Living Free Animal Sanctuary

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United States
Mountain Center, CA
Living Free Animal Sanctuary

A nonprofit sanctuary that rescues & finds homes for dogs & cats. We are also home to
(157)

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an adoption application online on our website or you can schedule a private appointment through the Cattery (951) 491-1898 or the Kennel (951) 321-9982.

11/09/2024

🐾 Today, November 9th, is the day! Come by Living Free’s Desert Outpost and meet your future best friend! 🐾

📍 Where: The Shops at Palm Desert, Lower Level next to Macy’s Men’s Department
📍 Address: 72-840 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
⏰ When: 12pm - 2pm

We have lovable, adoptable dogs and puppies just waiting for their forever homes. Whether you’re after a playful buddy or a devoted companion, come say hello and maybe leave with a new family member today! ❤️

11/08/2024

🐾 Tomorrow, November 9th, is the day! Join us at Living Free’s Desert Outpost and meet your new best friend! 🐾

📍 Location: The Shops at Palm Desert, Lower Level next to Macy’s Men’s Department
📍 Address: 72-840 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
⏰ Time: 12pm - 2pm

We’ll have adoptable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes. Whether you’re seeking a playful pup or a loyal companion, come by, say hello, and find a friend for life! ❤️

11/07/2024

🐾 Meet Sly! 🐾

This little guy is full of life and ready to bring non-stop fun into your world! Rambunctious and playful, Sly loves running around with his siblings and is always up for an adventure. With Sly, there’s never a dull moment! He’ll be available for adoption soon, so keep an eye out – you won’t want to miss your chance to meet him! 🐶💙

11/06/2024

Meet Halo! This sweet, cuddly little girl is the only female in her litter of four, but don’t let that fool you—she can definitely keep up with her brothers! Halo is all about love and snuggles, and she's ready to be someone’s perfect companion. Keep an eye out—this adorable pup will be available soon, and she's ready to steal hearts! 🐾💖

11/05/2024

🌟 Adoption Announcement: A Forever Bond 🌟

We are overjoyed to share that our sweet rescue horse, Missy, has found her forever home – right here with one of our own, Rachael! 💕 While working together, Rachael quickly fell in love with Missy’s gentle nature and huge heart. Their connection was undeniable, and over time, it became clear that Missy had found her person.

Even though Missy now has a family of her own, she’s not going far! She’ll continue to live at our stables, bringing her calm, loving spirit to our programs and touching the lives of everyone she meets. We are so grateful for this beautiful bond and thrilled for the new journey ahead.

Join us in congratulating Rachael and Missy on this special chapter! 🐴💖

11/05/2024

🐾 Join us this Saturday, November 9th, at Living Free’s Desert Outpost for a chance to meet your new best friend! 🐾

📍 Location: The Shops at Palm Desert, Lower Level next to Macy’s Men’s Department
📍 Address: 72-840 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
⏰ Time: 12pm - 2pm

We’ll have adorable, adoptable dogs and puppies waiting to meet you! Whether you’re looking for a playful pup or a loyal companion, we’ve got the perfect match. Swing by, say hello, and make this a day to remember! ❤️

11/04/2024

🍂 Courage is absolutely loving the beautiful autumn weather here at Living Free! After being rescued from a very overcrowded shelter, where he was at risk of euthanasia, this sweet senior has truly blossomed. He's come out of his shell and is finally enjoying his golden years the way he deserves. Now, all he needs is a forever home to call his own. Could you be the one to give Courage the love and comfort he’s been waiting for? 💛

11/03/2024

Hear ye, hear ye! A joyous tale unfolds as the noble Sir Tristan has found his forever realm! From the moment young Adam crossed paths with this gallant hound, a bond as true as Arthur’s own knights was forged. Tristan, sensing his destiny, knew at once that he had found his kin, and so he shall reside in the fair lands of Hemet, amidst Adam and his wonderful family.

The bonds of love are strong, and Sir Tristan has already claimed his place within their hearts, filling his new home with warmth and loyalty. Let us raise a cheer for this brave knight as he embarks on a grand new quest, hand in paw, with his beloved family! Long live the happy household!

11/02/2024

We have a brief update on our Arabian, Sebastian:

The person who allegedly owned him and abandoned him has contacted us. This person has been attempting to pressure us into giving him to them. We have kindly requested that this person provide proper ownership paperwork and proof that he was not abandoned before we can consider giving him to anyone.

Unfortunately, this person has decided to start commenting and messaging people on social media. Should you receive contact, we strongly encourage you to direct this person to contact a lawyer to go through the proper process of providing proof of ownership and proof that the horse was not abandoned or neglected.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary and War Horse Creek are a sanctuary for those in need of a second chance. Our primary goal is to be a safe haven for the animals and people who come to our property- so, we will protect Sebastian and make sure due diligence is done to ensure that he ends up in the proper place where he will be loved and cared for.

We are remaining as neutral and objective regarding this situation as possible. We respect and follow the law in situations like this and will honor whatever outcome occurs.

Until a clear answer is presented to us, we will not be providing any further updates on Sebastian through social media, but we are happy to share photos and info to any of our supporters or donors who direct message us.

11/02/2024

Keeping the Faith: A Heartwarming Update on a Beloved Living Free Alumni

Faith’s story began in 2015 when she and her sister Ellen were found at a truck stop, surviving on scraps of garbage. Both young dogs were emaciated. A family from Bakersfield discovered the two and, out of concern for their future, took them to the local county shelter. Yet, they feared the dogs' owners might never come forward to claim them. Unfortunately, both dogs were soon placed on the euthanasia list.

Determined to save them, the family began reaching out to animal rescues, calling one after another in hopes of finding a safe place for the dogs. After multiple rejections, they finally connected with Living Free Animal Sanctuary, which stepped in just in time to rescue both Faith and Ellen from being euthanized. The girls were given a second chance at life.

Happily, Ellen was adopted right away within a few months of being brought to Living Free. However, despite her sweet and quirky personality, Faith was returned five times after being adopted, each time for a different reason. She became a familiar face at the Sanctuary, gaining a following on social media for her playful antics. Yet, her forever family still hadn’t come.

That all changed in May of 2020 when Ashley Paris, her husband Rodney Gounaris, and their three sons—Logan, Rodney, and Adam—welcomed Faith into their lives. The family had moved to Aguanga in 2019, and as Ashley puts it, "It didn’t quite feel like home yet." After searching for the perfect family dog, their path led them to Living Free. Although Rodney was initially hesitant about adopting a female dog, when Faith met the family in the play yard, it was love at first sight. “Faith was a whirlwind of gentle smiles and tail wags. She gave our toddler kisses, licked the baby’s feet, and plopped down on my feet. It just felt right,” Ashley remembers.

Since then, Faith has adjusted wonderfully. “She follows me everywhere I go,” Ashley shares. “She’s my sweet little protector.” Faith has also formed a special bond with the family’s youngest child, who was only four months old when they adopted her. He describes Faith as “his dog”.

Four years later, at 10 years old, Faith continues to thrive in her forever home. “She’s so good with the kids, especially the baby. She has such a lovely personality,” says Ashley. “If you start petting her, she won’t let you stop! We always joke that she’s making up for years of love and affection she missed out on.”

Faith has become an emotional support for Ashley, especially during her husband’s Navy deployments. Although Faith is definitely a “Daddy’s Girl”, when Rodney is away, she stays by Ashley’s side, providing love and companionship. “At night, Faith waits at the side of the bed for me to go to sleep before she settles down in her own dog bed, almost like she’s tucking me in at night. She’s my emotional support.”

Despite her age, Faith is still healthy and full of energy. Though she’s slowing down a little, she loves chasing the kids in the backyard and playing rough with Rodney. As Ashley says, “Faith is the sweetest dog. She reads my emotions and just knows when I need comfort. Having Faith in our family is a blessing.”

11/01/2024

Recently, we ran a DNA test on one of our adoptable dogs, Maggie, who came to us all the way from Hawaii! We were curious about her breed mix, but what we uncovered was even more amazing—we found a relative of hers, a dog named Ranger, and reached out to learn more about him. We got the sweetest reply from Ranger’s owner, Erin:

"Ranger is one of the most loving dogs I have ever had. He doesn't realize his size and thinks he is a lap dog. He seeks out affection and just loves to be pet and snuggled. He has a very goofy (in a fun way) personality and is always bringing joy. He is great with all dogs and knows how to greet them and play appropriately. That has been one of the best things about him because we can take him anywhere. Our humane society used him as a socialization dog because of his temperament. Other than that, he loves chasing geckos in our yard and most of all just being with his family. He is just the best family dog. We don't have kids, but he is always great with our friend's kids. He is very soft mouthed (probably because of the hunting dog in him) and loves to wrestle. Totally a boy dog through and through. He also was able to acclimate to have 2 cats in the house, we did it slowly but now they are besties. He wanted to chase at first because of that instinct he has, but with patience it worked out just great. He never once has shown any aggression towards any animal. Hope this helps! We love our Ranger boy!"

We’re incredibly grateful to Erin for sharing Ranger’s story! Genetics can play a role in behavior, and knowing Maggie’s family is filled with love and gentleness is so encouraging. Maggie has been wonderful with every dog she’s met at Living Free. She’s shy but always sweet and has shown kindness to every animal around her.

As we continue helping Maggie build her confidence, we’ll be sure to share her journey with you. Thank you to Ranger’s family and for helping us connect the family dots! 🧬

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from Bubba and Whiskey! 🎃 These two couldn't wait to show off their absolutely adorable costumes, and we just had to share! Aren't they the cutest trick-or-treaters you've ever seen?

10/28/2024

Howdy, y’all! We’ve got an exciting update about one of our Living Free Alumni to share today! Do you remember Cowboy, the sweet senior we rescued from Coachella Valley Animal Campus last year? Well, this ol' boy’s now going by Cash, and he's living the high life out in Oceanside with his amazing family—and get this, he’s got a big ol’ wardrobe full of the cutest sweaters! We sure hope you enjoy these photos of him looking dapper and living his best life as much as we did!

10/27/2024

Capturing dogs at play always leads to some hilarious moments! The other day, Quartz and Player hit it off right away and were having an absolute blast. Forget fetch—these two seemed to prefer a good old-fashioned boxing match! Just look at Quartz, clearly impressed by Player’s skills in the ring!

10/25/2024

🎉🐾 TOMORROW is the day! Don’t miss Idyllwild Brewpub’s First Annual Pints for Paws Festival & Fundraiser! 🐾🎉

Join us tomorrow, October 26th, from 12 PM - 4 PM for an amazing day of fun, food, and furry friends—all in support of local animal rescues!

🍻 Beer garden and delicious food
🐶 Meet adoptable dogs and cats looking for loving homes
🎶 Enjoy live music
🛍️ Shop from local pet vendors
🐾 Pet nail trims and microchipping services available
📖 Fun for the kids with puppy storytime
👗 Pet costume contest—get your pups ready to show off their Halloween spirit!

This is going to be a fantastic event for a great cause, and it’s happening at Idyllwild Brewpub, right across from Idyllwild Playground. Proceeds will benefit local animal rescues, so come out, have fun, and help us make a difference for animals in need!

📍 Location: Idyllwild Brewpub
📅 Date: TOMORROW, October 26th
⏰ Time: 12 PM - 4 PM

See you there! 🐕💙

10/24/2024

Meet Dante, a striking little puppy with a big personality! This adorable troublemaker loves leading his siblings in all kinds of playful mischief. He’ll be available for adoption soon, so keep an eye out for this bundle of energy—you won’t want to miss your chance to meet him!

Address

54250 Keen Camp Road, PO Box 5
Mountain Center, CA
92561

Telephone

+19516594687

Website

https://living-free.org/

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Videos

Come spend a day with Bubba! Our Exec. Director, Sophia, took Bubba on her rounds to check in with each department and then settledown for the rest of the day in the office. Bubba is a #adoptable #rescuedog 🐶 To learn more or start the adoption process visit: www.living-free.org #adoptdontshop #livingfreeanimals #dogsofinstagram

Don’t let a 100-pound size difference fool you—Maggie and Atticus prove that friendship knows no bounds! These two became fast friends, with Maggie absolutely smitten by the gentle giant. Their playful energy is contagious, and even Gallagher couldn’t resist jumping in for some roughhousing! We can’t wait for many more fun play sessions with this sweet trio.

Hoda's favorite thing is getting love and attention from anyone willing and able to give it. Despite being a little shy, she'll crawl her way up to the nearest person available for cuddles. What a sweetheart!

Wonderful Update on Victoria and Aiko! 🐾 We’re thrilled to share another heartwarming update on Victoria and Aiko, the mom and pup who were found abandoned on the road leading into Living Free. This morning, they were bursting with energy and excitement to see our kennel staff! After some concern when they first arrived, we now believe their symptoms were due to exposure and a lack of food and water before they were rescued. Seeing them happy, healthy, and bouncing around fills us with absolute joy. Thank you again to everyone who donated, shared, and supported us in caring for them.

Learning to share is all part of the puppy experience! Sometimes it takes a little practice, but these cuties are working on it 😂

Melba is enjoying the pool while she can before it gets too chilly again! She loves splashing around and having fun!

Update on the Abandoned Mom and Pup These sweet souls, who were heartbreakingly found abandoned on our property in a small crate with two deceased puppies, will be heading to the vet today. They’ve started showing some concerning symptoms, and as you can see in the video, they’re not doing well. Please keep them in your thoughts as we work to get them the care they need. If you would like to donate to help with the costs of their veterinary care, you can do so here: https://living-free.org/donate-2024/ We’ll keep you updated on their journey and appreciate all your support.

Ringo

Meet Ringo: Your Future Furry Companion! 🐾 Are you ready to welcome a bundle of joy into your home? Meet Ringo, a lovable Orange Tabby with a playful spirit and a heart full of affection! Ringo is not just any cat—he’s a sunshine-loving, toy-chasing, lap-sitting superstar! At 2 years old he’s in the prime of his life, and he can’t wait to fill your days with fun and snuggles. Whether he’s batting around his favorite toy or soaking up the rays in a sunny spot, Ringo is always up for an adventure. When he’s not busy playing, you can find him curled up in your lap, purring away. He’s the perfect cuddle buddy for cozy evenings at home. Ringo prefers to be the star of the show, so he’d thrive in a home as the only feline. He’s ready to shower all his love on you! If you’re looking for a playful partner to brighten your days and a sweet lap cat to share your evenings with, Ringo is the one for you! Ready to Adopt? If Ringo sounds like the perfect fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out! Give this playful tabby the loving home he deserves, and you’ll gain a loyal friend for life.

Adopt ❤️ Scarlett. We've never met such a mellow husky. Scarlett is an absolute sweetheart who loves bellyrubs and spending quality time with people. She also gets along great with other dogs! 🐶 She can be a little shy when she first meets new people, but she warms up very quickly. Scarlett is ready and waiting for her forever family. Adopt Scarlett and you'll be gaining a new best friend. Visit our website to learn more! #husky #adoptadog #rescuedogsofinstagram

Hear ye, hear ye! Only one brave soul remains from the Knights of the Round Table litter—Lady Vivianne, the last of her noble siblings, awaits her forever home! All her fellow knights have found their kingdoms, and now this sweet, cuddly lass seeks her own. Could your heart be her castle? Vivianne, with her gentle nature and love for adventure (and snuggles), is ready to pledge her loyalty to a new family. Don’t miss the chance to meet this noble pup! Call 951-321-9982 today to see if your home is the perfect fit for our Lady Vivianne!

🚐🐾 A Huge Thank You to Impact Crate! 🐾🚐 We are beyond grateful to have partnered with @impactdogcrates , who generously sent us two of their incredibly secure and sturdy crates to keep our adoptable dogs safe during travel. Whether it’s a trip to an event or a precaution during evacuation, these crates provide the peace of mind we need—especially for our pups with travel anxiety. Navigating those windy mountain roads has never felt safer! These top-quality crates have already helped us transport dogs to and from spay and neuter appointments, and we can’t wait to use them at upcoming events. Thank you, Impact Crate, for helping keep our dogs safe on their journeys to forever homes. 🏡❤️ If you’re looking for reliable, secure crates to ensure peace of mind when traveling with your dog, be sure to check them out by following this link: [Insert Link] #impactcrate

Bruno—now affectionately known as Courage by our team—is really starting to blossom now that he’s at Living Free. Now that he's out of the busy and loud shelter environment, his sweet, loving nature is starting to shine through. All this gentle old boy wants is to give love and be loved in return. We can’t wait for him to find the perfect home where he can spend his golden years surrounded by love.

Shortcuts

Saving humanity one animal at a time.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit, true blue animal sanctuary saving dogs and cats that are slated for shelter euthanasia. We rescue animals, rehabilitate them and find them loving homes. If one of our animals cannot find a loving home, they are free to live out their lives here at the sanctuary, in peace and with all the dignity they deserve.

https://living-free.org