Animal advocate improves shelter conditions for dogs with a generous donation
Fort Worth, Texas – This winter brings a breath of fresh air for the dogs at Fort Worth’s Silcox Animal Shelter, thanks to a heartfelt and generous donation from a former volunteer whose passion for animal welfare has never faded. Ransome Hughes Rombauer, a lifelong animal lover and former Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (FWACC) volunteer, gifted $72,000 to fund a critical shelter upgrade — the installation of fencing that now allows for multiple smaller outdoor play yards.
The result? More dogs at the shelter now have access to outdoor space where they can stretch their legs, socialize, and enjoy sunshine and fresh air every single day.
A Gift Rooted in Lifelong Devotion
Ransome’s connection to Fort Worth’s shelter dogs runs deep. As a college student at Southern Methodist University in 2017, she regularly made the drive from Dallas to Fort Worth to walk, feed, and comfort the dogs at FWACC. Many holidays and summer breaks saw her fostering or adopting dogs, taking them home with her during school vacations.
Though she eventually returned to her family’s home in Napa Valley, California, Ransome’s heart remained with the shelter dogs she once cared for. Today, the Rombauer family has seven rescue dogs, including four from Texas. Ransome herself now lives on a horse farm and cares for three rescue dogs, two of which — both Great Pyrenees — came from FWACC.
In 2023, Ransome’s family created the Double R Family Foundation (DRFF) to support causes close to their hearts, including animal welfare, disaster relief for animals, and programs benefiting working equines in countries like India and Pakistan. DRFF has also funded local efforts in Napa Valley, including food banks and hospice services.
One of the foundation’s most meaningful contributions has been this recent gift to FWACC, which ensures shelter dogs can enjoy better quality of life while awaiting adoption. The added outdoor spaces provide not only exercise but also “enrichment, companionship and a greater chance at successful adoption.” With more freedom to decompress and play, dogs are more likely to show their true personalities and connect with potential adopters.
Turning Compassion Into Action
The project was made possible with the help of Cowtown Friends of FWACC, a nonprofit that supports the Fort Worth shelter system. Over the years, the organization built a lasting relationship with Ransome and her family, helping to bring this vision to life.
This gift is more than a physical upgrade. It’s a reminder that the impact of one person’s care and compassion can ripple across years and states, transforming lives — not just for the animals, but for the people who love them.
