Forest refuge for rescued farmed animals in Temecula, CA
A 501c3 non-profit organization
Venmo: @rivsanctuary
Our Animal Family
Freya
Great Pyrenees Dog
Rescued: November 2021
Born: 2021
Loves: peanut butter cookies
Dislikes: coyotes, burglars, sharing food
Freya, along with 8 siblings and her mom, were rescued from a hoarding situation. We rescued her at 6 weeks old. She is the warrior mother of Rivendell!
Samwise Gamgee
Great Pyrenees/Lab Mix Dog
Rescued: April 2025
Born: 2024
Loves: playing, chasing small critters, exuberant greetings
Dislikes: loud noises, being left alone, chickens
Samwise had been abandoned down the road from Rivendell, discovered by Paul on a drive to town. He was starving and terrified. Now, he is an indispensible member of the team, guarding the perimeter at night, and keeping an eye on all our fur family. You will never find a more joyful, enthusiastic being
Frodo
Pyrenees Mix Dog
Rescued: July 2023
Born: 2022
Loves: belly rubs, brushing, playing chase
Dislikes: all flying insects, squirrels, loud noises
Frodo was our first Rivendell rescue. He had been abandoned to the hills of Temecula and just wandered on our property, thin, covered with ticks, and in bad physical shape. You'd never know it now - he's a prince!
Leonard
Chihuahua Pug (Chug) Dog
Rescued: 2016
Born: 2015
Loves: couches, air conditioning, cuddles
Dislikes: bugs, big dogs
Leonard had been abandoned on the streets of Colton when we found him. Chihuahuas are not kept long by animal control in Riverside County, so we are so happy we found him in time! Leonard is a lover not a fighter...
Bilbo
Juliana Pig
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2024
Loves: Nose bops, being immersed in hay, banana chips
Dislikes: barking, sudden movements, big trucks
Bilbo was rescued from a terrible hoarding situation. It was quite traumatic. He is learning to trust his new family, and enjoying a routine (that includes treats!). He is curious, busy, sensitive, and likes looking people square in the eye...
Wilbur
Mix Pig
Rescued: 2026
Born: 2024
Loves: Endless belly rubs, doing tricks, mud!
Dislikes: Broccoli, barking, bedtime
Wilbur needed a new home when his previous caregiver passed away. He was only given two days to find a new home, so we hd to act quickly. At first he was a bit bitey when he arrived at Rivendell, but after time and hormones settling, he has become extremely friendly, affectionate and curious. He already has developed a sweet friendship with Bilbo. We are thrilled to have him here.
Mister Pickles
PotBelly Pig
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2023
Loves: belly rubs, dribbling rubber balls, Frodo
Dislikes: splashing water, waiting for dinner, Ethel being bossy
Mister Pickles had been picked up by Riverside animal control and was scheduled to be euthanized. Gladly, a kind volunteer rescued him. He is very sweet, busy, and affectionate.
Ethel
American Guinea Hog
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2018
Loves: food!! mudbaths and showers
Dislikes: lettuce, flies, hot days
Ethel was rescued along with Lucy. She is a big gal, weighing in at @ 400 pounds! She is an enthusiastic eater, so we're trying to get her to lose weight with different food options. She's not always onboard with that plan...
Galadriel
Nigerian/Alpine Dwarf Goat
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2024
Loves: skritches, watermelon, company
Dislikes: almost nothing (she's extremely sweet)
Galadriel (Gladdy) was rescued when owners surrendered her, after her companion passed. We suspect she was taken from her mother at a dairy farm as a baby. She is such a sweet soul. You can here her bleating across the sanctuary when she feels lonely.
Hank
American Pygmy Goat
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2019
Loves: brushing, head butting, singing
Dislikes: sharing food, being crowded
Hank was rescued with his bonded friend, Grissom, when his caregiver had some medical issues that required him being re-homed. He in very self-confident and fit right in with his new herd . He and Grissom do not care for veg, but like their hay and cookies. He is very curious and Loves to play "who has the stronger head" with his bestie...
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Grissom
American Pygmy Goat
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2020
Loves: yelling!, zoomies, being pet
Dislikes: loud noises, vegetables, Gaga being pushy
Nickname: Grizz. Grizz and Hank are bonded and spend most of their time together. Grizz is more active and loves to run. When you brush him, he looks you in the eyes. Can be a little assertive with the other goats, but he's very sweet with his new human family
Archie
Silky Myotonic Goat
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2020
Loves: fruit, sunbathing, Galadriel
Dislikes: too much commotion, Gaga being bossy, touch
Archie is the most shy of the myotonics. Definitely an introvert. But he has such a gentle nature. We suspect he will be close to Galadriel, as he seems to have fatherly instincts.
Arrow
Sheep
Rescued: 2026
Born: 2021
Loves: Grazing, lying in shade with Archibald, Leonard
Dislikes: Sam! People! Too much noise!
Arrow and Archibald are very shy, but very sweet. They are very closely bonded, and stick to themselves, Occasionally, Bilbo or Leonard come near them, and they seem to enjoy that. We are slowly getting them more comfortable in their new home, it takes a while - but we're in it for the long haul
Archibald
Sheep
Rescued: 2026
Born: 2021
Loves: Leaping. Hanging with the ducks. Sweet grass
Dislikes: visitors, surprises
Archibald and Arrow are always right next to each other. Archibald tends to be a bit more athletic, and walks with a distinct strut. Despite his shyness, he will walk right up to a dog with no fear. The dogs have learned to respect hi accordingly.
Lilly
Rabbit
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2020
Loves: lettuce, sweet voices, Gilly
Dislikes: barking
Lilly is very sweet and outgoing. She is bonded to Gilly, and they are very close, always in a fuzzy bunny pile together. She loves her mama, and always gets excited when she hears her voice
Gilly
Rabbit
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2017
Loves: fruit, naps, Lilly
Dislikes: loud movies
Gilly is nurturing of Lilly, they really love each other. He is a big pooper, mom says more than any rabbit she's ever seen! Mom is the only one to bring him out of his shell, otherwise, he likes the quiet times with his Lilly
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Olwe
Duck
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2023 (?)
Loves: Rosie - his great love, singing in the rain
Dislikes: men, dogs, most visitors
Olwe was supposed to be a hen, but, lo and behold, he was a drake. He is a fierce protector of Rosie, and keeps her safe. He dotes over her. He has a clipped bill, and will harmlessly peck at pen intruders. We're getting him used to being held. albeit reluctantly. Also, he's a bit clumsy...
Arwen
Duck
Rescued: 2026
Born: 2024 (?)
Loves: Insects, quick swims, mud puddles
Dislikes: too much handling, Leonard
When Rosie passed suddenly, Olwë became quite depressed. He went quiet. We reached out to other sanctuaries, and, luckily, Lady Arwen needed a home. She bonded immediately with Olwë, and they have been inseparable ever since. She has a regal bearing, suited to her lofty name
Morgoth
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2025
Loves: the high point, Prudie and Lilac, crowing in the middle of the night
Dislikes: hugs, Sam's harassment, rain
Morgoth is a bantam rooster, diminutive but proud. Since the hens are much larger than him, they all safely co-exist. He was initially more self confident than his rescue brother, Sauron, but now they are both pretty content. They get along with each other well, except for the occasional minor tussle.
Sauron
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2025
Loves: posing, prancing, feather stroking
Dislikes: being chased, apple sauce
Sauron is such a handsone fellow, with beautiful feathered feet. He is very affectionate for a rooster - you can hold him and stroke him for a long time. He's very popular with visitors. Like Morhtoh, he does not constrain his crowing to dawn, he lets his voice be heard at all hours of the day and night!
Miss Baggins
Chicken
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2023
Loves: the high spot, oatmeal
Dislikes: being touched or crowded
Miss B is the most athletic of the girls. She occupies the top rung of the roost. She likes to fly down from high perches. She is fast too! If there's a new snack in the run, she gets to it first.
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Ellie
Silkie Chicken
Rescued: 2024
Born: unknown
Loves: company, eggs, being held
Dislikes: loud sounds, cold days
Ellie is a blind hen, that we got as a companion for our other blind hen, Ms Took. They have a separate area from the others, to keep them safe. Ms Took and Ellie have developed quite the bond, and can be seen strolling together through their run, sharing meals, and sleeping in their own hutch. She was left on her own by previous owners, without shelter and without companionship. She really appreciates her new life with friends, food, and a sturdy house to keep her safe...
Nori
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: ??
Loves: warm straw, blueberries
Dislikes: wet ground, bedtime
Nori is the third addition to our "blind girl alley". She lives with Tookie and Ellie, and they get along well. She was blind from injuries, and was being attacked by her previous flock. She has a safe hen family now with Took and El. She's very sweet and clucks happily when she hears us nearby
Pippin
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2023-2024
Loves: adventures, worms, high spots
Dislikes: being herded, rainy days
Pippin is our stunt chicken. So agile and adventurous, she is always getting on structures that the other girls cannot reach. She's very handsome and knows it. She has a lively and confident spirit
Merry
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2023-2024
Loves: snacks, high roost, her doppelganger: Baggins
Dislikes: being held, being confined
Merry likes to keep to herself. She looks so much like Baggins it is hard to tell them apart, and as "birds of a feather" they most certainly stick together. Its nice for Baggins to have a sister from another mister...
Bolger
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: ??
Loves: Her own space, hanging out in a nesting box, worms
Dislikes: roosters, being picked up
Bolger is bonded to Sacks, and they both generally keep to themselves. She's just starting to get her confidence with the other hens. She's a bit of an introvert, and prefers libraries to parties.
In Memoriam
The dear family members that have passed out of our care...
Lucy
American Guinea Hog
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2016
Passed: 2025
Loved belly rubs, watermelon, scritches
Disliked: trash cans, barking, Ethel being bossy
Lucy was rescued along with Ethel when her family moved away and had no other options for her care. She was very sweet and smart. She gave some of the happiest greetings at Rivendell. She is dearly missed. You can read her eulogies here, and here
GaGa
Myotonic Goat
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2015
Passed: 2024
Loved: blueberries, being lady boss, watching everybody
Disliked: sharing food, too much touching, boys getting in her way
Gaga was rescued along with Quinn and Archie. She was well cared for by a family of goat lovers. She had a bit of a limp that we are treating with medication. She was fearless and very outgoing. We miss her greatly, especially Galadriel, who saw Gaga as her adopted mom
Rosie
Duck
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2023 (?)
Passed: 2026
Loved: fruit, long baths, fresh straw
Disliked: being separated from her beau, bedtime
Rosie had a sweet, motherly disposition. She was guarded fiercely by Olwe, which allowed her to be a bit more easy going. We miss her terribly
Miss Proudfoot
Chicken
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2023
Passed 2026
Loved: snacks, cuddles, her nesting box
Disliked: the other girls taking her snacks
Miss Proudfoot was often referred to as Prudie here. Prudie tended to get broody. She was very outgoing and friendly and allowed certain special people to hold her. She passed suddenly from cancer
Perri
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: 2023-2024
Passed: 2026
Loved: being held, attention, singing
Disliked: loud noises, disrespect from her girls
Perri was the alpha hen of the flock, taking that mantle from Prudie. She inspected anyone coming in to the coop first, and stays close to whatever human enters. But she was gentle and loved to be held and cooed to. All the hens deferred to her, and let her eat first, She was a benevolent queen.
Sacks
Chicken
Rescued: 2025
Born: ??
Passed: 2026
Loved Private time, Rosie the duck, Bolger
Disliked: noisy, busy coops
Sacks was rescued along with the ducks Olwe and Rosie, and seems very bonded to them. We arrange playdates, and she seemed happiest when she is with them. Sacks had a very long illness and was given days left to live by the vet. however, she kept going for 3 months after that prognosis, and was lovingly cared for by Diane. Living in Diane's home for a while. She loved human company, and was very very special to us all
Miss Brandybuck
Chicken
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2023
Passed: 2026
Loved: scratch and scrambled eggs
Disliked: water and hot days
Brandy was a very assertive girl. Always first one out of the coop in the morning. She was very curious, first to explore a new object or sound. She loved the gardens. She passed very suddenly, also from cancer.
Miss Took
Chicken
Rescued: 2024
Born: 2022
Passed: 2026
Loved: roosting, grapes, her strong voice
Disliked: anything you can accidentally walk into
Miss Took (or Tookie) was our first special needs girl. She was almost completely blind, so needed a little help sometimes. She did pretty well finding her food and water, put we had to hand feed her snacks. She was the alpha queen of the blind hen coop, and beloved by her coop mates
