On this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn Sullivan sits down with Olga Smith Dongvilla, acupuncturist and founder of Kismet Farms Animal Sanctuary, for a heartfelt conversation about rescue, healing, and second chances. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the sanctuary, Olga shares the origin of Kismet Farms, her lifelong bond with animals, and the deeply personal vision that turned into a place of refuge for neglected, abandoned, and abused animals.

Listeners will hear about the sanctuary’s remarkable growth, the animals who have found safety there, and the daily realities of keeping a rescue operation running — from veterinary care and quarantine to feeding, fencing, fundraising, and volunteer support. The conversation also highlights the emotional side of sanctuary work, the power of community involvement, and the joy of giving animals a safe place to land.

Key highlights from the conversation include:

• Kismet means “serendipity.” Olga named the farm after her horse Kismet and describes the sanctuary as “a place for second chances” for elder, neglected, and abused farmed animals.

• The sanctuary cares for roughly forty four-legged animals, plus geese and chickens, including potbelly pigs, goats, donkeys, alpacas, cows, and a Canadian goose that keeps returning.

• New arrivals are quarantined and screened by vets (for things like CAE in goats), then slowly introduced to the herd once cleared.

• Animals respond strongly to human energy. Volunteers read to anxious animals, brush them, and simply sit with them to help them feel safe.

• Anatolian shepherd dogs patrol the property at night and help protect the herd from predators like cougars.

• Donkeys and goats need companions; keeping them alone is not ideal. Olga emphasizes that many of these animals are herd animals and thrive in groups.

• If someone must rehome an animal, Olga advises: try to keep the animal if at all possible; if not, contact a rescue or sanctuary first, and don’t just give animals away for free online because they can end up in dangerous situations.

• The sanctuary is a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible, and they rely heavily on community support, auctions, and occasional grants.

• Ways to help include financial donations, volunteering to wash bowls, feed, or clean corrals, and spreading the word about the sanctuary.

• Kismet Farms can be found on Facebook and at kismetfarmsanimalsanctuary.org, with options to donate via Venmo, PayPal, and other platforms.