TESTIMONIALS
You will never find a more caring person to care for your dog.
Marlene
We love Shelley and all that she does and has done for us and our dogs- daycare, boot camp, boarding and behavioural issue support services. We appreciate all you do Shelley, keeping the dogs safe, healthy and happy.
Amy
I volunteered here for the past week and enjoyed every bit of it, from building new shelters to picking up poop. I learn so many new things on animal care and life skills.
Shelley has lots of advice and knowledge on dogs natural instincts and handling their behaviours. Great teacher! She loves each and every one of the dogs, knowing their history and backstories on the long term dogs and boarding dogs. She puts a lot of time, energy, and love into these dogs/livestock and it shows with how the dogs/livestock love her and appreciate her in return.
This sanctuary is a last stop resort for many of the dogs and it’s great to see them happy as most of them have seen neglect all of their lives. Personally dropping off two dogs from a separate rescue their attitudes changed once they were getting well fed, exercised, socialized, and into a stable routine. Shelley knew immediately about their personalities and loves them like her own. The goodbye was not hard as I expected because I knew they’d be happy and well looked after.
The sanctuary itself is built up for the dogs, they receive the necessities of life. Plenty of outdoor space, shelter, clean yards, water, food, endless socialization, a warm house, and someone to call theirs. Dogs can be dogs here!
After living on the property for a week I saw and experienced the hard work put in to the sanctuary’s operation. If I could stay longer I would, just means I’ll be making a return trip in the near future to continue volunteering and learning. Thank you Shelley!
Alison
I spent over a week volunteering and transferring two rescue dogs here.
Shelley and her sanctuary is amazing and plays a crucial role in the Canadian animal welfare system. She takes in dogs that no other shelter will take due to behavioral/medical issues.
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All of the animals were well-fed, exercised, and cared for. The living areas were clean and safe. (for reference, I’ve worked extensively in shelters/kennels). The quality of life and socialization opportunities for the dogs were excellent.
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It is clear Shelley loves the animals and is committed to providing the best life for them. I loved the two dogs I transferred like my own and I trust that she will give them a great life.
Olivia
In August of 2015, I brought home Marlowe (a.k.a. Shadow) from Shelly’s loving care. She knew it was a good fit. He’s a great dog.
Tharian
because shelley is amazing at what she does. because of her my dog has been able to stay alive and thrive. she has integrated her safely with similar dogs and given her the life that i was not able to. i owe the rescue all my heart and cannot thank shelley enough.
Abby
We came upon shelley's facility under unfortunate circumstances. My dog Aus was a sweet, loving, eager to please loyal dog, but from the moment we took him home he was incredibly nervous, the first incident he was under a year, he bit a woman badly, he was taken away but deemed not a threat because he was so young, after that, new training and rules were implemented, we tried more methods than I could count, but incidents kept stacking up, finally we were at a loss debating if he should be euthanized. We were heartbroken, he was such a sweet dog, but the incidents were so unpredictable no warnings, he had become to much of a risk to those around us. I searched for any other option, my mother's friend recommended shelley's facility, so we sent him away, even if I he didn't get to live with us, at least he got to live. I recently contacted shelley and found out my sweet boy is making wonderful strides, she's worked on his nervous biting and he's almost ready to be rehomed. He's a wonderful dog, and deserves a wonderful home. Shelley saved my boys life, and he is ready for a loving family, none of which would have been possible without her, I will be forever grateful for her and her dog rescue.
Sasha
We, my daughter and I, unfortunately had to make a hard decission with our 1 1/2 year old Leon berger. She had developed into a Human Agressive dog and had broken not only a chain to go after someone, but also my shoulder to go after another. Shelly took her in and has provided an amazing forever home that is safe and loving. We are able to stop in whenever we are in from Dawson and have a visit. Just yesterday we stopped by and Shar has learned so many manners. She is still excitable but she remembers us well. She is so happy!!! Shelly is her #1. It was the best decision we could make. Thank you so much Shelly. We miss our girl but she is in a great place.
Susan
We surrendered our dog after an incident with the neighbours dog.(tottaly the neighbours fault) however our ShyAnnewas becoming agressive with us when we kenneled her in the morning and we were afraid to leave her out when our grandchildren were over. The hardest thing I have ever done is surrender our 18 month old dog... The best thing I did for our ShyAnne was surrender her to Shelly .Shelly spent time with us and our dog... and gave us an honest appraisal. Our dog is still there 2 years later and will probably finish out her days at Shellys. Thank you Shelly.
Gene
Shelley loves and takes great care of all the animals in her care, if you can help with food, or supplies, it would be most welcome... this is a rescue that people depend on, Please help out
Pamela
This is the most amazing place for dogs and dog lovers I've ever been to. Thank you so much for doing what you do, Shelly!! We'll be back.
Josh
just got Trapper back, a little background on my boy, Trapper is a 5 year old standard dachshund, with some back issues, Trapper is very dominant, and was driving me and my other dogs insane with his bossiness, and territorial biting, and nipping when excited. Trapper has been with Shelly for 4 MONTHS. (he did not display and bad behavior for the 1st month....) follow up, Trapper will always have to wear a muzzle when out in public, i will always have to keep Trapper crated when i have guests over, however, he has learned his place in the pack, at the bottom. (youngest male) Shelly has taught me methods to keep Trapper in check, and has made my household more peaceful. I run this home, not HIM. Shelly also pinpointed Trappers bad attitude seemed to peak int he late afternoon, causing a med change, and less pain for my little guy. We are so grateful for Shelly and all that she has done for our family.
Courtnay
have two fur babies - one of which I got at 6 months old and she was so badly abused that it has taken me 3 years to get her to the point where I can let her out of the kennel when a guy is in the house and I'm comfortable that as long as they don't move quick Peanut won't freak out. My other dog was starting to pick up on Peanuts issues and I was at the end of my knowledge. Thank god for Shelley! She took both girls from 2 Nov - 2 Dec and I'm not sure I got the same ones back! And that's a good thing! Peanut now stops barking at people and dogs walking by when I tell her not 10 minutes after with me hollering at her! Ginger has only barked once and stopped immediately! It's been so quiet in the house. Unfortunately I haven't had them out for a walk yet due to being sick but going to get my daughter to take them out tonight where I can see them to see what happens when they are on a leash. Not expecting any issues as they are so calm and relaxed now it's amazing! Hoping that they run into someone with a dog to see how that goes as well. May take them to a neighbor who has dogs and see what happens....
Will update as progress continues.......