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

Hi Molly, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Back in 2001 I went to an animal shelter to get a cat for our apartment that did not allow animals. Thinking I could easily hide a cat, that was my intention when I arrived. However, my plans changed after spending 8 hours there seeing the horrors of a city shelter. As they drug a puppy down the corridor to her death, I demanded to take her. They explained she was sick but I did not care. I left that day and made a promise to all the other animals there that I couldn’t help all of them but I would make it my mission to do something to make a different to help as many animals as I can. I named the puppy I adopted that day, Charleston. She spent a month in and out of the vet office struggling with pneumonia but eventually pulled through. The puppy was growing rapidly and turned out to be a great dane. We received a notice of eviction or get rid of the pet. My parents met us in Blyth, AZ, took her home where she lived for the next 14 years! Over that time I kept my promise to those animals that day in the shelter in LA. I joined a rescue in California and when moving to Texas in 2002, I continued serving as a foster for countless animals. There were different things I liked about each rescue I worked with and that helped teach me what need to be done to run the best rescue in Texas. What began as a group of animal loving friends in 2008 who wanted to help continue the legacy to serve as the voice for those animals who cannot speak for themselves… turned into a legacy of an organization thriving 17 years later. We have rescued, rehabilitated and rehome thousands of animals to date. We also took over management of the Rockwall Adoption Center in Aug 2012. We opened the Legacy Humane Veterinary Clinic in August 2024 that provides affordable veterinary care at rescue rates to the public. Our next goal is to expand the vet clinic to larger space as well as open a Legacy animal shelter by 2027.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Fueled by Compassion, Driven by Purpose: What Sets Us Apart

In the world of animal rescue, every day brings new challenges, heartbreaks, and—most importantly—hope. What sets us apart is not just what we do, but how and why we do it. At the heart of our organization is an unwavering dedication to the cause. We are available rain or shine, 365 days a year, because the work of rescue never stops. People and pets need us, and we’ve made a promise to show up—no matter what.

That promise began for me in 2001 in Los Angeles. Surrounded by overwhelming need and countless animals without homes, I made a personal vow: to help as many animals as I possibly could. That moment became the foundation of everything we’ve built since.

And today, I am incredibly proud to say we’ve taken that commitment one step further with the opening of our very own affordable veterinary clinic. For years, we received a heartbreaking number of owner surrender forms from people forced to give up their beloved pets—not because they didn’t care, but because they couldn’t afford the cost of medical care. That reality drove us to act.

Our clinic now offers a wide range of services—from spay/neuter procedures and routine wellness exams to life-saving surgeries such as obstructions, amputations, dentals, emergency c-sections, eye removals, and more—all at rates that people can actually afford. It’s more than a clinic; it’s a lifeline for families and their pets.

Running a rescue isn’t easy. It demands blood, sweat, and tears—literally. But what makes it all worth it are the success stories: the once-neglected dogs now thriving in forever homes, the families who found a missing piece of their hearts in a rescued cat, the decline in unwanted litters in our communities, and the deep bond created through every adoption, every recovery, every saved life.

Passion is what gets us through the hardest days. Passion, and the unwavering support of our incredible team, our tireless volunteers, our compassionate staff, and the family who stands beside me through it all. No part of this journey would be possible without them.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are countless, but a few stand out:

Never make assumptions. Every animal and every person has a story, and every case is unique. Listening and gathering all the facts allows us to form the best plan of action.

Never be afraid to ask. Whether it’s for help, donations, fosters, or adopters—the worst someone can say is no. But so often, asking opens doors we never imagined.

Our rescue, shelter, and veterinary clinic operate as a sustainable ecosystem powered by partnerships, compassion, and community. We are fueled by the animals we save, the families we help, and the legacy we are building day by day. This is more than a mission—it’s a movement.

We don’t just rescue animals.
We rescue hope.
We rescue futures.
And we’re just getting started.

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.
The Ultimate Girls’ Week in DFW: Saddle Up for Adventure, Laughter, & Luxury

When my best friend comes to town, ordinary won’t cut it. We’re going full Texas—bold flavors, big hats, and even bigger memories. Here’s how we’re turning one week into a lifetime of stories:

Day 1–2: Fort Worth Stockyards – Western Spirit & Wild Fun
We kick things off in the heart of cowboy culture—The Stockyards. From the iconic bull walk down Exchange Avenue to perching on saddle stools at Cattlemen’s Bar, it’s full Texas experience. We’ll:

Get lost (intentionally) in the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze

Snoop around on a ghost tour

Take in a concert or laughs at Billy Bob’s—the world’s largest honky-tonk

Dine on perfectly seared steaks at Cattleman’s

Stay at the Stockyards Hotel—built in 1907 and oozing Texas charm

And yes, the Fort Worth Zoo is on the list. Because who doesn’t want to see flamingos and elephants in between margaritas?

Day 3–4: Dallas – City Lights & Culture
Next stop: the Statler Hotel, a modern marvel with retro vibes. Whether sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar or slipping into the basement speakeasy, this hotel never misses.

All within walking distance, we’ll explore:

The mesmerizing Dallas World Aquarium

The historic Dealey Plaza (site of JFK’s assassination)

Hands-on fun at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science

Peaceful beauty at the Dallas Arboretum

Dinner plans? Oh, we eat well:

Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse for that rich Texas flavor

Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch—home of the original frozen margarita machine

Day 5: Gaylord Texan – Indoor Paradise
We’ll cool off in style at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine:

Stroll through the indoor riverwalk

Splash at the water park

Dance the night away at the Glass Cactus, a lakeside venue with live music and cocktails that don’t quit

Day 6–7: Rockwall – Lakeside Luxury & Sunset Vibes
To end our week, we’ll soak up the sun with a luxe stay at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront. With views of Lake Ray Hubbard, we’ll:

Lounge at a poolside cabana

Go out on my friend’s yacht for the day

Dine lakeside at Giovanni’s, Gloria’s, and cap it off at the Hilton bar for nightcaps and reflections

Final Toast:
Texas-sized memories, non-stop laughs, and a bond even stronger than a belt buckle at a rodeo. This trip isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about celebrating friendship the Texas way: loud, proud, and full of flavor.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout-Out to Lisa Weinstein!

From Day One, Lisa Weinstein has been a rock for Legacy Humane Society. She stood by us the moment we decided to start this rescue and never looked back. Over the years, Lisa has worn countless hats—secretary, treasurer, event planner, foster, and tireless volunteer—pouring in endless hours and unmatched dedication.

Her compassion, commitment, and unwavering belief in our mission helped shape not only Legacy Humane Society but the lives of so many animals and families we’ve touched along the way.

Thank you, Lisa, for being the heart behind the scenes and the soul of this journey. We are beyond grateful for you!

Website: https://legacyhumanesociety.org/ & https://lhvc.co/ & https://rockwalladoptions.com/ & https://rockwallpaws.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacyhumanevetclinic/ & https://www.instagram.com/legacyhumane/ & https://www.instagram.com/rockwalladoptions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegacyHumaneSociety & https://www.facebook.com/RockwallAdoptions & https://www.facebook.com/LegacyHumaneVeterinaryClinic & https://www.facebook.com/RockwallPAWS

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.