Founder Elaine West Info

Elaine West is an over acheiver and workaholic.  She graduated with honors from the FSU college of business in 1995, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and won awards for community service.  I have lived a life of service to others, animals and my community.  After over 10 years of tirelessly rescuing, spay/neuter and rehoming unwanted pet pigs using my own funds, I founded Rooterville Animal Sanctuary Inc. with the help and support of my late husband Dale West, in 2004. I primarily wanted the tax deduction for myself for all of the money I was spending rescuing animals!  I was disabled after a car accident in 2011 and Dale passed away in 2015, leaving me to manage the operation of the sanctuary on my own, a daunting task! I did not back down, showing my 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.

Rooterville’s Fight for Survival

A Sanctuary Forged in Love, Tested by Fire, and Sustained by Hope

Rooterville Animal Sanctuary began not as a business plan, but as a promise—a sacred vow that farm animals, so often forgotten, would have a place where they are safe, cherished, and treated with the dignity they deserve. It was a belief that kindness could ripple outward, changing the world one life at a time.

But in 2021, that promise was shaken to its core.

The private foundation that had long been our lifeline abruptly withdrew its support, deeming sanctuaries like ours “bad investments.” It was a devastating blow—financially, yes, but even more so emotionally. After the sudden loss of my beloved husband Dale, I had been assured that Rooterville would always have their backing. But when I needed them most, they walked away.

They had pledged to rehome most of our animals, leaving me with a manageable number to continue on my own. But at the last moment, they broke that promise too—abandoning over 100 pigs with nowhere to go. I was left with an impossible choice: leave them behind, euthanize them, or find a way—somehow—to care for them myself.

I chose the only path my heart would allow: I stood by them.

What was meant to be a temporary solution became a years-long battle. I secured a property located on a paved road and built it out.  I poured every ounce of my energy and every dollar I had into keeping Rooterville alive. I went deep into debt to protect the animals who had no one else. My dream now is to find a kindred spirit who will carry this mission forward.

The weight of it all has been immense. Managing the sanctuary alone while facing physical challenges, financial strain, and the heartbreak of broken promises has tested me in ways I never imagined. But giving up was never an option.

And then came the cruelty of false accusations.

A small group of individuals—driven by jealousy, resentment, or personal vendettas—began spreading outrageous lies about Rooterville. They fabricated stories of abuse and financial misconduct, despite having no evidence. These are people who once praised our sanctuary, who benefited from our generosity and many who were stealing from us.   The ring leader even dropped off pigs and picked up pigs here multiple times—pigs I paid to have neutered to help her avoid being overwhelmed. 

We have video testimonials from these same former staff praising our sanctuary and the care the animals receive. We’ve undergone investigations that found no evidence of animal cruelty. Yet the damage from these lies has been profound.

The financial allegations are equally unfounded. I used my own funds—including a personal injury settlement—to keep Rooterville afloat. I loaned money to the sanctuary, not the other way around. I live simply, and most of my personal income goes right back into caring for the animals. Our revenue comes primarily from our own efforts—our online store, glamping stays, experiences, and events—not from donations.

Even the investigation was flawed. The lead investigator spoke with my accuser over 200 times but spent less than 30 minutes with me. He never asked about the most serious claims. Some charges are entirely fabricated—like the claim that I borrowed $500,000 from Rooterville, which I never did. In one example, a bank teller mistakenly deposited donation checks into my personal account. As soon as I discovered the error, I transferred the funds to Rooterville. That correction was ignored in favor of a narrative designed to destroy me, claiming that I stole those donations!

But through it all, something beautiful has emerged: the unwavering support of kind-hearted people like you.  I've sure learned who my friends are.

Because of your visits, your donations, your purchases, and your belief in our mission, Rooterville is still here. You’ve reminded me that I’m not alone. That this work matters. That love and truth are stronger than lies and cruelty.
Now, more than ever, we need those who believe in compassion. Those who understand that every life—pig, cow, goat, chicken, or human—has value. If you want to be part of something meaningful, something magical, something that changes hearts and heals souls, we invite you to stand with us.

Rooterville is more than a sanctuary. It’s a movement. A living testament to what love can build and what community can sustain.

Come visit. See the joy in our animals’ eyes. Witness the care, the peace, the dignity they receive. There are no locked gates here—Rooterville has always been open, every day of the year. Our animals receive the best care, the gentlest hands, and when the time comes, a peaceful farewell surrounded by love.

Every dollar we receive goes directly to their care—feeding them, housing them, paying our small but dedicated staff, and keeping the lights on. That’s why we’ve created ways for you to support us beyond donations: through glamping stays, weddings, events, our gift shop, and unforgettable animal experiences.

We welcome you with open arms. Ask questions. Come see for yourself what makes Rooterville so special. And if your heart is moved, join us in ensuring this sanctuary not only survives—but thrives.

Together, we can keep the promise alive.