By Mimi Pollack

October 6, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Lionel’s Legacy, a non-profit in Lakeside that rescues senior pets, and its founder, Laura Oliver, were recognized by the Red Cross at the Real Heroes Award ceremony held on the Midway on September 27. Oliver was honored for all the work her organization does to help senior dogs in need. She was given the Animal Welfare Hero Award for Lionel’s Legacy. Furthermore, the Red Cross acknowledged her for co-founding the San Diego Rescue Coalition, a collaboration of animal welfare agencies working together to improve animal rescue efforts in San Diego.

 Lionel’s Legacy, an organization that rescues and finds homes for senior dogs, was founded in 2012 by Laura Oliver, and her family. Lionel was a 15-year-old pit bull that the Olivers adopted. He inspired them to start an organization that specializes in fostering and finding good homes for senior pets.