About the Sanctuary

Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary is a unique organization.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been connected to animals. They have always been my greatest friends and teachers and I have always, always felt most like myself when I am with them. My journey started in dog and cat rescue, volunteering for local organizations that would allow me when I was still so young. At the age of 9 I had my first "wildlife case", a little robin who had fell from his nest. My parents brought him to the vet with me and we were taught how to raise him. The vet said I would have to feed him every 20 minutes all day, and every hour at night. No one thought I was up to the challenge but they figured they would let me try so I could learn for myself. Several months later and I released BJ, with tears streaming from my face because although my little self really wanted to keep him, the vet made it very clear that he wouldn't be happy unless I let him go, so I did. Then I met my wildlife mentor, Lou, who became a "bonus Dad" to me and taught me more than I ever even dreamed I could learn. I went through different renditions of how I would work with animals but as I grew older, the desire to create a sanctuary of my own, where I could do things my way grew stronger and stronger.

I day dreamed about creating a place immersed in nature. I could see a beautiful barn and green pastures that seemed to be endless. The views were spectacular; mountains, streams, greenery, flowers, even a lake.

Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary is the result of that vision and all the experiences that I gained as I made my way to that vision. The reality of having a sanctuary has included many of the things I did picture, and many things I never pictured. We have all persevered through a lot, and learned a lot along the way. Even though there were times where I felt like I could give up, my love for the animals and passion for what I was doing propelled me forward. And in all that I learned and endured, I have come out a stronger, more loving person, with an even bigger vision and an incredible support team. What started out with one girl with a big dream, has turned into an incredibly collaborative project. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that I don’t have to do it all alone. We are stronger when we come together and build each other up. We can do more good when we come together to share a vision and make it a reality. I am grateful that what started out as I, is now WE.

One of the major realizations I have had on this journey is that animals aren’t the only ones who need a sanctuary… WE ALL DO! A sanctuary is defined as “a place of refuge or safety”. I originally wanted to create that for animals, because I felt they couldn’t create it for themselves. My journey has led me to realize that a “sanctuary” isn’t a physical place. It’s not a sanctuary because I gave animals a “safe” place to be. It’s a sanctuary because of the FEELING. The feeling of safety within ourselves that many of us are missing. That feeling of safety comes from knowing we are loved, accepted and connected. When we truly know that in our being, we have inner peace, and that sanctuary becomes a place inside of us.