Held and Healed Animal Sanctuary

I got the lovely opportunity to visit Held and Healed Animal Sanctuary located at the northernmost tip of San Diego County in the rural area of De Luz. The drive is lush and scenic, but being this isolated has brought many challenges to this sanctuary.

Held & Healed Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization with a mission that reaches far beyond animal rescue. Founded by Andreana and Brian, this family-operated sanctuary provides lifelong refuge for rescued farm animals while working to restore the land they call home. Built around the belief that every living being deserves compassion, dignity, and a place to belong, the sanctuary is creating a unique environment where animal welfare and environmental conservation go hand in hand.

Home to approximately 127 rescued animals representing 11 different kinds, Held & Healed offers a permanent home to animals who might otherwise have nowhere to go. Unlike traditional farms, the residents are never raised for production or profit. Each animal is valued as an individual, regardless of age, health, or physical ability, and receives care throughout its lifetime.

One particularly touching story is that of Lass, a Friesian mare who arrived with a serious leg injury that eventually left her unable to stand. Although several professionals recommended euthanasia, founder Andreana believed Lass still had plenty of life left to live. With specialized care, donated supplies, chiropractic treatments, and the assistance of a dedicated farrier, Lass gradually regained her ability to stand and move more comfortably. Her longtime companion, Weiger, also played an extraordinary role, sometimes standing beside her so she could lean against him for support. Today, the two remain together at the sanctuary, a beautiful example of the compassion and patience that define its mission.

Beyond providing a safe haven for animals, Held & Healed is helping pioneer the concept of a climate sanctuary. The eight-acre property is undergoing regenerative restoration, with an emphasis on rebuilding healthy soil, conserving water, encouraging native plants, and creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Food scraps and animal manure are transformed into nutrient-rich compost, while educational workshops introduce visitors to practices such as Bokashi composting and biochar.

The goal is to create a healthier ecosystem that can better withstand drought, heat, and other environmental challenges while serving as an example of how animal sanctuaries can contribute to land conservation.

Community involvement is another important part of the sanctuary’s vision. Volunteers are welcome to assist with animal care, feeding, grooming, planting, composting, fencing, and restoration projects. The organization also collaborates with veterinarians, farriers, animal care professionals, local businesses, and individuals willing to share their skills or resources. Those who want to support the animals from afar can become Promise Keepers through monthly memberships, helping provide essential food, shelter, and veterinary care. Special gatherings, educational workshops, and member events offer additional opportunities to connect with the sanctuary and its residents.

Held & Healed is ultimately built around a simple but meaningful philosophy: rescue is only the beginning. Through lifelong animal care, environmental restoration, and community education, Andreana and Brian are cultivating something much bigger than a place of refuge. It is a reminder that compassion can extend beyond individual lives to the very land we share.

Here is a sweet documentary of their sanctuary: