“I met Sabrina Impelido in 2014 when she was hired at Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary technician where I was working as an Associate Veterinarian. I was immediately impressed with her direct demeanor which somehow complemented her advocacy, compassion and empathy for our patients. She tactfully pushed for better care for the animals, better flow for the hospital and improved communication. She’s not satisfied with mediocrity; her goal was always the highest level of care.

When she donated her time, expertise, and belongings to helping those pets abandoned and suffering during the Clayton fire in Lake County, California in 2016, I knew she was someone exceptionally special. This was especially apparent when she started fundraising campaign when I lost my own home one year later in the Tubbs Fire.

Sabrina started rescuing elderly dogs in 2016 when she found a sad little Yorkshire Terrier-mix roaming the streets starving, matted and afraid. Since then, Sabrina has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed many elderly dogs. She has personally financed the rehabilitation of these vulnerable senior dogs, restoring their health and ensuring they are placed in loving homes. These lost souls taught her that just because a dog or cat is old, sick, or emotionally traumatized, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to live out their remaining years with love and comfort. Sabrina gravitated toward the “underdogs”; the senior dogs with health issues and less traditional beauty. Those who would normally be overlooked in shelters and rescues.

This occasional pastime soon became her passion. Sabrina promoted senior pet adoption through her social media accounts and word of mouth. She entered Harry, one her beloved senior rescues, in the World’s Ugliest Dog contest where he won 3° place. Her motivation for entering Harry was to raise awareness that senior dogs deserve love and a caring home just as much as adorable puppies.

Sabrina was determined to reach a wider audience, hoping to make a greater impact and support even more animals in need. That’s when Brooks’ Legacy Senior Dog Rescue nonprofit was born in early 2025. Sabrina has brought the community together to address the terrible epidemic of abandoned senior dogs. Sabrina’s tireless efforts have transformed the lives of many senior dogs, providing comfort and care in their final years.

Her continued dedication will ensure that this legacy of compassion endures well into the future.”

—Chery Langbein, Rescue Veternarian and Friend