Testimonials
Krystal T.
When I first met Carla, I quickly realized that her love for animals was unlike anything I had ever seen. It isn't just that she enjoys being around them—she has a genuine passion for giving them the care, compassion, and second chance they deserve.
Over the years, I've watched her rescue two puppies and four donkeys, each with their own story and unique needs. When she welcomed her first two donkeys, they were underweight and had experienced neglect. Carla devoted countless hours to nursing them back to health while immersing herself in everything she could learn about proper donkey care. Her dedication didn't stop there. Once she knew she could make an even bigger difference, she opened her heart and home to another pair of neglected donkeys, determined to give them the safe, loving life they deserved.
Her compassion extends far beyond her own property. On a family vacation to Costa Rica, we couldn't drive past hungry stray dogs without stopping to buy bags of dog food. To Carla, every animal matters, no matter where they are.
What inspires me most is that Carla's love for animals is contagious. She doesn't just rescue them—she advocates for them, educates others, and inspires those around her to care a little more deeply. I can't think of anyone more deserving or more capable of creating a sanctuary where donkeys are truly loved, protected, and given a second chance. Haven of Hope isn't just a nonprofit to Carla; it's the natural extension of a heart that has always been devoted to helping animals in need.
Scott L.
When it comes to taking care of animals, watching the caregiver for just a moment is sometimes all it takes. This is the case with Carla when she is with her donkeys. I was able to watch her talk to, work with, walk (on a leash), and care for her donkeys. These animals are loved by Carla, and she will continue to care for and love them for years to come. This passion for animals will make Haven of Hope a success for years to come, and it will make it a place where the "burros" can come to be treated as they deserve.
Jennifer J.
Haven of Hope was literally the answer to our prayers..... We have had horses for decades and about eight years ago, we also acquired two donkeys. Like many people, we had no idea how truly different these new babies were from our horses and had to learn about all of their special needs "on the fly".Â
    Penny and Lola, mother and daughter, came to us feral and underweight. Over the next eight years, they learned about kind hands, farriers, fly spray, good food, fresh water, warm blankets, and cozy stalls. Penny and Lola transformed into big dogs with giant ears. They followed us around  the pasture, begged to be groomed, played with our dogs and horses, and lived the good life.Â
    A couple of years ago, the last of our horses passed at the ripe old age of 33, and we made the decision to not get another horse. This was in part due to my increasing health issues, as well as our plans to retire in the next few years. However, Penny and Lola remained with us. Â
    As retirement time grew closer, we began to casually keep an eye out for a forever home for our remaining equine babies, but we were skeptical. Everyone has heard the horror stories of so called "rescues", horses and donkeys being sold to slaughter after promises of a "great home", being left in a pasture with no care, mistreated, and starved. We just felt like there was no one we could trust to give them the life they deserved, and it was a huge stressor.Â
    Enter Carla and Haven of Hope. I had seen a comment that Carla made on a local equine FB page where she mentioned that she was starting a rescue. I decided to reach out but was not expecting much. After all, anyone can say they have a "rescue". Needless to say, I was completely wrong.    Â
    Carla and I spoke for at least an hour during our first conversation. She explained her beliefs and core values that fuel her rescue program, and she was extremely knowledgeable about donkeys, which is not something that can be "faked". Carla sent me pictures of her place and invited me to visit, and we also set up a meet and greet so that she could get to know our girls. When the visit took place, Penny and Lola were smitten, and I believe the feeling was mutual. Carla loved on them, took pictures,  asked about their daily care and routines, current feeding schedules, their likes and dislikes, and all of the other things that a new "mom" would need to know. When she left, I literally called all of my family and friends and told them that our prayers had been answered. We were beyond ecstatic!Â
    Knowing that our girls are living out their best lives with Carla at Haven of Hope Sanctuary has given us peace and the comfort of knowing that they are loved, valued, and are part of an incredible new  family, and that they will never go without.Â
    Carla, we can never thank you enough for loving our girls and giving them the forever home we prayed for. Â
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