For me, the journey into animal advocacy started with dogs. I wanted to keep them out of shelters, so I created Share A Dog, a free app connecting busy dog owners with part-
time caregivers. But what began as a simple mission to help companion animals soon became something much bigger. I realized that all animals deserve a good life, not just the ones we keep as pets.
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That realization hit even harder during the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember watching dairy farms dumping milk because distribution had shut down, and instead of questioning the system itself, the conversation was all about saving the food supply. It felt like such a missed opportunity to address the cruelty of factory farming. That moment fueled my commitment to raising awareness and pushing for real change.
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I decided to write three children’s books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle, because I believe kids deserve to know the truth. If we can teach compassion early, we can shape a future where animals are valued for who they are, not what they can provide. That’s also why I created Better Life for Animals, a platform dedicated to educating people of all ages about treating animals with kindness.
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But education alone isn’t enough. I wanted to do more, which led me to Mercy For Animals and the Compassion Collective. Being part of this movement means joining forces with others who are working to end the exploitation of animals, whether through lobbying for stronger laws, helping farmers transition away from animal agriculture, or simply spreading awareness. We need every voice in this fight.
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Why Sanctuaries Matter
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For animals rescued from neglect, exploitation, and abuse, sanctuaries are often their only chance at a peaceful life. Unlike shelters, which focus on adoption, true sanctuaries provide lifelong refuge. These safe havens offer:
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- Permanent, compassionate care, ensuring animals who have suffered trauma never experience harm again.
- Rehabilitation and healing, giving animals a chance to recover physically and emotionally in a stress-free environment.
- Freedom from exploitation, unlike petting zoos or so-called “rescues” that allow breeding, true sanctuaries put the well-being of their residents above profit.
- Education and advocacy, inspiring visitors to rethink their relationship with animals and take action against cruelty.
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Sanctuaries are living proof that animals deserve better. They remind us that farmed animals, cows, pigs, chickens, are not commodities, but individuals with emotions, friendships, and the right to live without suffering.
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A Look Back: The First Animal Sanctuaries
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I wasn’t always aware of how deeply ingrained animal exploitation is in our society. Like many people, I grew up drinking cow’s milk, never questioning where it came from or what happened to the calves. It wasn’t until I started learning more that I began to connect the dots.
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Sanctuaries have been around for centuries, but the modern sanctuary movement really began in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the earliest efforts include:
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- The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) (1824): The first organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals, inspiring future rescue efforts worldwide.
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (1984): One of the largest no-kill rescue organizations in the U.S., helping shift the conversation around animal welfare.
- Farm Sanctuary (1986): Founded by Gene Baur, this was one of the first sanctuaries focused specifically on farmed animals, paving the way for hundreds of others.
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Today, sanctuaries are more important than ever. But keeping them running is harder than most people realize.
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The Funding Crisis: How We Can Help
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Running a sanctuary isn’t cheap. Every day, they face rising costs for food, veterinary care, land, and staff. Many sanctuaries depend on grants, but with funding sources becoming more uncertain, they need our help more than ever.
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Here’s what we can all do to make sure these sanctuaries survive:
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- Donate regularly. Even small monthly donations make a difference. Sanctuaries rely on consistent funding to cover daily expenses.
- Sponsor an animal. Many sanctuaries allow you to “adopt” a rescued animal, providing for their food and medical care.
- Fundraise for a cause. Whether it’s hosting a birthday fundraiser, selling merch, or organizing an event, raising money helps keep sanctuaries afloat.
- Volunteer your time. Cleaning stalls, feeding animals, assisting with events, there’s always work to be done.
- Speak up. Share sanctuary stories, educate your friends, and use your voice to advocate for animals. The more people know, the more support these sanctuaries receive.
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Keeping Sanctuaries Alive for Future Generations
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I’ve learned that awareness leads to action, and action leads to change. Sanctuaries do more than save animals, they change hearts and minds. They remind us that compassion is a choice and that every life, no matter how small, deserves to be treated with dignity.
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If we want a future where animals aren’t suffering in factory farms, where they are seen as beings, not products, then we have to support the sanctuaries that give them a second chance.
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The question isn’t whether we can help. It’s how soon can we start?
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Looking for ways to contribute? Why not invest in educational books for your children and support sanctuaries. To do so, go to https://betterlifeforanimals.com/books/ 100% of
net proceeds are donated to sanctuaries. Help us help the animals.
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About Cheryl Moss
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Cheryl Moss is an author, podcast host, and passionate advocate for animals and plant-based living. Through her beautifully illustrated children’s books, she shares the untold stories of sanctuary animals, inspiring young readers to embrace kindness and compassion. As the host of Better Life for Animals: Tales of Sanctuary & Compassion, Cheryl amplifies the voices of activists, rescuers, and changemakers dedicated to animal welfare. She is committed to raising awareness, supporting sanctuaries, and helping create a more compassionate world, one story at a time. Learn more at BetterLifeForAnimals.com and enjoy her podcast at: BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast
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