Veronica’s love for animals began long before she became involved in rescue work. Growing up in Texas, her parents affectionately called her “Ellie May” after Elly May Clampett because of her lifelong habit of loving every animal she met and wanting to bring them all home.

Her connection to pit bulls began nearly two decades ago when she met her husband, Sam, who had recently adopted a pit bull puppy named Blue. Around the same time, her parents adopted a pittie puppy named Bronco. Blue and Bronco completely stole Veronica’s heart and sparked a deep love and appreciation for pit bulls that would eventually lead her into rescue work. Though both dogs have since passed, their legacy continues through Veronica’s ongoing commitment to pit bull advocacy and rescue.

In 2019, Veronica discovered Love-A-Bull and began fostering with the organization. She has since become more involved with the group in a variety of volunteer roles, including supporting adoption, fundraising, events and meet-and-greet efforts. She also fosters for several other Texas-based rescue organizations.

Outside of rescue, Veronica is also passionate about women’s empowerment and education advocacy through her leadership role with the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. Professionally, Veronica works in strategic communications.

At home in Austin, Veronica and Sam share their lives with their rescue dog family — Mason, Jenny, Tomi, and fur nephew, Ziggy.