Our Founding Story
Welcome to Sacred Paws! We are Alyssa Blackwell and Andrew Hammond, and we've opened our hearts and home to dogs in need for over twenty years.
We've fostered over 45 rescued dogs and helped more than 65 more find safety, love, and forever homes. Along the way, we discovered something extraordinary – when people care for dogs, the healing flows both ways.
Through retreats and events designed for adults and families, we've witnessed countless lives transformed. Adults find calm and purpose. Children learn empathy, trust, and responsibility. Each connection with a rescued dog brings a little more light back into the world.
Sacred Paws Dog Sanctuary is a dream we have where mutual healing can grow. We envision a sacred place of rolling acres under the San Diego sun, shaded by palms and native trees. A place where:
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Dogs find safety, space, and peace
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Adults and children heal through connection and care
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Volunteers and visitors experience the power of service and stewardship
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The land itself is restored and nourished as part of the healing process
This is dream is in service to dogs, humans, and the land. We invite you along and look forward to meeting you under the sun with a gaggle of puppies in the green grass seeking your waiting arms.










