From Military Dreams to a Mission that Saves Lives: The Story of Kristi Kay May and Legend Acres
Kristi Kay May’s journey to founding Legend Acres is a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to changing lives. What started as a dream to serve animals in the Army Veterinary Corps transformed into a life-saving mission—one that honors her beloved golden retriever, Legend, and aims to prevent unnecessary behavioral euthanasia.
From Army Aspirations to a New Purpose
Kristi’s story began with a clear mission: joining the Army through the Green to Gold program to serve in the Veterinary Corps. Her love for animals fueled her ambition to combine military service with veterinary medicine, but life had other plans. A serious injury led to Kristi’s medical retirement, altering her career path. Despite this setback, her determination to make a difference in the world of animal care remained unwavering.
The Inspiration Behind Legend Acres: Legend
After returning from a deployment in Iraq, Kristi found Legend, a stray golden retriever puppy just six weeks old. Through the challenges of life—moving across multiple states, pursuing education, and facing personal struggles—Legend was Kristi’s unwavering support. His unconditional love gave her the strength to keep moving forward, and when Legend passed away in 2023, Kristi honored his legacy by founding Legend Acres, a place dedicated to helping animals thrive.
A Turning Point in Animal Care
While working in veterinary medicine, Kristi encountered a case that would change her life’s direction. A 7-month-old puppy was scheduled for behavioral euthanasia after a biting incident, despite ongoing behavioral concerns documented by multiple veterinarians. This case revealed a systemic issue—there was a gap between veterinary care and behavioral intervention. Kristi knew that something needed to be done to prevent unnecessary euthanasia, and Legend Acres was born.
Legend Acres and Legend’s Heroes: Bridging the Gap
Founded in 2010, Legend Acres was created to bridge the gap between veterinary care and animal behavior. Through early intervention and customized training programs, Legend Acres empowers pet owners to address behavioral challenges and foster stronger bonds with their pets.
In 2023, Kristi established Legend’s Heroes, a program within the Legend Acres Charities Foundation. This initiative provides scholarships to individuals pursuing service dog training, helping them build life-changing partnerships with their dogs.
A Legacy of Compassion and Connection
Legend Acres is more than a business; it’s a movement rooted in compassion and connection. Kristi’s experience with Legend taught her invaluable lessons about unconditional love and the importance of empowering pet owners to prevent unnecessary euthanasia.
At Legend Acres, every program, from training to behavioral consultations, is designed to ensure that animals and their families receive the support and care they deserve.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether through training, behavior modification programs, or scholarships provided by Legend’s Heroes, Legend Acres is committed to creating a better future for animals and the people who love them.
To learn more about Legend Acres’ mission or to support its work, visit www.legend-acres.com.