Summit’s Story

Summit was a very special fur baby that belonged to Lisa Chandler (Director of Summit Sanctuary Animal Rescue organization). In 2005 at the age of 8 weeks old, Summit was helping students at Cave Spring Elementary School where Lisa taught. Children with emotional issues knew they had a friend in Summit. Summit not only went to Cave Springs Elementary with Lisa he was a part of the school. The principal always introduced him as one of the employees. He was an educator and helped more children than any of us could count or imagine.

This beautiful white lab was not just a dog, he was not just a pet, he lived to help others. He was a certified therapy dog through Bright and Beautiful Therapy and received the AKC Canine Good Citizen award.

In 2017 Lisa was told that Summit could no longer come to the school that he had worked in for almost 12 years. This was devastating. He was completely heartbroken. When he could no longer help his children, he began having health issues. He crossed over the rainbow bridge that very year. 

Summit had a purpose. His whole life was about helping others. Lisa wanted to carry on Summit’s legacy and help those loyal companions. The ones that love others more than they love themselves. The ones that give more than they take. She wanted to start a rescue, and with the help of her Godson Jeremiah Wheeler, and close friend Jeanne Hatmaker Summit Sanctuary was born.