Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzi Layton
Hi McKenzi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was three years old, I knew I wanted to help animals. There was never a question in my mind—I was going to save as many as I could. As soon as I was old enough, I started volunteering at shelters, spending every bit of my free time learning, helping, and making a difference however I could. That passion only grew stronger as I got older.
As an adult, I began fostering for local shelters and rescues, seeing firsthand the impact a safe and loving home could have on a dog in need. But I also saw the struggles rescues faced—overcrowding, limited funding, and not enough resources to save every animal that deserved a chance. That’s when I knew I had to do more. My dream has always been to create a rescue and boarding facility together, where the boarding side could help fund the rescue’s mission.
When the opportunity arose to take over a new rescue in the area, I didn’t hesitate. It was exactly the kind of chance I had been working toward for years. Shortly after, I purchased land and built a boarding facility to support the rescue. Every step of the way, my goal has remained the same—to give dogs the second chances they deserve and to build a sustainable future for rescue efforts in our community.
It’s been an incredible journey, full of challenges and triumphs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Seeing a once-forgotten dog find their forever home makes every moment worth it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Animal rescue is an incredibly rewarding but often brutal world. Finding adopters and fosters is one of the hardest challenges we face. There are times when we go months without a single adoption, no matter how many events we hold or how much we promote our dogs. We pour our hearts into these animals, but sometimes, no one steps forward. We’ve had adoption events where not a single dog finds a home and donation drives where we don’t raise anything. It can be exhausting and disheartening, but we keep pushing forward because these dogs deserve every chance we can give them.
On top of that, running a rescue while being a mother to two young kids adds an extra layer of difficulty. There are days when I feel like I’m being pulled in a hundred different directions—caring for my girls, managing rescue intakes, handling emergencies, and keeping the boarding facility running. It’s a lot to juggle, and there are definitely moments of burnout.
But I’m so grateful for the support system that helps make this possible. My husband, my board member Naomi Vazquez, and the amazing community that stands behind us make all the difference. Rescue isn’t something you can do alone—it takes a village. Whether it’s volunteers stepping up, fosters opening their homes, or people sharing our dogs on social media, every little bit helps keep us going. Even on the hardest days, I remind myself that we’re making a difference, one dog at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Castle Valley Animal Rescue. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our mission is to help the dogs that are out of time in rural Utah shelters—dogs that would otherwise be euthanized due to overcrowding or lack of resources. We take them in, provide necessary medical care, give them time to decompress, and, when needed, provide training to help set them up for success in their future homes. Our goal isn’t just to place dogs but to make sure they find the right home where they can truly thrive.
Many of the dogs we take in have never known stability, so we focus on giving them time, structure, and support to help them adjust. Some need medical treatment, some need behavioral training, and some just need love and patience. Every dog’s journey is different, but we are committed to giving them the best possible chance at a new life.
Beyond rescuing dogs, we also work to educate the community on responsible pet ownership, training, and the importance of adoption. Rescue work is tough, but knowing we’re making a real difference—saving lives and helping dogs become beloved family members—makes it all worth it.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
**Q: What are the essential qualities needed to run a rescue?**
Running a rescue takes a unique combination of passion, resilience, and adaptability. First and foremost, you have to have an unwavering dedication to the animals. Rescue work is not easy—it’s emotionally, physically, and financially draining. But if you truly believe in the mission, that passion will carry you through the toughest days.
Patience is another essential quality. Finding the right adopters and fosters can take time, and not every rescue case has a quick or easy solution. Some dogs need months of rehabilitation, and some stay in rescue far longer than expected. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort, even when the progress feels slow.
Strong communication and people skills are also critical. Rescue isn’t just about saving animals—it’s about working with people. Whether it’s screening potential adopters, coordinating with fosters, or networking with other rescues and shelters, you need to build relationships and communicate effectively to make an impact.
Finally, you need a strong support system and the ability to set boundaries. Rescue work never stops, but if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of the animals. Having a community of volunteers, fosters, and supporters—like I do with my husband, my board member Naomi Vazquez, and our incredible network—makes all the difference in keeping a rescue running successfully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barcutah.org/rescue-center
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castlevalleyrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barcutah
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105636240
Image Credits
Naomi Vazquez
