2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: Villa Chardonnay, Horses with Wings, Inc. sanctuary is dedicated to the compassionate care of senior animals, primarily horses. We provide love, a forever home and critical care for abused, neglected, slaughter-bound and/or abandoned creatures. Our goal is to improve animal rights, eliminate abusive training and be the voice of those who cannot speak. To provide long-term care for mainly "special needs" and elderly horses and other animals. As a sanctuary, we provide a permanent home to all of the animals we rescue mainly horses. We are an assisted living and nursing home providing skilled care till their last breath.

Community Stories

23 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Kitty_Etraordinare General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

02/15/2023

Monika and Mercedes are two of the most beautiful and compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing in my life! What they do for these animals is truly amazing! Their hearts are in the right place, they see to every animal at their sanctuary, and I love going there and volunteering all the time!

Don't be fooled by other people's comments, this is not a rescue - it's a sanctuary.

All the animals that are blessed to make it over to Villa Chardonnay stay there until the day they pass. Just getting to be the animals that they are and being well taken care of.

Keep up the great work ladies!

Review from Guidestar

5

Lily S. General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

09/29/2022

I don't know if they're paying for reviews or what, but most "rescues" do not have lawsuits against them for animal abuse. This one does. It's appalling and there are many stories of horses going there to disappear, starve and die. Plus they've been evicted multiple times. You don't need to believe me - searching the San Diego and Riverside County court websites will tell you everything that you need to know.

CINfullerton Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/20/2021

Since these horses have wings, so does the founder Monika and her associate, Mercedes. They have to be Angels from above!

I had the pleasure of visiting this sanctuary in May 2021. What a wonderful experience seeing the variety of animals. The horses are stunning, and the cat sanctuary had everything a feline would want. Even a bring screen TV to entertain them.
Its an amazing place filled with Love and Dedication to animals in need. I operate a nonprofit cat rescue, and I know the work it takes to achieve success. Hats off to you Monika!

1

Shirley C.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/03/2019

I had 2 older horses that I had to surrender to Villa Chardonnay because as a senior I could no longer afford to care for them. They have lived there now for 2 years and are doing great. I visit them weekly and I can see for myself how they and every animal at Villa Chardonnay are cared for. They are all fed 3 times a day and some with special diets, their feet are trimmed regularly and the vet visits weekly or more if needed. This place is ran by 2 wonderful girls who have given their lives to care for these older, unwanted, sick, and lame horses, along with the cats, dogs and several other animals. Because of Villa my 2 horses still have the quality of life they deserve as seniors, while other rescues would not take them because of their age and suggested having them euthanized. To me Villa Chardonnay is like heaven on earth for all these animals.

Previous Stories
2

Client Served

Rating: 5

10/01/2018

I found Villa Chardonnay 1 year ago when I was in need of a forever home for my two older horses. I was no longer able to care for my 2 senior horses, I searched months for a place for them to live. Most rescues didn't want older horses and I was told several times to have them put down because of their age. But then I found Villa Chardonnay and Monika. I told her my situation and she told me that they would be honored to take my horses.
The horses moved to Villa Chardonnay 1 year ago, they are very content there and are well cared for. I am very fortunate because I live close to the Villa and I visit my horses and all the others weekly.
Villa Chardonnay is a wonderful place, Monika and Mercedes are angels. They have dedicated their lives to caring for all the horses, dogs, cats and other animal that live there. Each animal there has a name and a story and Monika knows them all.
Since I visit Villa Chardonnay weekly I see the love and care that Monika and Mercedes give all the animals. They start their day early every morning, every horse is checked daily for injuries or illness cared for as needed. There is a Vet that visits regularly and a farrier that keeps the horses feet trimmed. Horses are fed 3 times a day and some get special diets if needed.
I can not say enough about how wonderful Monika and Mercedes are, and i am so grateful that my horses are part of there large family.

1

Ana Ma R. Donor

Rating: 5

10/05/2018

I visited Villa Chardonnay earlier this year with my mom and it was a life changing experience for both of us. I consider myself an animal lover, and being in a place where they give so much love and respect to animals it really warmed my heart. The work they do is wonderful and really inspiring, and knowing that we can help them by donating even the littlest amount is amazing. I would 100% reccomend everyone to visit and help them help more animals by donating!

jwalters27 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

My visit to Villa Chardonnay Sanctuary was life changing. Monika knows each animal in her care to the finest detail. She overcomes the most stunning challenges with loving devotion and determination, assuring that every animal will live its life to the best possible at the Villa. I will support her efforts in any way that I can,

Angie.Bon.K General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

Monika Kerber is one of of the most caring people they are. The job she has done to Villa Chardonnay has been amazing. She cares about the animals as if they were her children and gives them all they need. A single visit to the sanctuary will show you that. Helping Villa Chardonnay is one of the best things anyone could do.

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

I met Monika Kerber in an emergency veterinary clinic when my cat was dying. She consoled me and continued to comfort me by phone . I visited her Villa Chardonnay sanctuary with one of my students and her mother. It was a life changing experience. Monika knows and loves every animal in her care. She can tell you the story about their past and she is loving and nurturing to each animal. We were overwhelmed with her ability to meet the needs of each individual animal. I intend to donate whatever I am able to this much needed animal rescue!

2

Taiwan dogs General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

I am part of a nonprofit dog rescue group in Taiwan. Many of our dogs have been saved and offered a better life at Villa Chardonnay. Monika and Villa Chardonnay offers a loving home for so many animals - she treats each animal (horse, dog, etc) as family and a unique existence deserving of love and care. She does not discriminate against those with disabilities and in fact embraces and treats them equally. So many of my dogs have found happiness at Villa Chardonnay and we are so blessed to know Monika.

1

Angie.Kerber. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

I’m very pleased to recommend such a wonderful place , where animals of all kinds are treated with love and the respect they deserve . Monika is an example of respondability and love for all those animals that others don’t want because they have a disability, are too old or need a lot of care. This world needs more places like Villa Chardonnay and people like Monika that have the love and compassion for animals.

1

Jorge Burkholder-Bonilla K. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

I’ve experienced first hand the love and dedication with which Monica treats these animals. She has come to great lengths and dedicated her life to build a place that not only rescues animals, but that provides a carefree life full of love and affection for them. I’ve seen her grow from 3 horses, to hundreds of animals, and everytime, she gives her all.
This is a place like you would never believe! It has to be experienced first hand!

1

Terri J Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

I SO FELT LIKE I WAS A SUCH PEACE THERE. EVERY ANIMAL THERE HAS SO MUCH LOVE AND CARE. THEY KNOW EVERY ANIMALS NAME AND STORY. IT IS SO EDUCATIONAL TOO. I SO AM LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING.
THIS IS SUCH A GREAT PLACE.

1

Naret Donor

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

My name is Naret and I am a horse lover. This year I visited Villa Chardonnay and was amazed at the love and care for beautiful and loyal animals that were mistreated or abandoned when no longer useful. Monika and Mercedes do an outstanding job taking care of so many gentle animals. They make the world a better place and are the best examples of superb human beings

1

JulietaC Donor

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

My name is Julieta and I have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Villa Chardonnay, Monika and Mercedes for a few years and have visited three times now and each time I am amazed at how they can do so much to take care of ~ 200 horses, ~ 90 cats, ~ 17 dogs and goats, turkeys and ducks. Not only they know each horse, dog or cat by name and personality, their love is so present that all the animals turn and run to them as soon as they hear their voices. Truly this is the truest sanctuary for all animals. Thank you Monika and Mercedes

1

Shupe T. Donor

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

Love the Villa and Monika.... I had the opportunity to visit the Villa while vacationing in California, this place and the work that Monika does is absolutely amazing, she has touched the lives of so many deserving animals and has shown each and everyone of them the love and compassion they so deserve. Without people like Monika these and other beautiful fur babies big and small would have no place else to live out their final days.

1

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

09/30/2018

There is a place where horses, dogs, cats, and turkeys (2) live in peace with tons of tender loving care from the owners of Villa Chardonnay. I think all the animals know this is a safe place and learn to coexist with other animals that may be missing limbs, be blind or live with some other condition. Here they are cared for with food, shelter and medical attention when needed. I personally think it happens by the grace of God. No matter what crisis or emergency comes up, the owners do what they have to to keep Villa Chardonnay operating and all its four-legged residents safe and fed.

This is a wonderful sanctuary run by people that are totally committed to its mission. The sanctuary is dedicated to the compassionate care of senior animals, primarily horses. They provide love, a forever home and critical care for abused, neglected, slaughter-bound and/or abandoned creatures. Their goal is to improve animal rights, eliminate abusive training and be the voice of those who cannot speak.

I have witnessed nothing but love and compassion for all animals. Monika and Mercedes, you are amazing. Blessing on you and the work you do.

2

Shebo Donor

Rating: 5

09/27/2018

My name is Sheila Parrish and I have been following Villa Chardonnay on their journey for several years now. Villa Chardonnay provides a safe, secure, loving environment for over 300 animals. I am happy to promote and donate for this cause that Monika and Mercedes have dedicated their lives to. They started this adventure 15 years ago and despite many obstacles, have continued to provide a safe haven for animals that would have been abandoned or euthanized. I am proud to be affiliated with this sanctuary and have the highest regard and respect for the unfailing love and energy that Monika and Mercedes give each day to these deserving animals. God Bless You!

2

MarianaGC Donor

Rating: 5

09/26/2018

Just this year I had the life changing opportunity to visit the Villa. Even now, at a time distance it is hard for me to put in words the wonderful experience it was.
I’ve always considered myself as an animal lover/defender, this was until I had the honor to meet such beautiful people as Monica and Mercedes, their hard work and labor is beyond words, the Villa demands so much work and they do it amazingly out of love for the animals.
I visited de Catio and still remember that moment that will forever remain in my heart, some of the close to 90 cats, let’s say about 6 of them came to me and allowed me to pet them, I even sat on the floor and wished for more hands ¡to pet them all! I could just have stayed with them for hours.
The experience of being able to caress and be standing between horses is so powerful and full of energy that I just can’t wait to go back!
At last but not the least…. the dogs, absolutely all of them are so amazing and lovable, you could just be petting or playing with them for hours and hours… I’ve always felt such a soothing and positive energy being around animals, so the opportunity that the Villa provides to all of them and to us, will remain in my heart.

2

contigo Donor

Rating: 5

09/25/2018

Visiting Villa Chardonay along with my daughter was both a heart-wrenching and an uplifting experience. Thinking of all those beautiful animals sentenced to death was appalling. The work that Monica and Mercedes do is amazing and is an example of selfless commitment. We just wish there were more people like them.

2

mamadpooky Donor

Rating: 5

09/25/2018

Visiting Villa Chardonnay is such an uplifting and enjoyable experience that I have come back twice! Monika and Mercedes are excellent hosts and they do amazing work with all the animals that arrive from horrible circumstances to have their lives turn around. The Villa is spacious and beautiful and every time I go I see many enhancements, as donations are used fully to save and improve lives. I have so many favorites I can’t choose: Honey, Peanut, Angelo Mio. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!

2

keara22 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/26/2018

The owners and workers at Villa Chardonnay are the most loving, good-hearted people I have ever met. They dedicate all their time and energy to the animals and make sure to provide them the best quality of life. They took in my horse when I was in a desperate situation, and I will be forever grateful to them for that. I knew right away I could trust them to care for my horse and give her a better life than I could. The property is huge with lots of room for the animals to roam, be free, make friends and live happy. There is a vet that comes out regularly to keep all the animals at optimum health. The owners know all the animals by name, even though there are so many, and treat each one with absolute love and care. They are knowledgeable about animals and clearly know what they are doing. If I could, I would donate all my money to them, because they are genuinely making a difference for animals and people in need. Their kindness and selflessness is inspiring, and making the world a better place.

3

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

06/21/2018

I have visited this incredible no kill lifetime sanctuary and met the extraordinary founder,
Monika Kerber. Her compassion and care for all the remarkable creatures that thrive at Villa Chardonnay is evident everywhere you look. This sanctuary is a beautiful refuge for primarily unwanted disabled/senior horses, dogs and cats. Walking around the sanctuary grounds I witnessed tranquil and joyful animals ! Every single creature has a name. I have been back to the sanctuary for visits and I am a monthly donor. Marianne Gallagher

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