Brittanie Dickson’s love for animals has turned into a life-saving mission. What began as a simple pet-sitting business has blossomed into an important rescue organization, driven by a commitment to ensure that no animal is left behind.

Dickson has worked with her mother for the past seven years, rescuing more than 50 animals before building a team of volunteers to assist her, eventually leading to the launch in 2024 of No Animal Left Behind Search & Rescue.

She has always had a deep affection for animals, but when she was introduced to search and rescue, she discovered a whole new passion.

Her unexpected journey into this field started with a chance opportunity. “Katie Albright, a former Nederland local, saw my dedication to animals through my pet-sitting business,” Dickson recalled. “She asked if I would be interested in learning how to rescue lost animals since she was no longer in the county. She walked me through my very first rescue and has been a mentor ever since.”

The first rescue took place in 2024 and involved two abandoned boxers near South Beaver. The community quickly rallied around Dickson, and together, they managed to trap one of the boxers, later named Bones.

Sadly, the second boxer was never found. “Bones was emaciated and had wounds from being a bait dog,” Dickson remembers. “He’s the reason we’re here today.”

Motivated by the success of that first rescue, Dickson gathered a small but dedicated team. “Including myself, there are six of us now,” she said proudly. Together, they’ve helped rescue not just dogs and cats but even a horse.

One of the most challenging rescues Dickson recalls was for a dog named Dobby, who was ejected from a rollover car accident.

“He traveled multiple miles over the course of eight days,” Dickson said. “His owners lived with me for those eight days, and we tracked him every single day until he was hand-captured by his owner.”

For the team, the most daunting rescue involved a horse that had been spooked and escaped from her paddock. It took four days and the help of 25 community members to find her. “She was stuck on a cliff next to a rock face and a tree,” Dickson explained. The effort was immense, but the outcome was worth it – a safe rescue.

Dickson’s commitment to animal rescue has culminated in the creation of No Animal Left Behind Search & Rescue, a registered 501(c)(3) organization serving Gilpin and Boulder Counties.

To celebrate this milestone, the group is hosting a launch event on August 25 in Black Hawk at the Mountain Poppy Boutique & Gift. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature live music, a silent auction, and food.

“We are incredibly excited to officially launch our group and continue our mission to help animals in need,” said Dickson. “I’d like to invite everyone to join us at the event and support our cause by liking and following our Facebook page and checking out our website,” she said.

As Dickson and her team prepare for the launch event, they remain focused on their mission: to ensure that no animal is left behind. “This work is my passion,” Dickson says. “Once I commit to a rescue, I persevere until all resources and skills have been exhausted.”

Dickson’s dedication to animal rescue is not just inspiring; it’s a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common cause. Her story reminds us all of the importance of compassion, determination, and the power of collective action.

For more information on No Animal Left Behind Search & Rescue, and to support their efforts, visit their Facebook page or their website at www.nalbrescue.com.