Horses Of Tir Na Nog - San Diego, California

Rachel Sarner

I’ve been volunteering for a year and a half now. Let me just say this sanctuary is basically heaven on earth. To get to work while hanging out with horses, dogs, pigs, goats, and more, It’s a perfect escape from the city and such a fulfilling opportunity. A super flexible commitment as well.

Personally, I love the physical “work” involved, even if it gets muddy or a little hot out. Just feels like you’re a kid again playing outside! No matter what, there is a job for everyone, and the safety and health of the volunteers always come first.

Once you’re done with your job, then it’s time to interact with all the critters. Volunteers have a range of animal experience. I’d say it’s best you have some general knowledge / background with animals. The ranch will go into depth about how some of the animals may be more sensitive due to their past. You’ll start off with the easygoing ones to get comfortable!

Then you’ll start to see just how amazing these animals are. You’ll be able to create some really special bonds with them. It warms my heart knowing that they can finally feel the safety and love that they deserve. They’ve taught me and healed me as well!

If you need an excuse to get back to nature or to spend more time with animals, this is your spot!

(All photos are mine!)

Des M

I had the worst experience volunteering under Amy Pat. On my last day (last Sunday) she was completely unprofessional and made me feel extremely unsafe. I was cleaning the horses waterers because there is a need for it and the last time I was with the dogs I noticed that their water bowls desperately needed attention. So I made my way over and I was giving one of the dogs treats thru their kennel— which I was previously told I could do and it was also suggested by one of her helpers that I should do that so that the dogs feel more comfortable. Well when my hand was inside of the kennel, I heard Amy yell to not give the treat thru the gate. Having experience with reactive dogs (I have volunteered w/ another non-profit for rescue dogs and worked with a dog trainer) and I knew to not make any sudden movements. I was letting the dog take the remaining treats from my hand when Amy rushed over and screamed in my face to move away from the kennel immediately and to not give the dog any more treats and that I’m banned from working with the dogs again. This was literally seconds after she initially told me not to the first time. My hand was still in the kennel and if I pulled it out too quickly I would’ve gotten bit or cut from the metal fence that was in really bad condition. I was waiting until I felt safe enough to make my next move. Her face was red, her eyes looked wild, she was very close to my face and pointing fingers. I was confused, so I stepped back and went to go put the remaining treats in the treat bag. Again, she rushed over, snatched the bag from my hands and yelled something else. She was very aggressive and I felt unsafe. I am a 32 y/o teacher and she treated me as if I was a child. I know how to conduct myself so I did not retaliate. I told her she did not need to be rude or disrespectful and I walked away. I waited for a gentleman that was nearby and held the gate open for him. She also walked thru and acted as if nothing happened. She did not apologize for very clearly overreacting. Respectfully, I believe that she is emotionally unstable. Prior to this incident, and recently I have said hi and tried to make conversation and she refused to say hi back and would say stuff like “fine” when I asked how she was doing. She used to be more friendly. I’ve done nothing that warranted this behavior from her. Others have also noticed her inconsistent moods. I have been volunteering here since 4/21/24. I showed up almost every Sunday for months. The only time I didn’t go is if I was ill— which I communicated with Amy. I followed the rules and asked Amy before doing anything. I went above and beyond in any way that I physically could. I drove 40 miles + paid for gas to be there to help her with the needs of the sanctuary. My email was straightforward and I definitely let her know that I did not appreciate her horrible behavior and her response was to inactivate my volunteer status. She did not apologize or hold herself accountable. She looks very old— too old to make mistakes and not own up to them. Her behavior was surprising and wildly inappropriate. I was the only black person who was volunteering at that time and I’d hate to think that this was racially motivated but I did feel that way and I also felt extremely unsafe. This was the most horrible experience I’ve ever had with another adult. She was so disrespectful. I deserved better. I loved those animals and I was kind to her and every one else I came across there. I never leave these type of reviews but I have her an opportunity to make things right and she failed.

SaunieInDiego

Horses of Tir Na Nog cares for so many discarded and previously mistreated animals. They provide loving care and spacious grounds in which these fellow creatures can live out their lives in peace. We were lucky enough to visit all the critters recently and can personally attest to the wonderful surroundings and expert care they all receive.

Photos uploaded are of
Deviny's Ruckus licking my hand and one of the many wild Mustangs that have a forever home at Horses of Tir Na Nog.

Jan Brown