( CNN ) -- The founder of an animal rescue organization in Ohio committed suicide , taking dozens of pets with her , the Moreland Hills Police Department told CNN . Sandy Lertzman , 62 , founder of the Animal Rights Foundation , was found dead November 4 inside her garage in a running car alongside 31 small rescue dogs , police said . Investigators found prescription vials in the vehicle and a suicide note inside the house . According to Sgt . Janet Boehler , a friend discovered Lertzman 's body . It is unclear how long Lertzman and the pets had been dead before they were found . Lertzman was last seen alive November 3 . An organization that rescues and rehabilitates all types of animals , Animal Rights Foundation considered Lertzman a pioneer in animal rescue . `` She woke every day to help all of God 's beautiful creatures . She fed the deer , squirrels , birds , raccoons , geese and what she called 'Sandy 's Safe Haven For All Animals ' at her home , ' '' a statement on the Animal Rights Foundation website said . According to Boehler , one dog survived . Police say it jumped out of the car , and they found it in garage when they entered the home . The surviving dog is recovering at home with Lertzman 's husband , Rick , and son , Matthew . `` Animal Rights Foundation will continue , as strong as ever , in Sandy 's memory , '' the organization said on the website . `` We will go on caring , supporting , and helping all animals in distress and supporting laws to protect our animals in her honor . '' Animals returned to widow after husband frees exotic animal , shoot self .
Members of Animal Welfare Foundation found dead in running car with 31 rescue dogs . Investigators found prescription vials in the vehicle and a suicide note inside the car . One dog survived and is living at home with founder 's husband and daughter .