In the heart of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, an extraordinary sanctuary has become a lifeline for animals others have forgotten. Hearts on Noses Mini-Pig Sanctuary, a haven for elderly and special needs animals, has launched an urgent fundraising campaign this week after learning they must relocate from their current property by next spring.
“We’re facing our greatest challenge yet,” says Janice Gillett, who founded the sanctuary in 1999. “After 25 years of providing specialized care to animals most shelters can’t accommodate, we need to find a new home or these vulnerable creatures will have nowhere to go.”
The sanctuary currently houses over 40 animals, including mini-pigs, horses, donkeys, goats, and various farm animals with special needs. Many have been rescued from neglect, abandonment, or would have faced euthanasia without Gillett’s intervention. The property’s owners have decided to sell, giving the sanctuary until April 2025 to find a new location.
What makes this sanctuary unique is its dedication to animals typically overlooked in traditional rescue operations. “These aren’t just any animals,” explains veterinarian Dr. Samantha West, who has worked with the sanctuary for over a decade. “Many require specialized medical care, custom diets, and accommodation for mobility issues. Finding appropriate homes for them individually would be nearly impossible.”
The fundraising goal of $1.5 million would allow the sanctuary to purchase property rather than face potential future relocations. The campaign has already received support from local businesses and community members, raising just over $200,000 in its first week.
Provincial animal welfare experts note that specialized sanctuaries like Hearts on Noses fill a critical gap in the rescue ecosystem. “Standard shelters aren’t equipped for the long-term care these animals need,” says Michael Chen of the BC Animal Protection Coalition. “Without dedicated spaces like this, many would simply be euthanized despite having quality years ahead of them.”
The campaign coincides with growing awareness across Canada about animal welfare issues. Several political initiatives have recently been introduced to strengthen protections for farm animals, though critics argue more comprehensive legislation is still needed.
For longtime volunteers like Stephanie Morales, the sanctuary represents more than just animal care. “These animals teach us about resilience and the power of compassion,” she says while gently feeding Daisy, a 15-year-old mini-pig with arthritis. “They’ve overcome tremendous hardship, and in return, they give unconditional love to everyone they meet.”
The sanctuary has launched a dedicated website for donations and is organizing community events throughout BC to raise both funds and awareness. Local schools have also become involved, with students creating artwork for auction and learning about animal welfare in the process.
As our climate of economic uncertainty continues to affect charitable giving across the world, sanctuaries like Hearts on Noses face mounting challenges. What does it say about our society when the most vulnerable animals depend on the generosity of strangers to survive, and what responsibility do we collectively bear to ensure they don’t become the forgotten casualties of our indifference?
