About Us

Legacy Leash was born out of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between people and their pets.

Our founder, Candace Beaty, has spent years serving Oklahoma City’s pet-loving community as the Executive Director of Pet Food Pantry. But this mission became personal when a senior friend, Mary, asked her for help rehoming her beloved dog, Taz. After losing her husband and two other dogs in just one year, she now needed to move into assisted living and couldn’t bring her last companion with her.

Candace began searching for solutions, surely there had to be a program for seniors facing such heart-wrenching decisions. But she found nothing that truly honored the relationship, offered compassionate transition options, or allowed seniors to stay connected to their pets regardless of their breed or type.

Candace joined Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy (OAALA), a program focused on building stronger advocates for older adults in our state. As part of the academy, she was asked to design a project addressing a real-world challenge faced by seniors. The stories she was witnessing, like this one, made the choice clear. 

That was the moment Legacy Leash was born.

Not long after, another turning point came. A client of the pantry was having a heart attack, but he refused to go with the paramedics, terrified to leave his dog behind with no plan. That moment drove home what Candace already knew in her heart: We all need a plan for our pets. Because emergencies happen, life changes, and sometimes, love alone isn’t enough.

Our Mission

Legacy Leash helps seniors and pet owners create thoughtful, secure plans for their animals, both in emergencies and for long-term care. We coordinate loving adoptions when needed, but unlike a traditional rescue, our focus is on connection, planning, and preserving bonds.

We believe no one should have to say goodbye to a pet without peace of mind. And no pet should be left behind when someone they love can no longer speak for them.

Where We’re Going

Our vision is to become a national resource, a trusted partner for seniors, caregivers, and communities who want to do right by their pets. From emergency contact plans to legacy adoptions that include updates and visits, Legacy Leash is creating a better way forward - one pet, one plan, one family at a time.