I first learned of Nancy and Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary (ISHAS) when we found out we had a mutual friend in a dog rescuer who lived in Denver. Through his group e-mails and his subsequent death when we mourned him together we all got to know of one another better. My husband and I began donating to ISHAS. THEN...Nancy posted a photo and story of Frannie Mae, a then 11 year old Shih Tzu dolly, who had been a victim (terribly neglected) of a puppy mill. My husband and I fell totally in love. Frannie Mae had a very long recuperation from all the neglect and horrible treatment she incurred from the puppy mill. ISHAS brought her back to good health, caring for and loving her, day and night, until she was ready for adoption. We live in Wyoming, a long way from Ohio where ISHAS is located. But Nancy and I both knew Frannie Mae would love to be a Wyoming Cowgirl. Nancy, ISHAS, and Nancy's friend, Jules, were determined to make a miracle happen and got Frannie Mae to Denver where we met Jules and brought our sweet Frannie Mae home to Wyoming. We will always be grateful to angels Nancy and Jules and to ISHAS for working with us to bring our miracle girl, Frannie Mae, home and into our hearts. Frannie Mae just celebrated her 14th birthday. She and our other five furkids, all seniors, all mixed breeds, and adopted from various sanctuaries and shelters, send a huge hello and many thanks to ISHAS for all they do for the animals.
About five years ago my family adopted a dog named bogey out from the shelter. Bogey has been a wonderful addition to the family and I'm so glad we found out about the shelter.
Nancy and her staff are wonderful! I used to volunteer out there but lately with all my school work it's to hard to get out there. I hope once this semester is over I can get back out there. That staff does whatever they can for these dogs. This sanctuary isn't like most shelters Nancy and her staff make sure they can give the best to these animals. At the end of the day these dogs only have the staff at the shelter and Nancy tries to give these dogs their forever home in the shelter if no one ever comes to pick them out. And that truly shows that this sanctuary prides themselves on giving the best to every dog and that they have a great home in the sanctuary.
Another thing I learned while I was there is you don't realize how fast they go through supplies. Such as bleach or fabric softener as they change bedding 3 times a week for the dogs.
My first experience with ISHAS was shortly after losing our 15 year old dog. I dropped off some things and was surrounded with love and support by the staff and mascot Chance. These people care deeply for the animals in their care.
They serve a special place in world of rescue and shelter. They save beautiful animals with a multitude of challenges, providing them with a home forever. Blind, deaf, old, abandoned, hadicapped all are given the warmth of a home for perhaps the first time.
Our Mission is to provide a safe, healthy,happy and clean environment for infirmed, elderly and terminal cats and dogs. and to assist animal sheltersand rescue groups with over-population of animals in need of care, by providig a home-like setting for them to live out their lives with dignatiy , peace and pain free.
Many of our terminal animals have been restored to a state of good health through the availability of getting quality medical attention. We pride outselves in saving 341 animals from certain death - including the 2 month rescue of 93 puppy mill breeder dogs. We also, help the community with the feral cat problem by providing low-cost spay and neuter certificates and assist in the Trap-Spay-neuter- release of these poor animals.