The nonprofit ranch that David and Vicki Smithers run in Ore City, Texas, holds free monthly R&R weekends for heroes, their service dogs, and their families. They provide a peaceful place to rest, relax and renew at their 152-acre ranch and bed and breakfast cabins.
The ranch has a small private fishing lake, three ponds, and acres of hiking trails. Families stay in a log cabin, tiny home, and barndominium. They connect veterans and first responders with local services and assist them in building a stronger and more effective bond with their service dogs as they heal from physical and emotional wounds.
Plans include adding five new cabins and a pavilion in 2023, and they are currently raising funds to build a hero’s bridge and fishing pier. They are repairing kennels and have started raising Labrador service dogs that Thunder Mountain Labradors generously donated. They are asking for support from Northeast Texas veterans and the community to help raise funds and awareness about their organization.
For more information or to donate, visit, CountingStarsRanch.com, or to volunteer, email
[email protected].
Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255
