We were lucky to catch up with Ally Remington recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ally, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

I work as a sales executive in the logistics industry, and one of my clients owned a goat dairy farm. He shared with me his sadness over having to cull the male goats, particularly two young ones he wished could have a better future. Around that time, I had purchased some property and realized I could provide a safe haven for those two goats. This experience opened my eyes to the broader issue of unwanted farm animals. By connecting with the animal rescue community, I learned that offering sanctuary and educating others about animal welfare could make a significant impact. This realization led me to establish an animal sanctuary, where we strive to help as many animals as possible and raise awareness about their plight.

Ally, 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?

I grew up in a modest family in Wisconsin, where my fondest childhood memories revolve around visiting farm animals. Each animal became a friend, and this deep connection slowly evolved into a calling as I became more aware of the issues facing these creatures.

I founded an animal sanctuary, which i privately funded for many years. However, the urgency of our mission became clear during the devastating wildfires in Oregon in 2020. To ensure sustainability, i transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and obtained licensing with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, thanks to the invaluable support of a pro bono nonprofit attorney group.

Our sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals, and we are excited to introduce future mental health and wellness programs for people. We believe in the potential healing power of animals and humans coming together. I’m incredibly proud of the decade-long effort I’ve invested in this sanctuary, and now, with the help of our board and volunteers, we are poised to expand our impact.

What sets us apart is our unique proximity to the city, which enables us to connect more people with animals. I want potential supporters to know that our sanctuary is a place of compassion and transformation, where both animals and humans can thrive through mutual care and understanding.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

For years, we supported the sanctuary with our salaries. I say ‘ours’ because I’m married and persuaded my partner to join my dream. He is the muscle that built the sanctuary and he’s great with animal care. To answer your question, yes, we have an Airbnb on our property, along with income from a house I bought early in my career, which I rent out. These rental properties, however, require time to manage and come with a little extra work. Sometimes, it feels like I have ten jobs, juggling a demanding career, raising two boys, managing rental properties, and running an animal sanctuary. Thankfully, I have help, but no solution comes without effort. Separating rental income from my paycheck allowed us to donate without financial strain. This approach eased my discomfort with fundraising, knowing we could manage without constant external help. However, to truly grow and fulfill our mission, we need more support.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience is from the fire rescues of 2020. During that time, I worked tirelessly throughout the day and continued rescuing through the night. It was a daunting period, difficult to put into words. Today, I demonstrate resilience by dedicating myself daily to the sanctuary residents, ensuring they receive the care and nourishment they need without fail. Even on weekends, I organize volunteer days, clean stalls, or participate in markets to support the sanctuary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.wildlingsforest.org
• Instagram: @wildlingsforest
• Facebook: @wildlingsforest
• Linkedin: @allyremington
• Other: We are eventually planning to expand to youtube and pintrest.