About

​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. All there, asking to be explored, paths were drawn in my mind through the forest to different gardens, flowers, vegetables, a forest of food for the animals and people.  Through these paths you could find natural, spacious enclosures with the happiest and most grateful animals.  I also knew these animals served a greater purpose.  I became their conduit and became their assistant, educating visitors from all over the world that were there to learn about and meet the animals.  I saw in great detail, the animals that were there, the struggles, the accomplishments, the losses and gains.  I saw the bonds and transformations that would occur.  

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.  Animals inherently know they are connected.  The concept of separation is a human thought.  What I noticed with every animal that ever came through my door was that they became who they truly were once they trusted that they were in a safe place, they were loved, and they were accepted.  At Happy Tales, we believe every being deserves to feel safe, loved, accepted, and connected and our vision is to create a place where every being has an opportunity to experience that.
Come visit our sanctuary. Private tours now available by appointment. Meet, interact, and learn about the animals…an unforgettable experience! Call 828-348-8770 or email [email protected] to book your tour today!