Founder Elaine West Info

Elaine West founded Rooterville Animal Sanctuary Inc. with the help and support of her late husband and partner Dale West, in 2004. Elaine was disabled after a car accident in 2011 and Dale passed away in 2015, leaving her to manage the operation of the sanctuary, a daunting task! She did not back down, showing her undying commitment to help the animals and share them with as many people as possible.

Elaine serves as president and leads a small team that handles everything in the daily operations of the business and upkeep of the sanctuary, as well as caring for the amazing, happy animals that call the sanctuary home.  Her greatest joy is seeing the smiling faces and hearing the comments of happy visitors like "this is the best day EVER"!  What a priviledge to bring joy and peace to so many visitors every year while giving the animals the best lives possible full of treats and attention, its a win-win for everyone.

IRooterville’s Fight for Survival –

A Sanctuary Built on Love and Unbreakable Spirit

Rooterville Animal Sanctuary was never just an idea—it was a promise. A promise that farm animals deserving of love and dignity would find safety. A promise that kindness could change the world, one life at a time.

In 2021, that promise was put to the ultimate test. The private foundation that had been our lifeline withdrew its support, dismissing sanctuaries as “bad investments” and turning its back on the animals it once pledged to protect. The blow was devastating—not just financially, but emotionally. For years, I had been assured that I would never have to worry, that after Dale’s sudden passing, I would always have their support. But when I needed that support the most, it ended.

We were left scrambling, forced to stretch resources to care for over 300 animals. The foundation initially promised to rehome most of them, leaving me with a manageable number so I could carryon on my own. But at the last moment, they abandoned that commitment—leaving 100 pigs with nowhere to go. Instead of finding them homes, they walked away, forcing me into an impossible position: either move and leave them, put them all down, or find a way to care for them myself.

I couldn’t let them down.

What was meant to be a temporary solution turned into a four-year struggle. A larger property was secured, fencing was built, and financial sacrifices were made. The foundation never kept its word. Their silence echoed as I poured every resource I had—going deep into debt to keep Rooterville’s gates open, hoping a kindred spirit would want to take it over.

The weight of it all has been indescribable. Managing the sanctuary alone, pushing through physical challenges that make daily life exhausting, struggling through the financial hardship left in the wake of broken promises—it has tested me in ways I never imagined. But giving up was never an option.

And because of kind-hearted people like you, we are fighting our way back. Rooterville is still here because visitors, donors, and supporters have stepped forward to say, "You are not alone. The work you're doing matters." This sanctuary deserves to thrive. Whether through a stay, a donation, a visit, or a purchase from our online store, every act of support has helped keep Rooterville alive.  It is such a blessing to share the joy the animals bring.

Now, more than ever, we need those who believe in the power of compassion, the ones who understand that every life has value. If you want to be part of something truly special, if you want to help create experiences that change hearts and inspire a world where animals are treated with love and dignity—please join us. Rooterville is more than a sanctuary. It’s a movement. And together, we can ensure it continues for generations to come.  That is my hope and dream.

We warmly invite you to visit and experience firsthand the exceptional care our animals receive, the thoughtful attention to their individual needs, and the peaceful environment they call home. Here, there are no locked gates or restricted areas—Rooterville has always been open to visitors every day of the year. Our animals receive the very best care, the gentlest treatment, and, when the time comes, a humane and dignified farewell. Our love for them is evident in every aspect of our sanctuary, and visitors often describe the experience as magical.

Every donation goes directly toward providing care for the animals—covering staff wages, feed, utilities, and essential expenses. However, donations alone are not enough to sustain our operations, which is why we offer visits, unique experiences, a gift shop on site and online, overnight stays, weddings, and events. Not only do these opportunities allow us to share the joy of these incredible animals, but they also provide much-needed revenue to keep our sanctuary thriving.

We welcome you with open arms and encourage your questions. Come see for yourself the kindness, love, and dedication that make Rooterville such a special place!