The Little Black Dog Behind iHeartDogs Rescue Road Trips

In rural Bosque County, Texas, a call about an abandoned dog does not necessarily bring an animal control officer or lead to an open intake shelter. Often, a dog gets help only when a neighbor, volunteer, foster, or rescue group finds a way to step in. Alexis Sibila, president of BARK Rescue, knows what it takes to turn that call into a safe place for a dog. Alongside her friend and fellow rescuer Chelsea, she has helped build a transport program that connects Texas dogs with trusted rescue partners in areas where they have a better chance of finding homes. That work became the foundation for the iHeartDogs Rescue Road Trips, supported by the iHeartDogs community and Hero VIP Club members. But the story of those trips begins years earlier, with two dogs living beneath a bridge. We spoke with Alexis about the dogs who changed her life, the decisions people rarely see behind a rescue, and the road that brought BARK and iHeartDogs together. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. An Interview With Alexis Sibila of BARK Rescue Dina Fantegrossi: Before we talk about BARK, tell readers a little about yourself. Were animals always part of your life? Alexis Sibila: I’m a sma...