Our Origin – The Story of Samson
In 2014, while visiting a friend of a friend’s home, an adorable puppy ran up to me like he had known me his entire life. I recognized the Shar-Pei instantly and knelt to give him love. Each time I returned, that same puppy came running straight into my arms.
I hadn’t had a dog in 14 years — something that weighed heavily on me as a lifelong animal lover. I began asking who the puppy belonged to and even offered to buy him, but the owner said no. Still, I couldn’t give up. After weeks of asking, the owner finally agreed to sell him to me for just twenty dollars. That little puppy became Samson.
Soon after, the phone calls started — threats demanding I return him. But by then, Samson was already vetted, loved, and home. There was no way I was giving him up.
One day, while I was away, a neighbor entered my home without permission. Samson, doing what any loyal dog would, bit her. From that moment on, local animal control began to target him. My landlord, afraid of a lawsuit, forced us to leave. For six long months, Samson, Memphis, and I lived out of my car. Despite everything, I continued to work and care for my boys, though no one would rent to me once they saw Samson — a proud English Mastiff–Shar Pei mix.
Samson was extraordinary. I taught him commands, and he even learned to pray for people. He went everywhere with me — to church, recovery programs, and parades — spreading love wherever he went.
Eventually, we found a rental with a big yard, though it lacked a fence. One day, Samson accidentally scratched one of my youth group girls. Her mother panicked and called animal control. Samson was deemed “dangerous” and quarantined at the local shelter. I visited him every single day, bringing Memphis to see him too. Despite my devotion, the county officially labeled him as a dangerous dog. I refused to give up. I went to court and fought for him — and I won. I built a special kennel and followed every rule they demanded. Still, animal control never stopped harassing him.
To protect my dogs, I moved 125 miles away and found a place where the owner allowed me to fence in a half acre for them. For a year, we finally had peace. Then the owner’s family moved in from California — and suddenly Samson wasn’t welcome. They told me he had to go, though Memphis could stay. I went straight to the owner, who said Samson could remain. I built the fence.
But tragedy found us again. Samson was poisoned — not once, but three times. Each time, I rushed him to the vet, and each time, he seemed to recover… until the last. By the time we discovered the truth, it was too late.
Losing Samson shattered me. But out of that heartbreak came purpose. I started a Facebook group to educate others about dog poisoning, which led to fostering… and eventually, to founding Justice for Samson Animal Rescue.
Samson’s legacy lives on through every life we save, every dog we rescue, and every heart we heal.
Forever loved. Never forgotten. Always our inspiration.
What We Do
- Rescue & Rehome – We accept dogs of all breeds, especially those labeled “high‑risk” under BSL statutes. Each animal receives veterinary assessment, necessary treatment, and a tailored behaviour‑rehabilitation program before being matched with a permanent family.
- Sanctuary Development – Our long‑term goal is a 3‑acre, purpose‑built sanctuary in Falfurrias, Texas. The campus will feature spacious kennels, a medical and rehabilitation center, training/enrichment spaces, and a community‑education hub.
- Advocacy & Education – We partner with local schools, municipalities, and animal‑rights groups to dispel myths surrounding BSL breeds, promote responsible pet ownership, and lobby for humane, science‑based legislation.
- Community Outreach – Regular adoption events, spay/neuter clinics, and informational workshops connect residents with resources that reduce stray populations and improve overall animal welfare in South‑Central Texas.
Our Founder – Lori Brandon
Lori Brandon, a lifelong animal‑lover and former veterinary technician, founded Justice for Samson after witnessing Samson’s rescue. Her experience on the front lines of emergency animal care gave her a clear view of the systemic gaps that leave BSL dogs vulnerable. Driven by compassion and a belief in evidence‑based policy, Lori assembled a volunteer board, secured the initial land parcel, and built the first network of foster homes. Her hands‑on leadership continues to shape the organization’s culture of transparency, accountability, and relentless optimism.
How We Operate
- Zero‑Access Encryption & Data Privacy – All donor, volunteer, and client records are stored using end‑to‑end encryption, ensuring privacy and compliance with state regulations.
- Volunteer‑Led Model – We are volunteer based only. No one recieves a paycheck. Everydonation goes 100 percent to teh animals we save.
- Transparent Finances – Annual financial statements, audited by an independent CPA, are posted publicly on our website. Our nonprofit status (501(c)(3)) guarantees that contributions are tax‑deductible and used solely for programmatic purposes.
Looking Ahead
While we continue to care for the dogs currently in our foster network, the sanctuary project remains our focal point. Each milestone – whether a new kennel wing, a completed medical suite, or a successful community workshop – brings us closer to a world where no dog is judged by its breed and every animal has a safe place to call home.
Our Future Home – MOE’s Place
In memory of Moe. The new place will be named MOE’s Place. We are honoring Moe’s legacy with a dedicated sanctuary, offering donors the option to sponsor a plaque, fence segment, or brick dedication.
Just as Samson inspired our founding, Moe’s memory drives our long‑term vision for a permanent sanctuary.
Justice for Samson exists because ordinary people believe extraordinary dogs deserve extraordinary care. Our story began with one dog; it now belongs to every dog we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome. Thank you for sharing in that journey.
