The sanctuary
We've put in a lot of work to get here. Thanks to all of the support, donations, trust, and faith that has helped us along the way. Through a lot of love and hard work, we're building something that is going to make a difference in the lives of animals.
Our property is located at Lot 123-C Mt Hope Furnace Road, Portersville, PA, United States, Pennsylvania at our newly acquired Wishbone's home. Our goal is to create a multifunctional space for animals that need a space to feel safe and loved. In order to do this, we intend to build permanent space to devote all of our time to helping creatures that need it most.
Meet Our residents
Wishbone's own, the heart of the rescue.
Martha
Female, Beagle, 18 years old
Sweet little Martha came into our care as a 16 year old girl who already had a few health scares. Her prior 'human' adopted her from a beagle rescue and had her for a few years before he got too sick to care for her. He had to move into an assisted living facility out of state closer to family and unfortunately Martha couldn't come along. Her original rescue couldn't take her back and her last option would have been the shelter. Then we stepped in.
At 16 with some health scares, we weren't sure how long she had on this Earth. We decided to keep her as a Sanctuary pup and give her the happiest rest of her life. She amazes us by being here at 18 years old.
If you have never adopted a senior dog, consider opening your heart and home to one in need. We have had a handful of senior sweethearts retire with us and not once has the experience ever been not worth it. It is an honor to give comfort, love and care to a creature in need who is in their golden chapter of life. Everyone deserves peace and happiness. Especially in their retirement years.
Skor
Male, Thoroughbred, 18 years old
Our retired racehorse worked his early years in life on the track in Florida. He was luckily bought at an auction and brought up to Pittsburgh, PA! He was sold here again and worked as a riding lesson horse, but wasn't rightly fit for it. He was then bought by a family.
His family didn't have the time or money to continue caring for Skor. With Skor having some behavior issues (like cribbing and being a little mouthy sometimes) and his owner no longer living in the state......Skor needed a place to go!
Horses who don't have homes anymore often find themselves at auctions where their outcome isn't always promised to be good.
We are so happy that Skor was surrendered to us. It is an absolute joy and privilege to give a retired racehorse like Skor the life and love he so truly deserves. President Jamie pays for about 70 percent of Skor's boarding and care out of personal pocket but Wishbone's assists in some financial help so that Skor can thrive and get everything he needs.
frodo
Male, Bully mix, 1.5 years old
On July 29th, 2025 we picked up Mr. Frodo! This is definitely a special little boy. Not only is he just the gosh darn cutest & sweetest but he was born disabled. He was born to a mother dog who was too small and Frodo got a little squished up. His little spine sustained an injury and he was born paralyzed from the injury down/incontinent.
Frodo's Mom was a 'bully breed' and accidently became pregnant when a neighbor's 2 male, un-nuetured pitties got loose. Frodo had 2 other littermates who didn't make it. Despite Frodo's clear disabilities a couple of rescues stepped up and worked together to try and give him a chance at life. He has such a happy go lucky, zest for life spirit, afterall!
He was brought to different veterinarians to be checked out! He eventually got neutered and also had his left rear leg amputated to help him get around.
We had been following his story since he was a little baby! He was supposed to be a forever foster with one of his rescuers but due to unfortunate circumstances and their nonprofit closing down, they were unable to give him the care he needs. The other rescue also couldn't give him the time and care he needs at their crowded shelter and he really needed another rescue or adopter to step in. We couldn't stop thinking of him.
Frodo has been in a couple different foster homes, rescues/shelters and we believe a boarding facility. He's finally landed himself here with us at 'the Shire'. We've really created such a good routine and life for Frodo. We love him so very much. As do all of our supporters.
honey, we're home.
We were looking for something realistic, affordable and a good location. Before we bought the property in Slippery Rock Township, we looked at a couple different properties. One of the properties we saw was littered with trash and seemed dried out. Another property we looked at was very hilly and on the side of a main road and highway. Constructing anything on the property didn't seem ideal and we didn't like the noise.
When our real estate agent sent us the listing in Slippery Rock, we immediately fell in love. The first thing that took our heart was the location. Only a 5 minute drive from McConnells Mill State Park and only a 10-15 minute drive to Moraine State Park. We would be able to take rescue dogs (and one day horses) to the parks for ultimate nature therapy!
3 acres is just enough for what we need! It's a manageable amount of property. Not too big to where we will be overwhelmed with upkeep, but not so small where we can't still make the dream a reality. Small and sweet sounded like home. Also, being a smaller plot of land, it was more affordable.
The property is magical and gorgeous, tucked back in a little patch of forest. The air feels so clean and fresh. You feel a sense of privacy. If it rains enough, there's a small stream. We've seen hawks, crows, robins, cardinals, toads, frogs, snakes, different spiders, snails, caterpillars, butterflys, bees, deer, mice, bats, crayfish, vultures. Just 3 acres hold so much life. Ferns, honeysuckle, wild flowers, mushrooms and much more.
Progress Updates
2019
Property was purchased! Home sweet home. ❤️
2019-2025
We had a long gravel roadway installed on the property that goes about halfway into our 3 acres (approximately where we will have a home for animal caretakers, utilities and structures)
Later, we purchased a camper so that we would have somewhere to stay in and a place to safely store things (like tools) while clearing brush and maintaining the property
Since then, we have hosted a Wishbone's fundraiser event and our wedding party fundraiser at the property. We had enough room for all of our guests to have parking at both events.
2025-2026
We are currently working with the Township's engineers and local contractors to start the construction of our sewage system. We are also looking into 'building' loans. We need a well for water as well as solar panels for electricity. Over time we need a small home, dog kennels/housing, small barns, cat condos, fencing, storage sheds, ext.
Property Photos
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