Kaylees Island of Misfit Dogs Sanctuary and Rescue

Kaylee’s Island of Misfit Dogs Sanctuary and Rescue is more than just a rescue—it's a promise. A promise that no dog, no matter their age, size, breed, disability, or trauma, will ever be forgotten. We are a sanctuary for the misfits: the seniors, the terminally ill, the medically complicated, the fearful, the discarded. The ones that others overlook. Here, they are seen, they are cherished, and they are home. Our mission is simple but fierce: To provide sanctuary and lifelong care to dogs who need us the most. To offer second chances to those who have endured the unimaginable. To educate the community on compassion, responsible pet ownership, and the value of every life. And most of all, to honor the legacy of one incredible soul whose love continues to ripple through every rescued heartbeat: Kaylee Lane.

On May 17, 2018, our world shattered when we lost Kaylee Lane in a tragic car accident. She was just 15 years old. Vibrant, bold, hilarious, kind, and filled with an unshakable love for animals, Kaylee left behind a void so vast it could swallow oceans. But in the depths of that grief, something beautiful was born: a mission to carry her love forward, to transform sorrow into shelter, and to build something that would have made her proud.

Kaylee was a rescuer at heart. From the time she was a child, she had an uncanny ability to connect with animals. She gravitated to the scared, the scruffy, the ones others deemed difficult. Her heart had room for everyone. Naming our sanctuary in her honor was never a question—it was destiny.

Kaylee’s Island began in our home, in the spare rooms and backyard corners, on the worn-out couch cushions and in the quiet moments of mourning. One by one, the misfits found us. A deaf Pittie too scared to make eye contact. A dog dumped at the shelter because she got "too old."

They came broken, and we loved them whole. 

With no facility, no big donors, and no roadmap, we forged forward fueled by heart. Every dog that crossed our threshold reminded us of Kaylee’s unwavering belief that all lives matter—especially the forgotten ones. We leaned on grit, grace, and the generosity of fellow animal lovers who believed in what we were building.

We don’t take in the easy cases. We aren’t the first call shelters make—we’re the last hope. Our dogs are the ones with tumors, missing limbs, crooked teeth, neurological issues, broken spirits. Many are seniors surrendered after a lifetime of loyalty. Some were abandoned on highways, others pulled from backyard breeding operations or dog-fighting rings. Their stories are gut-wrenching, but their resilience is awe-inspiring.

We rescue dogs who are:, Seniors or hospice patients, Special needs or medically behaviorally misunderstood, Terminally ill, Victims of cruelty or neglect

Every misfit that joins us becomes family. Whether they have two days or ten years, they are safe. They are loved. They are home. Sanctuary Care: Every dog receives personalized, fear-free care. They live indoors, as part of the family, with comfy beds, home-cooked meals, and all the snuggles their hearts desire. We believe dogs deserve dignity. Medical Support: We partner with compassionate veterinarians to provide high-quality care. From surgeries and treatments to palliative and hospice support, we do whatever it takes to ease suffering and extend joy. Community Outreach: We offer free and low-cost veterinary transportation, partner with shelters and PetSmart Charities, and provide pet food to families in crisis. If keeping a dog with their person is possible, we fight for that.Education & Advocacy: We teach compassion, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of spay/neuter. We advocate for misunderstood breeds and work to dismantle stereotypes that harm both pets and people.