The Problem: There is a serious cat and dog overpopulation crisis. The unacceptable solution: Destroy the unwanted. Millions of cats and dogs are legally killed — euthanized — every year. The sheer obscenity of these numbers appalled our founder, Emily Jo Beard, who believed in reverence for all life — animal-kind as well as human-kind. She was convinced that education and planning could eliminate unnecessary euthanasia as a "solution".

Our Humane Solution: In 1980 Emily acquired 153 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild and named it Living Free Animal Sanctuary — which is the only sanctuary founded by Emily. She devoted the rest of her life to providing refuge for orphaned cats and dogs. "We have an obligation to better the lives of the animals with whom we share the earth," said Emily.

Today at Living Free we:
*Save the lives of cats and dogs who otherwise would be euthanized.
*Spread the message that our companion cats and dogs are entitled to secure lives enhanced by loving care.
*Teach youngsters and adults to understand, respect and value animals.