Christina’s Animal Sanctuary
A Compassionate Sanctuary Inspired by a Courageous Girl With Down Syndrome
Christina’s Animal Sanctuary is a small, heart-centered, family-led sanctuary inspired by Christina, a brave girl with Down syndrome whose deep love for animals guides our mission and purpose.
Although the sanctuary is still being built, Christina’s compassion and her unique connection with animals are the reasons this organization exists. She has always gravitated toward animals—especially those who are scared, overlooked, or misunderstood—and they respond to her warmth in the most beautiful way.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple and heartfelt
To create a safe, loving refuge for rescued farm animals – while building a nurturing space where individuals like Christina, living with Down syndrome, can grow, learn, participate, and form meaningful connections through compassionate animal care.
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Guided by Christian principles and the teachings of the Bible, we believe caring for the vulnerable -both human and animal- is a sacred responsbility and an expression of faith lived out through love, service, and stewardship.
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.”
~ Proverbs 12:10
Where We Are Building
The sanctuary will be nestled deep in the Appalachian Mountains, on raw, untouched land where rescued animals will one day heal and finally know love, peace, freedom, and safety.
Since this land is completely undeveloped, we must build everything from the ground up—thoughtfully, responsibly, and step by step.
💛 Christina: A Voice For The Voiceless
- She stands for those who have no voice at all.
- Christina advocates for the animals with the same courage and determination she uses to advocate for herself. In caring for the animals, she has become their protector, their champion, and their voice.
This sanctuary is being created because of her heart—and one day soon, she will be fully involved in caring for the animals who find refuge here.
Her compassion is not just part of our mission —it IS our mission.
Our Current Focus
At this beginning stage, our sanctuary is focused on:
- Building the essential infrastructure for long-term sanctuary operations
- Rescuing and caring for animals who need a safe home
- Empowering Christina with purposeful roles, including helping care for the animals and participating in our educational outreach on healthy plant-based eating and healthy lifestyle habits
- Launching local and online education programs to raise awareness about compassion, animal welfare, inclusion for children with Down syndrome, plant-based eating, and healthy lifestyle habits
❤️ How You Can Help
We are in the early stages of building Christina’s Animal Sanctuary from the ground up. Because our land is completely raw and located deep in the Appalachian Mountains, there are many essential steps required before we can safely bring animals home.
Your support helps us move through each phase responsibly and sustainably.
We are currently fundraising for:
1. Road Access & Safe Entry
To reach the sanctuary land safely and allow for vehicles, animal transport, and emergency access.
💧 2. Wells & Basic Utilities
Mountain water is available, but we must drill wells and install the systems that provide clean, reliable water for animals, caregivers, and structures.
🏡 3. Septic Systems for Caregiver Housing
Safe, functioning septic is required to support anyone living or working on the property.
🐾 4. Fencing & Secure Animal Pastures
So rescued animals can roam freely and safely within designated areas.
🐮 5. Animal Shelters & Barns
Weather-protected structures where animals can rest, heal, and find comfort.
🛠 6. Land Cleanup & Site Preparation
Including:
• removing overgrowth
• clearing areas for fencing
• prepping building sites
• debris removal
• hiring cleanup and land preparation crews
🚜 7. Tools, Equipment & Mowing Tractors
Essential for keeping the land safe, accessible, and wellmaintained.
🏠 8. On-Site Caregiver Housing
A living space for caregivers to remain close to the animals and provide daily hands-on care.
🐕 9. Veterinary Care & Daily Animal Needs
Feed, medical care, enrichment, and ongoing support once animals begin arriving.
Every donation — large or small — directly helps the animals and gives Christina the opportunity to take part in something truly meaningful.
A Sanctuary Built With Love, Purpose & Inclusion
Christina’s Animal Sanctuary exists because one girl — a girl the world often overlooked — chose to love animals with her whole heart.
Her compassion, her courage, and her deep connection with animals are the foundation of this nonprofit.
When you support this sanctuary, you are helping:
- a girl with Down syndrome build
something extraordinary - rescued animals find safety, healing, and lifelong love
- a mission that lifts both the vulnerable and the voiceless
Thank you for believing in Christina’s dream.
Thank you for helping the animals.
Thank you for being here at the very beginning of something truly beautiful.
🌿 About the Founder
Daniela (the Vegan-Mom) leads and manages Christina’s Animal Sanctuary and the Education Programs, bringing over 20 years of experience as a plant-based wellness educator, piano teacher, home-schooling mom and sound-therapist.
Her work has always been about helping families create healthier, meaningful and more compassionate lives — whether it’s bringing hope and joy into the lives of her piano students or sharing pant-based recipes and ideas with other moms – and now she channels that same dedication into building a safe, loving home for animals in need.
The sanctuary is inspired by her daughter, Christina, a courageous girl with Down syndrome, whose gentle heart and deep love for animals are the reason this organization exists.
Christina is already involved in our educational mission, helping share messages about healthy plant-based eating, compassionate living, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. She also volunteers at local animal sanctuaries, where she spends time with rescued animals and learns gentle, thoughtful ways to support them – especially those who are recovering and need extra care.
Her connection with animals is something that she has always had; the training she receives now simply prepares her for what’s ahead. Once our own sanctuary is built, Christina will take on meaningful roles in caring for the animals who find a home with us, bringing her natural compassion and growing experience together in a beautiful way.
Together, mother and daughter are creating a space where animals will find safety, healing, and love — and where Christina’s compassion and courage shine as an example for everyone.
As a Thank You for your Donation of $25 or more we’d love to send you our booklet “Once Upon A Time There Was A Mama Pig”, a beautifully illustrated booklet that tells the moving story of a pig family.
Don’t forget to give us your mailing address when entering your Donation information, so we can ship you the booklet.
This is not a children’s book, but should be read to children at the discretion of their parents.