We are located in the Beautiful Desert of Tucson Arizona

At the heart of the LIDTKE Small Animal Foundation (LSAF) is a deeply personal story of compassion, faith, and one very special guinea pig named Skippy.

Our founder, Ronald G. Sturtz—known to friends simply as Ron—is a man of deep faith and quiet generosity. As the successful founder of LIDTKE Supplements, a trusted name in health and wellness since the 1990s, Ron has always believed in the power of nature to heal. Though his professional life was built around human health, his personal journey took a heartwarming turn later in life… thanks to an unexpected furry friend.

Growing up, Ron never had the chance to have pets. It wasn’t until much later, while running his business in Chandler, Arizona, that fate intervened. One day, an employee brought a small, orange-and-white guinea pig to work. Concerned about the pet’s health, they couldn’t bear to leave him unattended at home. Curious, Ron asked questions. Why would someone go so far for such a small creature? What made this tiny animal so important?

That guinea pig sparked something in Ron.

A few weeks later, he adopted Skippy—his very first pet, and as Ron affectionately calls them, his first "pup." It was love at first sight. As Skippy grew, so did Ron’s affection for guinea pigs. He began adopting more pups, each one capturing his heart in their own unique way.

Skippy was more than a pet—he was family. Over the years, he and Ron grew older together, sharing quiet moments and joyful companionship. When Skippy passed away in 2020, Ron experienced a profound sorrow that gave him an even deeper understanding of the bond between humans and their beloved animals. It was then that he felt called—by both love and faith—to create something meaningful in Skippy’s honor.

And so, the LIDTKE Small Animal Foundation was born.

LSAF is Ron’s heartfelt mission to give back—to provide love, care, and sanctuary to abandoned or health-impaired small animals who need a second chance. Through this foundation, Ron continues to extend his God-given blessings, offering these animals the dignity, comfort, and joy they deserve.

Skippy’s spirit lives on in every pup we care for, and in every life we touch.

Welcome to our story. And thank you for being a part of it.