Often people get confused between an animal sanctuary and an animal shelter. Both aim to help homeless or rescued animals but they operate very differently. It’s important to understand the difference between the two so that you can make a more informed decision on where to adopt an animal or make donations.

Shelters are a temporary solution for homeless animals until they can move into a new home, whereas sanctuaries tend to be a more permanent solution for an animal.

Sanctuaries are a more permanent solution for rescued or disowned animals. Animals are usually brought to animal sanctuaries to live out the rest of their lives in peace. There they will be respected, well-taken-care-of, and allowed to retire in comfort and happiness. The responsibility of all sanctuaries is to ensure that the animal is given appropriate care until their natural death. This can be a very expensive operation.

ISHAS partners with local shelters, and other organizations, to identify and take in elderly, infirmed, and terminal dogs (including those on euthanasia lists). We assess them, get them vetted, and continue their care until they help us understand what their next steps should be. Some live out long lives here at the sanctuary, some enter into our Angel Care Watch program, and some decide they are not quite ready to give up on a home life….

We do have dogs for adoption! Sometimes animals that qualify to come to the sanctuary are rehabilitated to the point of possible adoption. One important thing to note, we are not open to the public other than by appointment only and that will be to see a specific pooch. It is all about the dogs here! Our residents do not need to worry about unneeded stress or exploitation from us humans (even though they are ALL cute enough to be sought by the pup-arazzi). We ask for patience from our potential adopters because this experience won’t be like what you may be used to at a shelter. Our adopters are a special breed, just like the ones they choose to bring into their family. These dogs usually need extra care, patience, and love.

Finally, we make a lifetime commitment to any animal we accept at the sanctuary. If, for any reason, an adopter can no longer care for the animal, we require that the adopter return the animal to ISHAS.

To provide a safe and healthy environment for elderly, infirmed, terminal animals and to assist animal shelters with over-population of animals in need of care due to their inability to provide it, and un-adoptable animals, by providing a forever home where they can live out their lives in peace and in good health.

To wipe out the image and mindset that animals are disposable. To educate people to understand all that’s involved in care of the animals and allow them an affordable alternative. To stress the need for affordable health treatment to all involved in the medical care of animals and make it happen!

“It is what comes with responsible rescuers – shelters, rescues, sanctuaries.
You have the burden of the hardest cases which involve medical distress.
Remind yourself Nancy everyday that the care you give is beyond what you can consume and comprehend.
You give the gift of peace. Animals in distress – physically/emotionally is not acceptable.
we must remind ourselves that we are these animals advocates. In advocating for them we must remember their dignity and peace. Let us be strong enough to give them both dignity and peace amongst our distress and sadness.
We are the difference between unnecessary suffering and pain and the ability to say goodbye with love, comfort and peace.
You are doing God’s work.

Bless you my friend.”

By: Michelle Reichlin