Mary Lucas is the founder of Longleaf Animal Rescue, where she is driven by a passion for rescuing animals and providing hospice care for those in need. A Raleigh native, Mary focuses on saving vulnerable pets—particularly seniors, medically fragile animals, and those at the end of life—while helping owners plan for their pets’ futures to keep them out of shelters.

Mary serves on the Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board and the Orange County Advisory Board on Aging, and has previously served on the boards of other animal rescue organizations. She is also Vice President at Transitions LifeCare, a nonprofit hospice and palliative care organization, where her work has fueled a new passion for guiding animal owners in legacy planning.

Through her combined work in animal rescue and human hospice, Mary is committed to fostering compassionate communities that protect and honor animals at every stage of life.