The Dog Sanctuary

Nearly twenty years ago, in August 2005, Hurricane Katrina tore a devastating swath through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The tropical cyclone caused 1,392 fatalities and over $125 billion in damages. It also left many dogs orphaned and stranded, with some estimates suggesting that between 100,000 and 250,000 pets were stranded and 70,000 to 150,000 died. And, because the storm struck one of the country's most economically disadvantaged regions, many people were left without the resources to care for their pets. 

Learning of the plight of these dogs, Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta felt compelled to take action. Initially, they focused on rescuing dogs affected by Katrina, providing them with shelter, food, and medical care. But as their rescue efforts grew, they expanded their mission to include dogs from various challenging backgrounds. They began rescuing dogs from puppy mills, dog fighting rings, and shelters facing overcrowding.  

What has made Danny and Ron’s approach truly unique is that they transformed their South Carolina home into a sanctuary for the rescued dogs, providing them with a loving environment to recover and socialize – by living in a home environment with other dogs and humans, their rescues learn valuable social skills and become more adoptable. What is more, Danny and Ron specialize in rescuing dogs that other shelters often overlook - dogs with medical issues, behavioral problems, or simply those not considered "adoptable."

At any given time, Danny and Ron may have 75-100 dogs living in their “doghouse.”

Life in the Doghouse is a documentary film chronicling Danny and Ron’s journey. It is a love letter to canines that gives a glimpse into the couple’s unique operation, but also into the extraordinary bond that exists between humans and their dogs.

The film won Best Documentary at the Tryon International Film Festival and Audience Award at The Rochester LGBT Film Festival. It was also the Official Selection at the Frameline San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, Provincetown Film Festival, and Newport Film.

To date, Danny and Ron have rescued and rehomed over 10,000 dogs, demonstrating the power of compassion and dedication. Join us for a public viewing of this film on March 4. Danny and Ron will join us after the viewing of the film for a discussion and update on their work.