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 JOURNEY'S END ANIMAL SANCTUARY
is a private sanctuary with a capacity for 200 dogs, cats, horses, birds
who have been abused, neglected or have special needs. Unlike
traditional shelters that emphasize adoption, the primary purpose of
Journey's End is to provide lifetime care and sheltering of animals who,
while still able to lead a quality life, are unable to find homes due to
old age, chronic illness, handicaps, temperament issues or other
factors. A few of the animals, especially younger ones who meet strict
standards, are adopted from time to time by qualified individuals who
have been carefully screened, but the primary emphasis is on long term care.
 In addition to food, shelter and
medical treatment, the animals receive nurturing attention in a secure,
homelike setting scaled appropriately to promote maximum human contact
and quality of life for each resident animal. The bucolic setting
consists of a large attractive ranch house and out buildings, surrounded by
acres of mature trees, shrubs and lawn. There are no cages and animals
are free to move about, interacting with one another, volunteer staff
members and other humans who visit the sanctuary. The perimeter of the
property is fenced to provide security and protection for the animals.
 The
mission of Journey's End also includes expanding a program to educate the public,
and promoting animal sponsorship programs. School programs
have been a dominant theme and will continue to be a major focus.
Special emphasis is given to the responsibilities of pet ownership,
spay/neuter programs and the reporting of animal abuse. A sanctuary for
wild animals is also contemplated for the future.
To preserve and develop Journey's End
(established 1954), a board of directors was formed in August 1998 and
non-profit status 501(c)(3) was granted in 1999. Initially, the
sanctuary was personally funded by its founder Florence Thuot.
 Private
donations and sponsorships provide the majority of funds. Currently,
there is no federal, state or local governmental funding.
By example, Journey's End hopes to
change the public's attitude toward euthanasia of animals who are
otherwise capable of living a quality life and the importance of taking
care of all animals, including those who are abused, neglected and have
special needs.
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