Who We Are
Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home was founded in 2010 by Paula and Isaac Rivadeneira in Las Vegas, Nevada. After years of caring for other people’s aging animals through their petsitting business (Luv My Pet in Opelika, Alabama) and adopting the oldest animals from shelters to give them the best last chapter of life, they decided it was time to expand their efforts and start a nonprofit. Now they save geriatric, special needs, and hospice animals from shelters, and they take in the aging animals of people who themselves are going into nursing homes or hospice care and have no family to take their pets. Because of Old Souls, so many people have passed away with the comfort of knowing that their pets are being well cared for, giving them peace.
Paula and Isaac have moved the rescue to Davis, California, Yuma, Arizona, and Waco, Texas to follow Paula’s career path. The rescue grew exponentially in Yuma where they saw unprecedented numbers of animals coming to them from all over the southwest desert and Mexico. The rescue even began taking in livestock, including goats, pigs, chickens, and a steer. They had to change the name of the rescue at that point from Old Souls K9 Rescue and Retirement Home to Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home!
Paula took a job in Texas in 2020, and the rescue moved again. Realizing their mis-step in leaving the desert and their amazing supporters in Yuma, Paula and Isaac moved the rescue one last time in 2022 back to Tucson, Arizona to beautiful Picture Rocks, where the animals are thriving in their retirement and Paula and Isaac have reconnected with everyone they love in Arizona.
With more than 12 years of nonprofit experience under their belts, the rescue is still getting by on small donations from their long time supporters. Paula and Isaac have never taken a paycheck from Old Souls, and Old Souls has never paid for operating out of Paula and Isaac’s home. No rent, no utilities, no overhead. Paula continues to work full time to support the rescue, while Isaac provides 24 hour animal care every day of the week.
“We will continue to provide love and comfort to every animal that comes through our doors, and give them the dignity they deserve in their final days.”
Co-Founders Dr. Paula Rivadeneira and Isaac Rivadeneira with Tiny Chula, the most perfect tiny dog that ever lived.
Philosophy
When animals come to Old Souls, they spend their time resting, healing, and sharing their lives with other old dogs, cats, tortoises, pigs, goats, and even chickens.
Some animals are a part of a loving family for the first time when they come here, and need extra time to settle in and understand what’s happening to them. Others act like they have always been here. Thanks to our specially made deck and ramp that leads to a shady backyard oasis, animals of all sizes can let themselves in and out whenever they choose without navigating steps or other challenges.
It is our mission to provide all animals a happy and healthy life here at Old Souls for whatever time they have left, and to give them the dignity they deserve in their final days.
-Isaac Rivadeneira, Executive Director and Pack Leader