About Us
True North Sanctuary provides refuge, lifelong care, and compassionate support for animals in need while fostering healing, connection, and hope through the transformative bond between animals, people, and nature. Inspired by the unconditional love that guides us, we strive to create a safe place where every life is valued, every journey is honored, and every being has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Story
Some stories begin with a dream. Ours began with a dog.
Tucker was not a rescue animal, a therapy dog, or a celebrity. He was simply a loyal companion whose capacity for love transformed a life. He showed what it means to love without conditions, to remain present in difficult moments, and to find joy in life’s simplest experiences.
He sparked a vision. A vision of a place where animals would never have to wonder if they were safe. A place where animals could be loved. A place where people could reconnect with hope. A place where healing could happen naturally through compassion, intention, community, and the remarkable bond between humans and animals.
That vision became True North Sanctuary.
Today, we are building a refuge where rescued animals can find lifelong care, where children and families can experience the healing power of animals, and where every visitor is reminded that kindness still changes lives.
Together, we can build a place where love and compassion lead the way.
Who We Are
True North Sanctuary is a 501c3 nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to providing refuge, care, and lifelong support for animals in need. We believe that healing is not limited to animals alone. Through the unique bond between humans and animals, we strive to create opportunities for connection, growth, and restoration for everyone who walks through our gates.
We are building a place where compassion comes first, where every life matters, and where second chances are always possible.
We envision a world where every animal is treated with compassion, every person feels connected to a greater purpose, and communities come together to create a more humane future. Through rescue, sanctuary, education, and healing-centered programs, True North Sanctuary will serve as a place of refuge, growth, and belonging for generations to come.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I’m Matt!
Growing up on a farm, I learned early that caring for animals is more than providing food and shelter—it is a commitment to compassion, responsibility, and respect for every living being. Those lessons stayed with me throughout my life and became the foundation for what would eventually become True North Sanctuary.
I founded True North Sanctuary on the belief that every life has inherent worth. Our mission is to provide rescued animals with a safe, peaceful home where they can heal, live with dignity, and experience the kindness they deserve. Whether an animal spends a few weeks with us or the rest of its life, our promise is that it will be treated with compassion, patience, and love.
Our vision extends beyond rescue. I hope this sanctuary becomes a place where people can reconnect with nature, learn about responsible animal stewardship, and experience the remarkable bond that exists between humans and animals. Through education, volunteerism, and community engagement, I believe we can inspire greater compassion—not only toward animals, but toward one another.
Traditionally, a “true north” is a fixed point that helps travelers find their way. The name True North Sanctuary represents a guiding principle. Just as the North Star has long helped travelers find their way, I hope this sanctuary becomes a place of hope, healing, and direction for every animal that arrives here and every person who visits.
This mission is also deeply personal. It is inspired by my lifelong love of animals, my experiences with animals through the years, and by Tucker, whose memory reminds me every day how profoundly animals can shape our lives. His legacy lives on in every life we have the privilege to help.
Thank you for believing in this mission. Whether you're volunteering your time, making a donation, sharing our story, or simply following our journey, you are helping create a future where more animals find safety, compassion, and a place to call home.
Welcome to True North Sanctuary.
— Matthew Schultz
Founder, True North Sanctuary