We were lucky to catch up with Cassandra Vandall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cassandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk i have ever taken was packing up and moving over 1000 miles away from Ohio, the place i had called home for 20+ years to move down to Texas to start my rescue and save animals as much as i could. I moved down here not knowing anyone at all so it was a huge change going from having friends and family close to just having myself and the animals that came down with me. I flew down to interview at a couple places before i decided on a date to move down and once the job came along i finally made a date to move March 2019. Honestly it has been the biggest struggle but in the end its worth it to me to be able to see the dogs i have saved and found furever homes for and them living there best lives with their families and they may not have gotten this chance had i not taken a huge risk and uprooted my life to move!

Cassandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Cassandra i am 32 years old and i am a single mama to a special needs child and works full time all while still doing what i am passionate about and that is rescue! I have always been extremely passionate about animals and have always been drawn to them whether it be a cat, dog, horse, cow you name it! I think what sets me apart from other is my dedication and also willingness to go that extra mile for example i transport all over the states for my rescues so i can make sure the dogs are a good fit for the family and the people are a good fir for the dog even after reading the applications. What i am most proud of is that i have had 10 adoptions since i started the rescue in 2019! This may not seem like a lot especially when you look at bigger organizations but i do this all by myself, the bills, the bet appointments, the feeding, the enrichment, the outside time etc all while working fill time and being a single mom to a special needs child! It can be very overwhelming at times but it is also very rewarding know i saved those 10 animals lives and they found their furever and get to live their best lives instead of fending for themselves on the streets or being euthanized in the shelters for space or getting pregnant time and time again living on the streets. The main thing i want followers to know is i may not be as active on social media like other rescues but i still run on donations and need volunteers and adopters just like other rescues i just do everything 100% alone and I’m a smaller rescue/sanctuary so posting on social media for me takes time away from caring for or just giving all the animals love and there is only so much time in a day!

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If i could go back in time i would always do rescue, i would just start and do so many things differently!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Something i had to unlearn is always saying yes! Trying to learn its okay to I’m sorry i cant help. This hurts like a dagger to the heart but it’s something that is needed not only financially but also mentally and physically! The backstory is i always try to help everyone and put everyones needs before my own and now i really need to focus on myself to be the best version mentally and physically for not only my son but the animals at the sanctuary and any future animals coming in!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akayasadoptedcrew/profilecard
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19gmXEumzU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@akayasadoptedcrew?_t=ZT-8tBPcvcmWWh&_r=1