Counting Stars Ranch

Offering a Respite for Disabled Veterans and First Responders


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  

You May Also Like

59th Academy of Country Music Awards Roaming Show

A Song-Filled Celebration

Courtesy: Academy of Country Music Awards Reba McEntire hosted the two-hour commercial-free concert event ...

Raising For Riding

On Saturday, September 4th, friends throughout the community gathered together for Burress Injury Law’s ...

Off to the Races

Courtesy of Women of Flower Mound On September 17, from 10 AM to 2 PM, ...

Lighten Up Your Holiday

PHOTO BY RICHARD HAUGHTON © Sony Music Lightscape will immerse visitors of all ages ...

DRIVE-IN TUNES FROM MPAC

DRIVE-IN TUNES FROM MPAC

McKinney Performing Arts Center has teamed up with TUPPS Brewery to present their 1st ...

Abel Speaks

Abel Speaks

No one should have to walk alone. There are no words to describe the ...