O’Fallon couple saved Randy’s Rescue Ranch. Animal shelter owner says he will rebuild.

Randy Grim describes Joe and Linda Nail as “guardian angels.”

The Nails say calling 911 to alert the O’Fallon Fire Department to the fire at Randy’s Rescue Ranch on Dec. 28 was simply a matter of doing the right thing. The city has honored the couple for not hesitating to get involved that night, saving animals in the process.

Mayor Herb Roach presented the Nails with a proclamation at Monday’s city council meeting and Brad White and Erick Harris, chief and deputy chief of the O’Fallon Fire Department, respectively, presented them each with a challenge coin and a T-shirt.

The mayor acknowledged the importance of awareness and their willingness to become involved. That Dec. 28 night, as the Nails passed the Ranch, they noticed the sparks.

“At first, it seemed like fog,” Linda Nail said. “Then we realized there was a fire. That’s when we called 911.”

The Nails live in The Manors at Timberlake subdivision, and said they pass by the ranch several times a day. Joe Nail, who has lived in O’Fallon 58 of his 61 years, said they are animal lovers.

“What the fire department did, they were able to save the dogs,” he said.

Linda Nail gave credit to the first responders, who were there in a minute and a half, two minutes.

“They are very humble,” commented Ashley Holbrook, who is on the administrative staff of the ranch.

The fire started before midnight in the Katy-Favre Assisted Living and Hospice farmhouse for disabled dogs. Five dogs were in the house, two of them disabled — Rupert, a pug mix, whose two back legs are paralyzed, and Konan, whose four limbs are paralyzed.

“All were safely rescued,” Holbrook said.

Sadly, Grim’s two 20-year-old cats, Gumball and Thumper, did not survive.

“All were saved because they (Linda and Joe Nail) took the time to make a phone call,” Roach said.

“People in this community really care and want to get involved,” he said.

Nails receive challenge coin, ranch will rebuild

The Nails were given a challenge coin, which is a military tradition the public safety division has adopted, O’Fallon Police Chief Eric Van Hook explained. They give them out as a token of appreciation for a good deed.

Randy’s Rescue Ranch will rebuild the house after insurance plans become known. In the meantime, numerous fundraisers are going on to help.

“We are so grateful for everyone’s support. The outpouring of love and support has been really amazing,” Holbrook said.

Many people have been dropping off donations, but the O’Fallon Dairy Queen will host a fundraiser Jan. 16 and Dierberg’s Market in Shiloh is collecting at the checkout.

For more information, visit www.randysrescueranch.org.

“The fire won’t define us. Saving lives will,” Grim posted on the ranch’s Facebook page. He was unavailable for comment at presstime.

History of Randy’s Rescue Ranch

Grim founded Randy’s Rescue Ranch in 2017 as a place of healing for both animals and people using progressive programs. The ranch is on 20 acres and such animals as horses, donkeys, cattle, pigs and dogs, who were rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment, live there.

Grim works closely with Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

“Often they arrive traumatized and fearful, but with proper care, quality food and water, lots of love and patience, they return to good health and then find their forever homes through an adoption process. It is not only the animals who benefit from the farm ... ask any of the staff or volunteers and they will tell you they get more out of the farm than the animals.” their website states..

Specialized programs have been established to connect special needs and autistic children and adults with the rescued animals. These programs have successfully integrated life skills training along with socialization development and inclusion leading to a win-win situation for all, the website states.

Visits to Randy’s Rescue Ranch

RRR Welcome Center and gift shop is located at 1400 E. U.S. 50 in O’Fallon. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and touring options and event rentals are available.

Visits are by appointment only but always open Saturdays. For more information, call 618-616-4959.

This story was originally published January 7, 2020 at 12:26 PM.