06/09/2025
On the morning September 2nd, 2025, a search warrant was executed at my home in Afton. In the town where I live, there are no local ordinances regulating the numbers of dogs and cats, so animal control response is complaint driven. Last year, animal control had advised that a complaint had been made about me, but it was acknowledged that it was made by another rescue. Accordingly, the source was considered, and the inspection was not done. There was apparently a second complaint that resulted in this raid, and the animal control agent would not tell me who made the complaint. People who make accusations are permitted to remain anonymous, which is difficult as it is then impossible to defend against . The number of deputies, detectives and agents present seemed calculated to intimidate me, and seemed outsized to the situation, making me wonder what was said in the complaint,.
I own a spacious home on 20 acres of rural property and have lived here for almost 25 years since my husband and I built the house. I would frame my home as a transition point for overflow animals. People who are unfamiliar with animal rescue processes may not understand why I had so many animals at my house when I operate a big sanctuary for them. Some of the younger ones were waiting for fosters to open up, and then have a chance to be adopted. In the midst of many other emergencies that had to be prioritized, they had to wait as so many animals needed our immediate help and a place for to land safely. People find it easy to point fingers, but many have never been in the position that I am every day where a yes or no means so much to any one individual animal, especially with many rescues refusing intake, even of animals they have adopted out at an earlier point . Most of the other animals at my home were older or hospice animals and were not adoptable.
My home has an open floor plan and lots of windows and therefore natural light. None of the cats or dogs were caged or kenneled. This raid occurred in the morning so some of the animals alleged to be found with no light and in the dark were sleeping still, confined in their own rooms for the overnight. During the day they are out and about.
The animals at the house received veterinary attention and grooming. I found it strange that I was asked for no information about the cats and dogs before they were taken: no inquiries concerning their names, ages, whether they were male or female, spayed or neutered, information about behavior issues or, any medical conditions, medical history, any treatments nor a request for any records. I offered to provide any information and records to Rochester or answer any questions from them about any of the animals and their prior care but have heard nothing. I am glad that if this had to happen they are with Paws and Claws, a shelter I have always liked. Paws and Claws has sent many animals to Home for Life over the years. We regularly post photos of their animals at Home for Life and tag them, so their staff and volunteers see them. We recently posted FIV + cat Rocket who has been with us for years, and Jeremiah, a large husky recently surrendered by them for aggression. We have never charged them for helping their animals so they could avoid euthanizing them. Their staff and volunteers have visited Home for Life in the past and seen our facility.
Yesterday Britt of animal control told me someone had made an anonymous tip to a local news station so she wanted to do a facebook post to control the narrative. I wish she had not named me or stated where I lived but what is done is done, and I believe her heart was in the right place with what she wrote in her post. I especially appreciated her comments about the pressure rescues are feeling, to help when the need has seemed to increase exponentially in this last year, and people like me have no doubt overextended and overwhelmed themselves trying to forestall heartbreak for owners and tragedies for the animals. Realizing I personally could not help all animals in need, not even with Home for Life available, I made pleas on this page for fosters, as I did for two cats outside in the winter cold and snow last year, that no rescue would help: Creamsicle nka Walter and Willow, and then created the partnership with Snapt so cats that didn't need sanctuary could be helped when no rescues were available. That program has 30 cats and kittens in fosters and has adopted out 28 adult cats and kittens to date through a small network of volunteer foster homes we have recruited, saving many lives.
Finally my personal situation is distinct from Home for Life, the sanctuary and organization. I saw some of the petty and hostile comments on the posts. Some comments were made by people who have never been to the sanctuary, some who were not interviewed or offered a job with us that they wanted and some by vindicative employees that could not meet our standards or were let go due to their behavior towards me, other employees and maltreatment of our animals. As you might know, employers cannot share information about former employees, but employees can say anything they want about their supervisor or place of employment.
The comments about Home for Life are unfair and inaccurate. Home for Life is inspected like all rescues, foster homes and shelters in Wisconsin. I don't believe rescues or foster homes in Minnesota are inspected on a routine basis as is the case in Wisconsin where we are located. I was very proud that one year, the inspector asked if he could bring the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Wisconsin out so he could see Home for Life, as the inspector thought so highly of our facility and what it offered for our animals. Our team, from our veterinarians to our groomer to our maintenance and cleaning team and animal care specialists do a wonderful job caring for the animals. We are excited about all we have going on and love to welcome visitors and sponsors for tours to meet our animals and see our facility. It is hurtful to our great employees to see their care of our animals dismissed and denigrated through these cruel and petty social media posts, and their work has nothing to do with my personal situation. Most people that are positive about Home for Life won't say anything, preferring not to enter into an ugly social media maelstrom. However, I appreciate all the kind and caring people who have reached out to me privately out of concern and support in the face of this bullying.
We hope to host an open house at the sanctuary with the completion of our new building, when anyone concerned or curious about Home for Life can visit and see our facility for themselves.
Lisa
Lisa Laverdiere
Executive Director
