Interactive Map

Gidget, here again, and this is . . . drumroll please . . .  the Pavilion! The Pavilion is like the heart of the Sanctuary, a place where laughter echoes, where the scent of yummy treats fills the air, and where friendships bloom like the prettiest flowers. It's a sheltered haven where staff and volunteers gather for parties, where meetings take place in the gentle breeze, and where I rest my paws after an adventure-filled walk.

Welcome to Sebastian House! My name is Penny and I'll be your guide to the very first building constructed on the Our Companions campus. We have an upstairs and a downstairs here. Upstairs there's a nice big living room for meetings and volunteer orientations, so we can train up all new kitty volunteers on the ways of the feline. Sebastian House also has individual rooms and a big "group room" with  lots of shy cats that get along with other kitties. With my spunkiness I help to bring them out of their shells. Like all our kitty buildings, we have enclosed outdoor catios, lots of vertical spaces to hide and climb, and cozy spots to sleep and snuggle.

Hey everyone, it's your boy Linus coming at you live from Jane's Place. Well, not live, but you get the idea. Jane's Place was the second kitty building constructed and designed after Sebastian House. We have a nice long hallway as a "buffer zone" in case any kitties try to skedaddle out of their rooms. Each kitty has their own room with outdoor catio access, vertical shelving, kitty furniture, toys, and all the other stuff we felines love. Out on the catio I can chat with my neighbors Palmer and Shiloh, but if I get any curmudgeons staff can always give us some privacy with curtains. There's also a nice big living room for lots of kitties who get along to hang out together.

Greetings from our newest building - Minnie's Mews! I'm Mimi LaRue, but you may call me Mimi. Minnie's is a wonderful building designed specifically for very shy cats and ones that need even more TLC. Like Jane's Place, each cat has their own room where they can play safely outside, enjoy vertical wall shelves, and all the kitty accoutrements. There are two special long rooms that are used to help socialize very fearful felines - giving them plenty of space between the "scary" human and themselves makes it easier for them to open up. Simply marvelous, darling!

Woof woof, friends! I'm Gidget, and I've got a tail-waggin' tale to tell you about a pawsome place called Our Companions Animal Sanctuary in beautiful Ashford, Connecticut. Let me show you around! Come, follow me and my ears!

Woof woof, my adventurous pals! We're at Riley's Ramble! Riley's Ramble is like the gateway to doggy paradise. It's the main path that leads us to the two biggest play yards – Audrey's Play Yard and Mortenson's Play Yard. But that's not all; it's also the starting point for a grand adventure through a beautiful New England forest filled with lovely scenic views of Harkaley’s Pond, so much wildlife, and a buffet of delicious smells for my doggy snoot!

Picture this: The sun is shining, and it's a perfect day for a walk. But sometimes, even I need a break from all that wagging, having fun in the play yards, and strolling around the Sanctuary campus and trails. That's when I head over to the Gazebo, a little oasis of calm. I can lay down on the cool ground, feeling the breeze ruffle my auburn fur, and watch the world go by. I love to share quiet moments of companionship with my human friends here . . . well . . . until I bark at a person walking by that I don’t recognize.

Gather 'round, pals! Check out this gorgeous art sculpture that makes my tail go into overdrive! The “Our Companion’s 20th Anniversary Art Installment” was created by the amazingly talented Connecticut artist, Danielle Mailer, and was commissioned by the incredible Valerie Friedman, a longtime Board Member and former Board Chair of Our Companions. It's a symbol of dedication and commitment to our cause – providing shelter, love, and forever homes for cuties like me and a tribute to the bonds we share and the incredible people who make it all possible. This beautiful work of art makes my heart howl!

Welcome to the Valerie Friedman Healing Center! It just opened in Fall ‘2023. This place is like a spa day for us dogs, and let me tell you, it's pawsitively amazing! The Valerie Friedman Healing Center is where the magic of healing happens. Inside, you'll find all sorts of high-tech physical therapy equipment that's designed to help us feel our best. There’s even a super fancy underwater treadmill; it's an incredible tool for rehabilitation. When we use it, the buoyancy of the water takes the pressure off our joints, making it easier for us to move and rebuild our strength. Sometimes one of my back legs gives me a bit of trouble so I know I’ll be booking quite a few spa days here!

Let me introduce you to Love Shack! Yup, that's right, it's not just a great tune; it's where four of our canine guests live. The Love Shack is one of five cozy dog cottages here at the Sanctuary, and it's where we wagging tails call home during our stay. Each of us has our own comfy room, complete with a soft bed and blankets, toys to de-squeaker, and even a window to let the sun in. And each cottage also has its own fully-equipped kitchen, living room, and bathroom that us pups get to enjoy (as long as we don’t counter surf too much — looking at you, Champ). In my cottage, Henree House, I love to follow around my human friends as they do the daily cleaning, and take long naps in my favorite chair. I'm told I snore the loudest of all the OC pups but I doubt that's true. 

Hiya. It's your girl, Giget and we're at the Remembrance Wall! This special place holds a powerful story that touches the heart and honors the history of this Sanctuary's land. You see, long ago, this very land was a place of great suffering, where hundreds of thousands of laying hens endured exploitation and horrible conditions in the name of factory farming. But the winds of change blew, and this land transformed into a sanctuary of love, compassion, and rehabilitation for animals. 

In 2013, Our Companions built a Remembrance Wall, and guess what? It's constructed on an original piece of the concrete slab from one of those old chicken coops. This wall serves as a powerful memorial to the history of the land, reminding us of the past and the journey it has taken. But it's not just about remembering the darkness; it's also about shedding light on the many impacts of factory farming. The Remembrance Wall tells a story and inspires us all to make choices that lead to a brighter, more compassionate future for animals.

Serenity Play Yard is where it is at! Oh boy, this place is like a playground paradise for us furry friends. The yard is filled with agility equipment that's just waiting for us to conquer – jumps to leap over, tunnels to zoom through, platforms to perch on, and weave poles to zigzag between. I've had my fair share of zoomies here. It's a doggo’s dream come true! But what makes Serenity Play Yard extra special is that it's not just for us canines. Nope, with the addition of a few extra safety measures, it’s a space where even the sanctuary's kitty residents can reserve some quality playtime. If you're a feisty feline looking for some outdoor adventure, it's the purrfect spot to explore while feeling safe and secure.

Let me introduce you to what I consider one of the most exciting place at Our Companions Animal Sanctuary – the Store Room! Now, you might wonder why a store room gets me spinning circles of joy. Well, let me tell you, it's like stepping into a paradise of flavors and fun. The snacks! Oh, the snacks! From crunchy biscuits to chewy jerky, this place is treat heaven for a pup like me. I can't help but drool a little just thinking about it. But it's not just about the snacks; the store room has all the essentials too. Cozy blankets for chilly nights, shiny collars for that extra flair, new toys that still squeak, and even things those frenemy felines need! The humans staff, volunteers, and donors at Our Companions make sure that everything here is top-notch. They know that a happy pet is a healthy pet, and they spare no effort in making sure we have everything we need. The Store Room is also a nice climate controlled spot to seek refuge from the sun during the dog days of summer, stay warm during those frigid winter temps, and keep dry during the rain (even in my adorable ducky raincoat, rain and me are not friends). So, whenever I get the chance to visit the store room, I can't help but do a little happy dance.

Check out Carson's Play Yard! This is one of five super fun play yards located at the sanctuary. This place is a fenced-in wonderland where dogs like me get to stretch our legs by running, romping, and playing to our heart's content. It even has some agility equipment for those energetic, athletic types. Personally I’m more of a rolling-around-in freshly-cut grass-kinda gal! But here's the best part – it's not just for us dogs. The humans at Our Companions love to join us in on the playtime. They toss balls, they laugh, and they shower us with affection . . . and treats.

Overlooking Harkaley's Pond, the Picnic Area has everything to offer. Nearby to the Dog Cottages, at the start of the White Trail, and located right next to my favorite play yard — Casie's Play Yard, it’s a spot where a pup can enjoy some quality time with their human pal without having to go too far. Sometimes that matters for some of our senior doggos . . . but not me of course. I give this spot two paws up!

It's Gidget, your trusty tour guide, here! Check out these two foot bridges located on the White Trail. These mark the start of three miles of beautiful wooded trails on Sanctuary property. These crossings are perfect for keeping your boots dry and my perfect little toe-beans mud free.

Welcome to the Observation Deck, located where the Orange and Yellow Trails meet, and tucked away just enough to give every pup space to roam and enjoy the beauty of the Sanctuary trails. The deck itself is a cozy little nook — a place to catch your breath, relax, and give your human buddies the best puppy dog eyes to score an extra treat . . . or five!

Woof woof, my dear friends! It's your furry tour guide Gidget here, and I'm ready to share a heartwarming story about a special place at Our Companions Animal Sanctuary – Brooke's Spot! Right off the Pink Trail and complete with super comfy chair, it is named after one of my cottage-mates, Brooke, who just adores this place. It is nestled along the edge of Harkaley's Pond, and let me tell you, the view is absolutely pawsome! From this perch, you get to gaze (or in my case hard stare) at ducks gliding across the glistening water, turtles basking in the golden sun, and frogs, well, doing whatever frogs do. It's like a live show straight from Mother Nature herself!