“I am always inspired by women doing amazing things in the world and these are two that are truly making a difference. I started following Sky Sanctuary and became inspired by the work being done through the organization. Watching their team go into terrible conditions, rescue animals, and proceed then to work to restore them back to health, all while showing them so much love is truly incredible to watch. We recently had the opportunity to interview the founders of Sky Sanctuary, Caitlin Beall and Ellie Smith. We are not only excited to share their story, but also to partner with them in the month of September by giving them a percentage of our total sales to help with the work they are doing, which is currently strictly by donations. We know after reading and following their story, you too will be inspired to do something to support their mission.” -Amber Duncan, Founder of Jackie

Sky Sanctuary is a non-profit organization specializing in the humane capture, rescue, and rehabilitation of animals from the streets of our community. While saving street dogs has always been our passion, we also rescue animals that are at risk of euthanasia at the county shelters due to injury, fear, or age. We fight to restore health and happiness to the abused, abandoned, and forgotten animals. That is what Sky Sanctuary is all about.

What prompted the creation of Sky Sanctuary?

We found our way to animal advocacy when we witnessed the overwhelming need of the animals in our community. Thousands of dogs are lost or displaced daily due to circumstances out of their control. We work tirelessly to keep these animals off the streets and out of county shelters. We provide our animals with a safe place to decompress, learn to trust, and receive medical treatment until they are ready to find a forever home.

What made you choose Phoenix as your primary location?

Sky Sanctuary is located in Phoenix, Arizona— home to one of the worst pet overpopulations in the country. Over 60,000 pets live on the streets each year in this city alone. It seems like every time we turn a corner we find another stray animal desperately needing help. We work to ensure the safety of every animal that crosses our path. Though we have been running as a foster-based animal advocacy group for five years, we just opened the doors of Sky Sanctuary’s official home where our rescue dogs can go from street life to suite life as soon as our team discovers their presence. I mean, how many rescue dogs get a chandelier and hardwoods in their recovery suites?

How do you help the animals you work with?

We fiercely advocate for the animals in our care. Often our dogs have extensive and complex medical needs that require a profound level of medical care. We go above and beyond for each animal and often travel out of state seeking specialty veterinary care. It is also common for our dogs to have behavioral needs that present as fear— we utilize a trusted group of trainers to build confidence and empower our dogs to live peaceful, happy lives in family homes.

We are very different from other animal rescue organizations. We are the “boots on the ground” in our community. We passionately fight for the dogs no one else has the courage to take on. We have a knack for finding ourselves in pretty breathtaking scenarios— some call it divine intervention, others call it luck. We live by the mantra “if not me then who?”. We are funded solely by public donations through social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these animals. We would go to any length to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS.

After reading this, surely you are wondering how you can help Sky Sanctuary continue their mission. Continue to follow their story on Instagram: @skysancturayrescue, or visit their website to donate, adopt, or foster. During the month of September, keep a look out for Jackie’s socials as we will be continually featuring dogs from this rescue and their stories.

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