Understanding What Animals Need to Thrive

Every new arrival at our sanctuary faces stress, change, and uncertainty. Behaviors that may seem unusual are often just signs of an animal trying to feel safe and adjust.

Licensing regulations require a two-week quarantine at Lillie’s Lighthouse, where dogs receive medical and behavioral evaluations while also decompressing in a calm, predictable environment. This allows our team to observe their needs before they join the wider sanctuary community.

Routine is vital. Consistent schedules help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and build confidence, laying the foundation for learning, healing, and connection. Animals also benefit from activities that engage their minds and bodies, whether it’s play, training, or simply exploring their environment. While group activities can be valuable, not every animal is comfortable in large groups. Individual or small-group interaction is equally important, giving each animal the space to move, explore, and engage at their own pace, whether they are dogs, horses, pigs, llamas, or other farm animals.

Just as important as structure is connection. Our team spends intentional, one-on-one time with each animal, building trust and learning their personalities, preferences, and comfort levels. When dogs participate in pack walks, they do so in carefully managed groups so we can keep track of everyone while ensuring the experience is both safe and enjoyable. This balance of individual attention and thoughtfully guided group activity helps animals feel secure while still giving them opportunities to socialize and grow.

This thoughtful approach shapes everything we do and informs the care and routines we practice daily. The Lake View Training Center, highlighted later in this issue, will provide a dedicated space where routine, enrichment, play, and calm structure are offered year-round. helping even more animals settle, learn, and thrive.

If you have not yet seen our updated tour of the property, we invite you to take a moment to experience it and witness these routines, relationships, and joyful moments in action, showing what is possible when we work together.