Liberty Acres United Animal Rescue advertises itself as a nonprofit sanctuary for senior and special needs dogs. A brief tour of the facilities, however, will show that it is actually so much more. Upon entering the 22-acre grounds, you will meet several cats and kittens, a couple of goats, and a rooster named Dave who as “Head of Security” stands watch over the small farm animals, and clears a path for Marco the pot-bellied pig to approach. 

Director Shell Young gives belly-rubs to Arnold, another pot-bellied pig weighing in around 200lbs, and explains how various wildlife and animal control agencies have called and asked for a place to bring these animals.

The sanctuary was glad to accommodate and now hosts a true barnyard of characters. Their roster even included a rescued blue heron that spent time on their pond. As for the dogs, there are currently 35 calling the sanctuary home. 

While many of these animals are up for adoption, there are others who have found their forever-home here. 

Sanctuary citizens, as they are called, are housed permanently there for individual reasons such as behavioral needs, age and health.These animals are often rescued from situations where they might otherwise be euthanized, and when they have nowhere else to go. 

Many of them are not the “adoptable” ones, rather they are the exceptions. “We are like the island of misfit toys here,” Shell says, as she feeds and changes Sonny, a beautiful mix named for the Sonoco where he was found with his back legs paralyzed. 

Outside the main house, there are six small houses for the dogs, where they live in groups and rotate trips around the grounds. Except for Harley, a pitbull who lives alone, sometimes struggling to get along with other dogs. He loves people, though, and has a picture that he himself painted hanging above his recliner.  

Not all of these animals have been abandoned– some have outlived their owners or fallen victim to the financial losses, divorces, and illnesses of their families.  

With animal shelters across the area overflowing, the rescue team must sometimes walk hallways lined with dog crates stacked two-high. The team is usually going in to rescue the neediest dogs, but “I wish we could take them all,” Shell says. 

Shelters are at all-time high capacities everywhere, with resources limited and costs increasing daily.  Vet bills alone can be thousands of dollars per animal, and the ones with more intense needs require more attention and care. 

At Liberty Acres there are two employees. The rest of the work is done by faithful volunteers, and through the generosity of community members and supporters. 

If it seems overwhelming, it's because it can be. But there are many ways to help! The Liberty Acres website lists all the adoptable animals, as will most shelters, and it is important to note that fostering is an excellent way to offer short term help.  

While not everyone can commit to adoption, some homes or farms let animals stay until other arrangements can be made for them. Medical and food bills are usually covered by the shelters, and the fostering experiences can be very positive for all involved.

Of course, donations are always appreciated, and often keep the places going. For Liberty Acres, a wishlist can be found on their Facebook page with specific requests and needs.  

Look for fundraisers at your favorite animal shelter, share their social media posts, offer to walk dogs or even just go pet them.  And if you are a praying person, send prayers for the people who devote their lives to giving second chances, and for the animals they're bringing home.  

The needs are mighty, but there is a network of hope and support around this sanctuary, and many opportunities to chip in.  “We could never do this alone,” Shell says.  “That's why we are United.”