Olivia –
I was born and raised in Oceanside California and grew up with my parents, older brother, both my grandmas, and lots of pets. Ever since I could remember, I have always felt a special connection with animals. Stray dogs and cats would appear in my path and follow me home. Injured wildlife would show up outside my window or even sometimes sneak their way into my house. No matter where I was, it felt like animals in need always found their way to me…
My grandma, who passed away in 2019, was a Project Wildlife volunteer for over 20 years. Over that period of time, she rescued, rehabilitated and released thousands of wild birds. Growing up being surrounded by animals and watching her devote her life to helping them, inspired me to do the same. I know that’s where I get my love and passion for animals from…
I began saving animals on a bigger scale at fourteen years old when I rescued a pig whom I named Indie, from being slaughtered. Many people told me it wasn’t going to be possible because I had no prior knowledge or financial resources to pull this off and I was only fourteen. But I knew I had to try. So, I created a GoFundMe and instagram page where I began actively sharing my goal and mission. Surprisingly, in just a couple of days people around the world began noticing and donating to my cause. Thanks to everyone who donated and of course my family for being so supportive, I had reached my goal which allowed me to rescue Indie and transport her to a local animal sanctuary where she could live out the remaining years of her life in peace. From there on I knew I had found my souls purpose…
I continued saving animals but never took the steps to become an official Non Profit organization…
It wasn’t until my best friend, Jada, passed away from an accidental overdose in October of 2020. When this happened I went through a period of deep grief and reflection. I needed time to process and cope with this new and devastating change in my life and went through a spiritual awakening, which was scary and uncomfortable, but it was necessary to shape me into the person I am today. During this time I began realizing what was most important in life and what wasn’t. From experiencing deep pain, I felt even more called and motivated to devote my life to helping others in need. I truly believe and have trust that everything in life- good or bad, happens for a reason… and if you can find beauty in even the most devastating situations, you are unstoppable. This profound loss inspired me to move forward with my souls purpose, and so… the name Healing Souls Rescue and our logo came to be.
I am so grateful for Jada and I know she guides my every step and continues to impact my life in every way, shape, and form…
We have since became an official non-profit charity in 2021 and have been able to successfully rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for hundreds of animals across the US. We work along side many other rescue organizations around the world – as this couldn’t be possible without teamwork & collaboration. We plan on only continuing to grow and spread the message of compassion and hope. I have no doubt in my mind that this is my souls purpose and I will continue to devote my life to helping any animal in need, as well as hoping to inspire others to live a more loving, compassionate, and fulfilling life.
“The planet doesn’t need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kind.” -Dalai Lama