Karen Redpath and Leroy’s Legacy: A Lasting Gift for Dogwatch
For more than a decade, Karen Redpath has been an unwavering supporter of Dogwatch, dedicating her time, passion, and resources to improving the lives of dogs in need. Since she began volunteering in April 2011, Karen has been a steadfast advocate for animal welfare, serving on the Dogwatch Trust Board from 2013 to 2023 and playing an integral role in shaping the organisation’s mission. Her deep-rooted love for animals and commitment to their well-being has been a driving force behind her efforts – most notably in the recent creation of Leroy’s Legacy, a living bequest fund that supports extraordinary medical needs for dogs in Dogwatch’s care.
In addition to her advocacy and hands-on work with Dogwatch, Karen has also been the driving force behind the annual Dogwatch Calendar since its inception. For over a decade, she has lovingly compiled and managed the calendar, organising over 100 photo submissions from adopters each year, selecting the best layouts, designing the pages, and keeping in touch with adopters. This is an immense undertaking that requires countless hours of dedication, and Dogwatch is incredibly grateful for her ongoing work on this project.
A Lifetime of Compassion for Animals
Karen’s connection to animals has been a defining aspect of her life. “Loving animals seems to be something I’m genetically wired to do,” she reflects. Karen could never turn a blind eye to the suffering caused by irresponsible pet ownership or the injustices of animals used for entertainment and intensive agriculture. Over time, this evolved into a relentless commitment to animal advocacy and a way of life – one that led her to Dogwatch, where she found an organisation that shared her values and gave her an opportunity to make a tangible difference.
Finding and Fighting for Leroy
In 2011, on the day that Karen first walked into the Dogwatch adoption centre to sign up as a volunteer, she crossed paths with a young dog named Leroy – a moment that would profoundly shape both their lives. Leroy had been bred as a pig-hunting dog on the West Coast, but his gentle nature made him unsuitable for the harsh realities of that world. By the time he was surrendered to Dogwatch at just six months old, he was deeply traumatised and had lost all trust in humans. It was the last chance for Leroy, without Dogwatch’s ability to rescue him that day, he faced a grim fate.
Karen didn’t hesitate to adopt him and thus began a journey of mutual healing and discovery. “I had to learn about his boundaries and his fears,” she says. “He had to learn that life is good, and people are kind. I asked him to trust me when he had every reason in the world not to, and he did. There is no greater gift a dog can give you than that.”
Leroy became a true Dogwatch ambassador, accompanying Karen on her weekly shifts at the adoption centre and gaining confidence among the staff and volunteers. Over time, his gentle soul won the hearts of many, and he became a beloved fixture at the adoption centre. When Leroy passed away in 2023, after 12 years of unwavering love and companionship, Karen knew she wanted to honour his memory in a meaningful way that would both celebrate his life and give back to the organisation that saved it.
The Launch of Leroy’s Legacy
“Dogwatch has saved thousands of dogs in its 40+ years of operation. A passionate team of staff and volunteers committed to rescuing as many dogs as possible, always constrained by the limits of capacity and funds and always wishing there were more of both for the countless others in desperate need. The opportunity to be part of that team has been both a privilege and a life-changing joy,” she says.
In the past decade, Dogwatch has significantly increased its ability and commitment to going the extra mile for dogs with extraordinary medical and behavioural needs. This commitment is something Karen deeply admires and wants to support further.
In recognition of Leroy’s journey Karen established Leroy’s Legacy. This fund is dedicated to helping dogs in Dogwatch’s care who require extraordinary medical intervention beyond routine treatments like desexing and vaccinations. Managed by Karen and her niece Chelsea Saunders, the fund releases grants on a case-by-case basis to ensure that dogs in need receive the best possible care.
The first recipient of Leroy’s Legacy funds was Ed, a dog who had endured a tough start in life and still remains in Dogwatch’s care. Thanks to the fund, Ed was given the dental care he needed to set him on the path to recovery and a loving forever home.
A Legacy of Love
Leroy was more than just a pet to Karen – he was a partner, a teacher, and a reminder of the resilience of animals who have suffered at the hands of humans. “He was a gentle, loving boy with a huge heart and courage to match. He was simply magnificent in every way possible,” Karen says. “I’ll never know how I got to be so lucky or stop being grateful for every moment I shared with him.”
Through Leroy’s Legacy, Karen and Chelsea will ensure that more dogs like Leroy and Ed get a second chance at a happy, healthy life. It is a fitting tribute to a dog who embodied the spirit of Dogwatch – one of patience, healing, and unwavering love. And it stands as a testament to Karen’s lifelong dedication to the animals who need it most. We are so grateful for Karen and her dedicated support.
