Tucson animal rescue faces foreclosure amid funding gap

Paula Rivadeneira has dedicated 16 years to running Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home, a sanctuary for elderly and special-needs animals in Tucson. The shelter, which started in Las Vegas in 2010, moved with Rivadeneira as she relocated across the country before settling in Tucson. Currently, Old Souls houses 105 animals, including dogs, cats, turkeys, and peacocks, providing hospice, geriatric, and special-needs care. The shelter primarily rescues animals from Pima Animal Care Center and is funded by small donors and occasional grants. Despite the shelter's noble mission, Rivadeneira has fallen behind on mortgage payments, putting the house at risk of foreclosure. This financial strain has made it difficult for Old Souls to accept more animals and alleviate overcrowding at PACC. The shelter relies entirely on volunteers and has expanded its services to include a pet funeral home, Cholla Afterlife, which offers eco-friendly pet cremation services. To support Old Souls, the public can volunteer, foster animals, participate in Camp Old Souls, or purchase the shelter's coloring book, with all proceeds going to animal care. Rivadeneira is also seeking a partner to help manage the shelter and raise funds for a salary, aiming to transition to paid employees and increase volunteer numbers. She remains hopeful that Old Souls will overcome its financial challenges and continue its vital work. Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home exemplifies Lily's Second Chance's mission of providing a second chance to senior and special-needs animals. Your support can make a difference in their lives and the lives of the people who care for them.