Furthermore, the memory of “Wags” and Jon's personal legacy are the goals of his friends, supporters, and family. Despite Jon's health condition and his blind selflessness, he literally has spent the last dollars of his nest-egg to make dreams become realities. Jon's other ambitions include the publishing of "Wags to Wiches" (a novel from the eyes of “Wags"), “Pickin-for-Pups” (a concert series), and a “Cake, Cookie, Coca-Cola and Corona/Cerveza” Yappy-Happy Hour for little people to adult people. For more information on volunteering, contributing, free social-media sharing support, adoption, schedule of events and/or Reoccurring Transverse Myelitis, please send a message through “messenger” here on Facebook. We ask that you find it in your heart to bring light to a life that has been destroyed by an incurable illness and the crusade of helping neglected animals. We are dedicated to helping “Big Papa Jon” rebuild the Dude Ranch for a little bit of solace in his final years here on Earth. We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for getting involved. Sincerely,
Rhonda “Hot Rod” Carter
Sister and Dedicated Volunteer
Tess “Tessie” Kelley
Dedicated Volunteer
&
Christopher Randolph
Co-Founder of The Sportz Dreamz Foundation
08/25/2017
Tammy, another of Jon's caring sisters, shared the story, that she helped make happen with her brother for the benefit of The Doggie Dude Ranch. Without her efforts and support of the cause, Doggie Dude Ranch would have struggled getting off the ground in 2013, it's original inception year.
08/25/2017
