Ralphy’s Retreat animals need some summer-time TLC

Rescued animal cools off during heatwave at Ralphy's Retreat Sanctuary. Fri., July 3, 2026. PHOTO: Ralphy's Retreat Sanctuary

The owner of Wyevale’s Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary is waving a white flag during the heatwave.

Ralphy’s Retreat is home to 110 rescued farmed animals, many of whom are elderly, living with disabilities, or have ongoing medical needs. While many people can seek relief indoors with air conditioning, Ralphy’s shelter relies entirely on staff and volunteers to help them stay safe through dangerous weather.

“This week has been one of our most challenging yet. We have had multiple animals showing signs of heat stress, requiring constant monitoring and immediate intervention,” said Shannon Leguizamon, founder, Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary.

“Our volunteers have been working around the clock, often from sunrise until well after dark, rotating animals through shaded areas, filling pools and water stations, setting up fans and misters, offering cooling treats, and checking every animal repeatedly throughout the day and night. We are exhausted, but the animals always come first,”

One of our biggest challenges is that our climate-controlled barn renovation is still incomplete. Until it is finished, we are creating makeshift stalls and temporary spaces so our most vulnerable residents can benefit from the cooler environment, Leguizamon said.

Rescues operate on very limited budgets before extreme weather events became so frequent. Every heat wave brings increased costs for electricity, water, fans, bedding, medical supplies, and infrastructure, while also demanding countless additional volunteer hours.

Despite the challenges, we remain committed to every animal who calls Ralphy’s Retreat home. They have already survived neglect, abandonment, or difficult circumstances before arriving here. They deserve comfort, safety, and dignity, especially during extreme weather.

“If there is one message, we hope people take away, it is that community support truly makes the difference. Whether it’s volunteering a few hours, donating supplies such as watermelons and fresh produce, contributing toward our barn renovation, sponsoring an animal, or making a financial donation, every act of kindness helps us continue providing the care these animals depend on,” she said.

To that end, Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary is hosting a night filled with laughter, wonder, and unforgettable memories.The evening of July 25 at 7 p.m. begins by visiting the sanctuary and meeting the animals.

Then enjoy a Magic & Juggling show featuring incredible tricks, balloon animals, face painting, plenty of laughs, and family-friendly entertainment.As daylight fades, grab your lawn chairs or blankets as we settle in beneath the stars for an outdoor showing of Chicken Run.

Snacks will be available for purchase throughout the evening, including popcorn, drinks, and tasty treats – cash only.

Visit Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary at 39 Darby road, Wyebridge. Tickets are $10 per person or buy online.