In Memoriam

by Syd Sullins

Michael Pulcino - One of the Original Ranch Hands

It was with great sadness that we learned in early August that we had lost one of our very first Ranch hands, Michael Pulcino.

Michael and his wife Roseann volunteered at The Ranch soon after it was founded in 2019 by Gudrun Jones and Diane Hazen. Michael and Roseann felt that The Ranch was going to be a game changer to save lives of large dogs in the Chapala area and they were happy to be a part of it.

Roseann shared with me her memories of The Ranch in our early days when we only had runs to accommodate approximately 20 dogs. But no matter the capacity of The Ranch, the dogs received the same loving TLC that they do now. Roseann felt she needed to step away from volunteering about ten years ago; Michael continued until five years ago when he felt he just wasn’t strong enough to be so involved. Even when not physically at The Ranch, the Pulcinos have always been constant supporters at our fundraisers and never missed a monthly donation.

My personal memories of Michael began when I started volunteering at The Ranch in the spring of 2013. Michael always worked on Saturdays and in my mind he was in charge that day - it certainly wasn’t me. He calmly gave the dogs walks and attention and was always patient and kind. He taught me many tricks on giving meds to dogs and helped me catch many escapees that slipped through their gate while I was attempting to leash them.

Michael was just as much an animal lover at home; he and Roseann have always had a string of much loved and pampered rescue dogs and cats. I am sure there was one of these four legged angels waiting to greet Michael and was all too happy to receive a gentle scratch between their ears from this gentle man.

Michael, it was a pleasure knowing you. You will definitely be missed.