FIELDS OF LOVE: FROM THE HEART ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Written by Leslie & Joe Thomas

Each field has a six foot fence.

They are allowed to be themselves. Digging holes, dipping in their “swim pool”, wrestle and run and rest. They are safe.

Between the fences of ten scenic and tranquil acres in the hills of Paso Robles, on the Central Coast, over forty animals call From the Heart Animal Sanctuary their forever home. These animals can rest assured that they are safe from human involvement leading to insecurity, abuse and neglect.

They will not be adopted back out. They are home.

Our sanctuary is made up of every species of livestock (except pigs and fowl), cats and dogs. We have fourteen Siberian Huskies.

Serious overbreeding because they are such beautiful animals has led to overpopulation of unwanted Huskies. Most individuals neglect to really investigate the needs and challenges of owning a Husky.

SLO Animal Shelter, as well as other shelters, and rescues are trying their best to place Huskies as they are relinquished, found wandering the streets and never claimed, or any other circumstance that the dog has encountered.

From The Heart Animal Sanctuary has adopted six huskies from SLO Animal Shelter, as well as a Senior Heeler, three huskies were owner relinquish, two huskies we adopted from Animal Compassion Team in Fresno and two huskies came from Arizona where they were deemed un-adoptable.

We have three fields filled with huskies.

Joe has a special love and knowledge of these arctic dogs and his passion is evident in his care of them. Our animals serve as the content for his art classes at the Paso Robles Youth Art Center. He teaches young artists ranging from five years old to fourteen years old. These drawing and painting classes nurture an understanding and appreciation for the animals. The students learn the anatomy and physiology from which they translate into drawing and painting.

Leslie lends her talents and knowledge to the livestock at the Sanctuary.

As well as the rescued Huskies, we have a cow, a Belgian Mule, a Belgian Mare, three mini donkeys, one mini pony, four horses, twelve goats, three sheep, an alpaca and cats!

Each and every animal has a story. We love to share their backgrounds when folks come to visit us! We take people on a “tour” by appointment, for a donation to the Sanctuary.

Because we are a Sanctuary we depend on the kind and generous donations from individuals as well as grants we apply for. We are always in active fund raising mode!

October 14, 2023 from Noon to three pm, we will have our second annual fundraiser at 580 Linne Road, Paso Robles ( The Iron Jungle Parking Lot)

Last year we had a wonderful turnout and we were amazed at the generosity of our neighbors and friends!

“Art & Animals” will be the theme of our three hour event. Joe will teach kids and adults alike some drawing skills with actual hands on activities! We will have a live animal be the subject!

Yabba Dabba Dogs will be our food truck for the event ! Pacific Wildlife Center will be bringing one of their rehabilitated animals for a presentation.

Live music by Tim Francis, Hoofprints from Arroyo Grande will bring their amazing animals. In the DogHouse Forge will be blacksmithing, we will have roping instruction, a silent auction, face painting, pony appearances and much more!

The cost will be ten dollars at the door or an in kind donation! This will be a Family Event. We ask that no dogs or other pets come to the event due to our animal guests! Yabba Dabba Dogs is reasonably priced for a yummy lunch! We hope that guests will enjoy an hour or two or three with us and support the graciousness of Yabba Dabba Dogs! No outside food or drink will be allowed.

Gate opens at noon, one o clock will be our wildlife presentation, joe will teach at two, Tim will play throughout the day. Hoofprints, roping instruction, blacksmithing are all included in the entry fee. Face painting will be extra at five dollars. We have awesome face painters!