Nonprofit Profile: Misfits Animal Sanctuary, a Haven for Domestic, Exotic Animals

Daisy the dog is a resident of the Misfits Animal Sanctuary farm. And according to President Sue Hunter, she will seek out anyone in a crowd of people who might need a little love.

"She will literally give them a hug and connect with them," she said.

Hunter's favorite part of Misfits, she said, is seeing that almost palpable, emotional connection between an animal and a person.

"We had an individual in a wheelchair that had been through several operations visit the sanctuary," Hunter said. "She had disfigured arms and no legs but a wonderful outlook on life. She loved animals, and my favorite memory is of her in her wheelchair out with the horses feeding them carrots laughing as they nosed at her and licked her while she fed them. She was in heaven at that moment."

Part of the Misfits mission is to foster that connection, but also to provide a safe haven for animals whose owners have abandoned or abused them.

The nonprofit corporation, which was just recognized as such after five years of service to the community, owns a farm in Finksburg. Employees care for the animals and hold seminars about proper pet care.

"Misfits is unique because we are dedicated to education and animal welfare. We have a unique board of directors with professional experience in animal behavior research, education, husbandry and nonprofit services," Hunter said. "This unique combination of individuals allows us to take a new and fresh perspective on animal welfare through cutting-edge and state-of-the-art principles of animal care and education."

The workshops, which are most often held at the facility itself, can also offer groups such as Girl and Boy Scouts of America educational experience by scheduling them at off-site locations.

But Hunter said that almost any Carroll County resident can benefit personally from a seminar.

"Many individuals live in a rural setting and have the opportunity to interface with farm life and nature while others live in a more suburban or city setting," she said. "The mix of people and their interests, outlook and perspective about animals allows us to approach them in different ways while still delivering the same message: respect for life and welfare of animals."

Misfits holds various fundraisers throughout the year, including yard sales, lectures and small fairs. It also plans to include a booth at the Baltimore Humane Society's DogFest 2011, Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter's BARCtoberfest, and Dog Day in the Park sponsored by Animal Rescue, Inc.