Carly Minnis, founder and CEO
I have always felt a strong connection to animals. One of my first jobs was working in a boarding facility walking, feeding and entertaining dogs and cats while their people were away. When I was 13, I decided the vegetarian lifestyle was for me. In 2005 I got my first job working as a Veterinary Technician in a small practice in PA. I found myself drawn to wanting to save animals that were going to be euthanized for behavioral issues or medical care that their owners could not provide. In 2013, I took and passed the VTNE based on hours practiced to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Throughout my adult life I have continued the Vegetarian/Vegan lifestyle which has become more than a diet choice. I am an advocate for animals rights and support companies and businesses that do not test or use animal/animal byproducts. I believe that all animals and humans have the right to feel safe and loved.
Almost every moment of my life is now dedicated to animal and human well being. I am a full time dental technician where I get to make a huge impact on animals in our community by keeping them healthy, taking away tooth pain and discomfort, and improving the bond they have with their humans. When I am not working, I enjoy making so many things including vegan cooking and baking, knitting, macrame, painting, woodworking, and so much more! I participate in BikeMS every year with my cycling team riding 100 miles and raising money to help end MS. I also enjoy running, hiking and going for walks with my dogs.
Jeff Minnis, CO-FOUNDER/the level headed one
Jeff grew up in Schwenksville PA as the youngest of 6 kids. Yes, 6. He had 2 snakes but did not realize how much he loves the mammals until he met me. We met in October 2010 and it all just seemed to fit together. Jeff's first rescue dog was the most adorable little pittie named Bailey. She was adopted from a family member and Jeff was hooked. We then rescued our 2nd pittie who was a breeding/bait dog from the south. Jeff has always listened to stories of working in the veterinary field - the good, the sad and the bad ones. The stories of animals being euthanized because the owners didn't have the ability to care for the diagnoses that was presented. Or the dogs that were euthanized due to less than ideal behavioral issues. Jeff has always 'got me' which in turn means he has always 'got' the animals. The crazy, quirky, sometimes aggressive animals that come into our home. He just gets them. He is kind, patient and respectful which is really what these animals need. I ask SO MUCH of him and he really does it with love and passion for his family and the animals. After rescuing Easy the pig, Jeff decided the vegetarian lifestyle was for him.
In Jeff's free time, when I am not giving him 1,000 projects to do, he enjoys gaming, baking, hiking and spending time with me and Benji.
Benji Minnis, Entertainment and tour guide
Benji was born in April of 2012. He was born into a house where his siblings were dogs and cats. Its fun to watch his relationships with animals as he has his very own way about him. He's got charisma for sure.
In 2015 we moved from PA to Maine. We wanted to raise Benji in a more rual area and after vacationing in Maine, we fell in love. While we do not force Benji to partake in all the daily animal care, he loves spending time with the animals (especially when we get babies!). He brushes, cuddles, goes for walks and reads to all of them on a regular basis. He is very knowledgeable and loves to talk about animals. He has taken on my passion for animal advocacy. He was born into a vegetarian lifestyle and has chosen to continue. He assures me that one day he will be vegan and has stopped drinking cows milk. If you ever want a tour of the Sanctuary, Benji is your guide! Benji is very passionate about donating to others and 'paying it forward'. He grows out his beautiful hair and so far has made 2 donations of over 16 inches each time.
In Benji's free time, he enjoys relaxing, reading, gaming, kayaking, going for walks, and hanging out with the dogs.
The Minnis Sanctuary
Together, the 3 of us have transformed the home we bought in 2016 into a 9 acre animal sanctuary. We built our XL chicken coop in the summer of 2017 and our barn in 2020. We have large fenced in areas for dogs, barn yards and birds to keep everyone safe and separated. Officially established in 2022, we are a 501c3 non-profit animal rescue. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for anyone who needs us. We believe that all animals deserve a chance or even a second chance. We take on sick, injured, behavioral cases and pull from high-kill shelters. Our Sanctuary is run out of our home and we live with our animals. Together our passion and love for animals have gotten us to this point and we are ready for the next chapter.
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