“Sanctuary”—a place of safety, security and shelter. A place where one can live free from fear and pain. For many abused and neglected animals, sanctuary is a place called Pasado’s Safe Haven, operated by Susan Michaels and Mark Steinway. Their ranch in the mountains north of Seattle is a rescue and rehabilitation site for dogs, cats and farm animals whose sad lives have been scarred—both mentally and physically—by cruelty or carelessness.

Any time of the day or night, Pasado’s Safe Haven staff is ready to hit the road in their AmMOOlance rescue truck to pick up animals in danger. Once safe, the animals receive medical treatment if needed, food, water and loving care on Pasado’s 50 acres of pastures and woodlands. There’s no rush to recovery. The animals are welcome to spend the rest of their lives on the ranch—no animal is ever put to sleep.

Michaels and Steinway both left well-paid urban careers to start Pasado’s Safe Haven, and used much of their own money to purchase the land and erect the buildings. They were prompted by the ugly 1992 beating death of a gentle donkey named Pasado at a nearby farm.

The pair has since taken in mistreated horses, abandoned chickens, a couple of turkeys and a potbellied pig among many others.

They’ve also taken on animal abusers in court, testifying on ill-treatment and neglect. In the state legislature and in Congress, they fight for stiffer anti-cruelty laws and improved conditions at factory farms.

Their outspokenness on behalf of the animals has resulted in threats to themselves and their property. They had to install a security system—not in their house, but in their barn. Michaels and Steinway operate the only mobile spay/neuter clinic in the state and offer low- or no-cost service to needy animal owners. They also offer educational programs on animal care and on how to create sanctuaries such as Pasado’s Safe Haven throughout the world.

It all means long hours, angry reactions from abusers, and a constant struggle to pay the bills, but Susan Michaels and Mark Steinway look at the animals they’re caring for and know they’re worth it. “The rewards far outweigh the pain,” says Michaels. www.pasadosafehaven.org