In Memoriam

Remembering Those We've Lost

Some of them were here from the beginning. All of them left a mark. This page is for them.

Brenda Kline at Odessa Animal Sanctuary

Brenda Jean Kline

Co-Founder & Director 1957 – 2026

Brenda co-founded Odessa Animal Sanctuary alongside Andy Kline in 2005. What started with a handful of rescued animals and a piece of land in Odessa became a sanctuary for over 450 animals across more than 5 acres. Brenda dedicated her life to building a place where unwanted animals could live in peace. No time limits, no conditions. She passed away on January 24, 2026, but her legacy lives on in every animal that calls this place home. The sanctuary continues because that is what Brenda would want.

Read Her Full Memorial
Scotty the 2000-pound bull relaxing in the sun at Odessa Animal Sanctuary

Scotty The Bull

Sanctuary Resident 2014 – 2025

Scotty came to the sanctuary almost 11 years ago, a 2,000-pound bull that a breeder wanted gone. At Odessa Animal Sanctuary, Scotty found a life that was the opposite of what he had known. He loved being petted, enjoyed laying out in the sun, and was always happy to see visitors. Scotty passed away in May 2025. He lived a wonderful life, and he is deeply missed.

Buddy the mini paint horse at Odessa Animal Sanctuary

Buddy The Mini Paint Horse

The First Farm Animal 2005 – 2024

Buddy was the animal who changed everything. When he arrived almost 20 years ago, tied to a fence with nowhere to roam, he became the first farm animal the Klines took in, expanding the rescue beyond dogs and cats into the sanctuary it is today. Buddy was gentle, dependable, and always the first to greet visitors. He passed away after living a long and peaceful life at OAS. Without Buddy, there might not be a sanctuary at all.

The sanctuary exists because of the animals and people on this page. The best way to honor them is to keep going. Keep feeding, keep caring, and keep showing up. That's what they would want.