My experience with this nonprofit, Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary is going to be from a little different perspective....you see I am Nicole's Mom and I can tell you firsthand that we literally saw her love, concern and compassion for animals from when she was a toddler. I can also tell you that until she moved into her own home there were many many species of animals living in our home. From snakes to wallabys to birds to foxes to kinkajoos to chinchillas and I can go on and on with different species we were privileged to be part of her passion. Something I will ALWAYS remember and cherish is my relationship with a racoon that she rescued who was so small his eyes weren't even open yet. He grew and became our pet and it was beautiful beyond words. Unfortunately when she moved into her own home she had an area outside that he would stay in during the day and someone let him out. She did see him come back to the house a few times... I think he came back to thank her for saving his life but that was one of a few heartbreaking incidents she encountered while living in Pinebush, NY. Eventually, because of a few reasons she decided that she wanted to create an animal sanctuary with a lot of land to be able to rescue many animals. That was next to impossible in NY and after exploring many regions across the country she was led to 54 acres in Union Mills, NC and thus Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary was born. We eventually followed her and moved to NC as well and words cannot express how grateful I am to live close to the sanctuary and truly get to experience the magic of the land and the love and gratitude that each and every one of her animals give in addition to aeeing our daughter's dream fulfllled. She makes many daily sacrifices of personal comfort just to be able to care for her over 60 animals that she has now which includes horses, cows, donkeys, goats, foxes, mules and more in addition to her dogs and cats. All of this being said the cost of running this sanctuary is astronomical and any help received goes directly and only to the animals. Thank you for taking the time to read what is actually only a small part of the story and for anything your heart inspires to give. It is truly appreciated.
Happy Tales is an amazing organization. They are run by humans with the most compassionate hearts and the animals they care for are truly incredible. Happy Tales supports and rehabilitates animals that can’t survive on their own in the wild and gives them the most loving care every day of their lives. As a supporter, I know that my donation goes directly to the care of the animals.
Wonderful, caring animal sanctuary and staff. They do amazing work with all types of animals and give them a natural, nurturing life. I have also done several birthday parties with Happy Tales and they are a great experience.
Probably one of the most knowledgeable rescues I have ever worked with. The level of caring for the animals goes above and beyond. Definitely top notch care. You can tell that every animal is loved and received everything they need and more. The staff seems dedicated to the welfare of the animals and seems to love to educate anyone who stops in. My son learned so much on his visit. I’m sure it will be a day he won’t soon forget.
Happy Tales is an amazing place! You can come and see many different exotic animals and interact with them up close. Nicole creates a welcoming, friendly, and educational environment. Each time I’ve visited Happy Tales, I have learned something new about the animals, what it’s like caring for them, and the beautiful location. Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary is a great place to visit with friends, family, or on your own. Nature and animal lovers alike will enjoy their time visiting Happy Tales. If you’re ever in the area, I absolutely recommend checking it out!
I don’t know where to begin to describe how incredible this sanctuary is. For the past 10 years, my kids and I have been regular visitors and contributors. If it wasn’t enough to have unique interactions with so many amazing creatures, the people that operate the facility and care for the animals are among the best human beings I’ve ever met. I can never repay all the wonderful memories and rewarding friendships.
The love and care given to the animals is limitless and it shows. They are peaceful, playful, happy and healthy. From the horses rescued from kill pens, to the internet exotics someone thought would be a cool pet, until they realized wild animals smell, dig, break, poop everywhere and generally wreck your house, every new arrival is welcomed with warmth, love and thoughtful attention.
Your donations do not go to pay six figure salaries or other scandalous expenses seen in many nonprofits. They directly benefit the animals.
I have been to the sanctuary many times, my partner volunteers there and is related to the lovely woman running the establishment. The animals are all amazing to see, very well taken care of, beautiful, and amazing creatures. I have absolutely fallen in love with them and I know they take a lot of time, love, and care. Each and every animal has its own specific needs and backstory and it’s clear to see they are all very loved and understood.
You can feel a sense of peace as soon as you step into the sanctuary, with the animals and the people. I’ve often compared it to a slice of paradise, it’s beautiful the world that’s done for these amazing animals and I’m grateful to be able to see them flourish here.
Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary is an amazing place. I’ve been a long time supporter of the sanctuary. Every dollar goes towards the care of the animals.
Happy Tales is my favorite organization to support. The land, the animals and their caretakers are pure magic. Many of animals have been instrumental in my son’s therapeutic care. He lights up whenever he visits the sanctuary and has a developed a special bond with many of the animals.
The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates a variety of animals and provides a caring home for those that are no longer able to live in the wild. Many of its residents require ongoing care for illness and chronic conditions.
The founder has devoted her life to the care and well-being of the animals that are blessed to call this place home. They are loved and well cared for. I have personally seen the unconditional love she gives to each animal and the love they give her in return.
I volunteer at the Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary. There are many rescued animals of all kinds, from farm animals like horses, goats, pigs, and cows, to more exotic animals like a lynx, coatimundi, kinkajous, and a porcupine. The amount of food and manual labor required to care for these amazing animals is astronomical, not to mention housing costs and medical bills. The founder of this sanctuary has literally devoted her life to rescuing and caring for these animals, who would have ended up killed or stuck in horrible living conditions had she not saved them. She often goes without, because in her world the animals ALWAYS come first. The amount of time, work, care, and pure unconditional love she selflessly gives them is beautiful. The monthly costs to run the sanctuary are overwhelming, and I volunteer my time since I can't contribute financially. This sanctuary deserves every single financial donation possible though, and I hope with some help from generous people it can continue providing a safe, loving, and happy home to more extraordinary animals who need to be saved. It's truly a magical place filled with happy and grateful creatures and I'm thankful I get to experience it.
Happy Tales is a beautiful sanctuary. The animals are so loved and well taken care of. Visiting the sanctuary is one of my favorite things to do. The animals are so friendly and it is truly amazing to see them roam free on the sanctuary. Nicole is so selfless and takes in as many rescues as possible and provides them with the love and care that they had been lacking elsewhere.