Sanctuaries provide a “forever home” to animals that are neglected and mistreated. They arrive and end up feeling all the love and care they deserve in life. Mike and Jenni Presley of Shelter Farm Sanctuary in Arcadia(near Sarasota and Bradenton) are opening up their arms and welcoming any animal they can to their 5-acre farm.

Shelter Farm Sanctuary soft opens this weekend and it’s like a big ole vegan BBQ. Food is donated from 3 Dot Dash, Nah Dogs, and Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli. The Presleys have set up several donation sites on PayPal, Amazon Smile, GoFundMe, and Patreon.

“When people say they are self-proclaimed animal lovers, Mike and Jenni Presley say, “hold my beer.” 

Well, in so many words. 

The husband-and-wife team are the founders of Shelter Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization which serves as a “forever” home for any animal.

Prior to opening the sanctuary, the only experience Mike and Jenni Presley had with animals was fostering dogs for about five years. 

The mission behind the sanctuary is simple: Save as many lives as possible. 

“We want to try to center around rescues like animals that would’ve normally gone to slaughter or where people get weird farm animals that turn out to be difficult to take care of. Although, half of what we have right now is more of a rehoming situation,” Mike says.

Rather than looking at these creatures as food, they are considered family members.

When people say they are self-proclaimed animal lovers, Mike and Jenni Presley say, “hold my beer.” 

Well, in so many words. 

The husband-and-wife team are the founders of Shelter Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization which serves as a “forever” home for any animal.

Prior to opening the sanctuary, the only experience Mike and Jenni Presley had with animals was fostering dogs for about five years. 

The mission behind the sanctuary is simple: Save as many lives as possible. 

“We want to try to center around rescues like animals that would’ve normally gone to slaughter or where people get weird farm animals that turn out to be difficult to take care of. Although, half of what we have right now is more of a rehoming situation,” Mike says.

Rather than looking at these creatures as food, they are considered family members.”

Shelter Farm Sanctuary is open in the evening and weekends by appointment only.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELTER FARM SANCTUARY