The Sanctuary Project (TSP) is a foster-based rescue consisting of dozens of dedicated volunteers. Viewing themselves as “a pack of like-minded individuals,” they staunchly believe that dogs are sentient, intelligent beings and not in the least disposable. To them, every single life matters, and they look forward to the day when euthanasia as a means of dealing with overcrowding is an antiquated relic best left to the dusty pages of history books, the dry parchment scattering to the winds.
Since its founding in 2010 by Tucson sisters Amy and Cyndi Cubillas, the nonprofit has grown. Their work has ensured that “countless little hearts are still beating” with outreach programs throughout Arizona, Southern California, Texas, and Las Vegas, as well as having TSP canine alums that live all over the United States and multiple countries, like England, Belgium, and Singapore. They even have a branch called The Coconut Express on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands and a youth division with the Southern Arizona Community Academy, which they affectionately refer to as TSP Avengers.
They got their start when Amy, living in L.A., came home to celebrate Easter with her family. She and Cyndi got to talking about how overwhelmed they were at the number of dogs dying in county shelters due to overcrowding, so they decided they needed to do something. Cyndi had saved a 6-month-old pibble from the streets, and Amy adopted a black Lab puppy from the Humane Society. Both animals had touched their lives in such profound ways that they felt the need to honor them, feeling as if the dogs had rescued them rather than the other way around.
Since then, Amy has enlarged her personal pack to include Hudson, an abused dog who was used in gang initiations. Suffering from chemical burns and issues with his hind legs due to the confines of a small cage that didn’t allow him to stand fully upright, he is now a well-adjusted little fella and mascot of sorts who works most of TSP’s events, charging around comforting those he senses need it the most.
While primarily a dog-based program, members do, at times, rescue other animals, such as Bowman, the adorable oinker, who is also with Amy and hangs with Hudson. To date, TSP has saved more than 2,000 dogs locally, plus horses, bunnies, goats, and cats. They’ve even been asked to take in a kangaroo, as well as some monkeys. The sad fact is the need for rescue is always there, and spaying, neutering, adoption, and positive change — all useful tools — are not enough.
That’s why they’re always brainstorming and looking for new ways to help save kill-list dogs through innovative programs. One such program that is currently on their radar is Pawsitive Change. TSP commonly works with other rescue groups to facilitate successful adoptions. So, they put their heads together with Zach Skow of Marley’s Mutts, who they’ve successfully worked with in the past.
In October 2024, Skow appeared with the Pawsitive Change Program at a Tucson benefit. That program, as you’ve likely already read in this issue, aids in the rehabilitation of both humans and canines, with the dogs in their care going on to forever homes with fewer, if any, returns. Returns are the scourge of rescues and shelters everywhere, and these facilities are always looking for ways to reduce those numbers and keep pets in their adoptive homes.
Another way TSP fights the problem is through a pretty rigorous adoption process that cuts down significantly on returns. The need for support is incredible when you consider the number of abandoned, neglected, injured, and abused animals on the streets. Some of the folks and businesses that have helped them out include local gym Tucson Strength, which hosts the annual Lift Heavy, Love Dogs event coming up on January 18, where they help raise money and supplies.
The Sanctuary Project also has a number of celebrities that work with them to get canines off the streets, like singer/activist Noah Cyrus, TV personality Joe Gatto of Impractical Jokers, and Hey Violet guitarist Casey Moretato, just to name a few. They’re also an official partner with Tito’s Vodka now.
If you’re moved to get involved after reading this, Amy encourages people to really dig deep to determine what would be most fulfilling for them as well as what they are most capable of. Whether it’s fostering, adopting, contributing supplies, regularly donating funds, or volunteering in a multitude of ways, there are so many ways to help. Find what you love. She notes, “When we’re not overstretched, we’re more apt to keep at it, and the problem isn’t going away anytime soon, so the need is always there.”
One of the ways you can be of assistance is to get busy on social media. Like so many of us, you’re probably already following one or more shelters or rescues online. Amy suggests championing an animal by sharing it with as many people as possible until that animal is adopted. The power of social media is well-known at this point. Dive in and get creative. Think outside the box, and you’re bound to see results.
For more info on The Sanctuary Project, visit https://www.
