Support our registered 501(C) (3) animal rescue charity in Picayune, Mississippi, USA

Details

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  Description

  Welcome to our registered 501(C) (3) Animal Sanctuary & Rescue!
  
  🌿 A safe haven for animals… and a breath of fresh air for humans, too.
  
  Hi! I’m Tracy, and I run a 40-acre animal sanctuary and rescue in southern Mississippi. The Animal Sanctuary & Rescue is a grassroots, boots-on-the-ground effort to give abandoned, neglected, and unadoptable animals the safe, peaceful life they deserve. We primarily care for dogs, but also provide sanctuary to cats, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, donkeys, and the occasional wildlife visitor.
  
  This isn’t a polished, high-budget nonprofit — it’s real, raw, and powered by love, sweat, and a lot of dog hair. I’m currently doing most of it alone, so I’m always grateful for helping hands from kind-hearted, animal-loving people who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty and pitch in.
  
  🐾 What You Can Expect:
  You’ll stay in a private bedroom with a full private bathroom inside the main house. There’s an inground swimming pool open April through November — night swimming in the summer is a favorite way to unwind. While we’re tucked away in a quiet rural area, we’re just an hour from New Orleans, Gulf Coast beaches, and casinos, making it easy to enjoy a bit of adventure on your time off.
  
  🌻 Who Thrives Here:
  This experience is best for people who are:
  Compassionate, respectful, and patient;
  Independent and self-motivated;
  Knowledgeable in basic infection-control practices and respectful of cleanliness in shared spaces — especially the kitchen. This includes proper handwashing, preventing cross-contamination, and keeping animal-use items and dirty farm clothes strictly separate from food-prep areas;
  EXPERIENCED with handling dogs of varying sizes and energy levels;
  Comfortable around dogs of all sizes, energy levels, and temperaments in singles or groups (we specialize in large breed, special needs, and harder to place dogs);
  OK with rural life, quiet nights, and the occasional barking chorus;
  Looking for purpose, peace, and maybe a little healing.
  
  I started this sanctuary after personal loss and have had some recent major life changes. Keeping it going has been a labor of resilience and love. If you’re looking to make a difference — and maybe reconnect with yourself in the process — this place might be just what you need.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Self development

  

  Pets

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Farming

  

  Events & social

  

  Charity work

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Books

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Beach
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  🌍 Cultural Exchange at the Sanctuary:
  While this may be a rural Southern farm, there’s nothing small about the heart behind it. I love connecting with people from all walks of life, and every Workawayer brings something new and beautiful to the mix. You’ll get a firsthand look at what it takes to run a grassroots sanctuary and the behind-the-scenes reality of animal rescue in the deep South.
  
  I also come from a background in health care and higher education — with experience in teaching and program administration in dental hygiene and health sciences. So if you're a student or recent graduate in health, education, or any helping profession, I'm always happy to share insight, mentorship, or even just real-world advice about burnout, balance, and the intersection of compassion and career. I’ve guided many students through both academic and life transitions — and love creating space for learning and growth. This experience might even offer you a new way to think about wellness — not just for others, but for yourself.
  
  You’ll have a chance to explore on your own and experience real Southern culture from farmer’s markets to small-town festivals, parades, antique shops, and community events. Depending on the season, there’s usually something happening nearby (Mardi Gras, anyone?) — and we’re only an hour from the music, food, and cultural richness of New Orleans. (Please note that I am typically unable to provide transportation, so plan to rent/bring a car if you want to explore the area. Public transportation is limited in and around Picayune. Ride share services like Uber are sometimes available but can be pricey.)
  
  I love learning about your background, your culture, your goals, and your stories. When time permits, I love to share some of my favorite foods and traditions from home in the Pennsylvania coal region. While I am not a born-and-raised southerner, you can expect to sample a few King Cakes and have the option to attend a parade with me during Mardi Gras season.
  
  Whether you’re looking for connection, healing, hands-on experience, or just a meaningful pause in your life, you’re welcome here — and I hope we both walk away changed for the better.

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  Registered charity

  This host is a registered charity in their country and is looking for volunteers to help with their project(s).

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  Help

  🐶 Your Role Here:
  Expect to get your hands (and clothes) dirty!
  Your daily help will include:
  Feeding and caring for dogs and farm animals;
  Cleaning kennels and chicken coop, mucking stalls, and tidying animal areas;
  Walking and socializing the dogs;
  
  Other tasks when time permits:
  General farm and property help (weeding, painting, organizing, cleaning);
  Assisting with prepping our farmstand;
  Help with social media, photography, DIY projects, or gardening.
  
  If you are merely looking for a place to stay on your way through, this may not be the right experience for you. I am looking for people that really and truly have a big heart for animals and want to help make a difference. There are anywhere between 1 to 6 dogs roaming the home at any given time, and more in our outdoor shelter. If you've been wanting to start and run your own animal rescue or sanctuary, I am more than happy to share my knowledge and experience.
  
  🌞 The Environment
  Southern Mississippi is beautiful — but also wild. Summers are hot, humid, and sticky, and there’s no shortage of bugs, spiders, snakes, and creepy-crawlies (most harmless, but worth mentioning if you’re squeamish). You’ll be working outdoors frequently, so bring weather-appropriate clothes and a good sense of humor. This is real farm life — not a curated retreat.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  German: Beginner
  Spanish: Beginner
  French: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I’m absolutely open to language exchange! I speak English and would be happy to help you practice while you're here. I’ve studied Spanish, German, and French in the past, so I’d especially love the chance to brush up on those — but I’m always curious to learn something new from any language. Whether you're fluent or just starting out, conversation over coffee, chores, or quiet evenings on the porch makes for a fun and natural way to learn from one another. Language is such a powerful bridge, and I love the connections it creates.
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  Accommodation

  🏡 Accommodation & Meals:
  Workawayers stay in a private bedroom with a full private bathroom inside the main house. The room is clean, comfortable, and quiet — a great place to relax after a day on the farm. You’ll also have access to shared spaces like the kitchen, living room, laundry area, and a swimming pool (open April through November). Night swimming in the summer is a favorite way to unwind!
  
  There’s also a TV in the bedroom and high-speed fiber optic Wi-Fi, so you can stream, work remotely, or stay connected as needed. We live in a safe, rural area with plenty of peace and privacy, but you’ll also be just an hour from New Orleans, Gulf Coast beaches, and casinos — perfect for a day trip. Also fairly close by are Alabama and Florida panhandle beaches, perfect for a weekend adventure.
  
  That said — this is very much an animal home. There are usually around 10 dogs living in the house, along with a parrot and two parakeets, so it can get noisy and lively during the day. If you're not comfortable around animals (especially dogs of all sizes and personalities) or have a fear of animals in any way, this isn’t the right fit. MUST love dogs — seriously. You’re even welcome to have a dog sleep in your room if you'd like a snuggle buddy — totally up to you!
  
  Meals are included. I’m happy to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets. I don't often get time to cook, so you're welcome to help yourself in the kitchen anytime. I message guests for dietary and food preferences so I can stock the kitchen accordingly prior to their arrival.
  
  Social drinkers are welcome, but please note that smoking and drug use are not allowed anywhere on the property. Cleanliness, respect for shared spaces, and open communication are all important here so everyone feels at home.

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  What else ...

  I ask for around 3–5 hours of help per day, five or 6 days a week, with plenty of flexibility depending on the weather, projects, and your energy levels. We can usually work out a schedule that gives you time to rest, explore the area, or even head into New Orleans or the nearby beaches on your days off.
  
  Quiet hours are typically from midnight to 7 AM, though I’m often a night owl myself — so a little late-night TV or quiet conversation is fine as long as everyone’s respectful.
  
  I prefer to host one Workawayer at a time, but will consider two people traveling together if they’re comfortable sharing a queen-sized bed or if one doesn’t mind using an inflatable air mattress in the same room. Just let me know your situation, and we’ll figure it out!
  
  🌦 Weather Considerations:
  We’re located in a hurricane-prone region, so during peak storm season (typically June through November), there’s always a small chance of needing to prepare for severe weather. I keep a close eye on forecasts, have emergency plans in place, and will always prioritize your safety and comfort. On the bright side, winters here are extremely mild — no snow, rarely below freezing, and usually quite pleasant, making it a great spot for a winter escape if you’re trying to avoid the cold!
  
  🚗 Transportation Options:
  The farm is located just outside Picayune, Mississippi, in a rural area — so having a car is definitely helpful if you want to explore independently. That said, there are a few ways to get around:
  
  Amtrak: The Picayune Amtrak station is just a short drive away. It’s on the Crescent line that runs between New York City and New Orleans, with daily service.
  
  Uber/Lyft: Ride-sharing apps are available in the area, but can be hit or miss and on the pricey side, especially late at night or in more rural zones — plan ahead when possible.
  
  Car Rentals: Renting a car from New Orleans (MSY Airport) is often the easiest option if you're flying in and want more flexibility.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  💻 Info for Digital Nomads: If you're a digital nomad looking to balance remote work with meaningful hands-on volunteering, this can be a great fit! The house has reliable high-speed fiber optic Wi-Fi, and your private room includes a desk and quiet space where you can work during your downtime. I’m flexible with scheduling — we can usually plan your help hours around any important meetings, deadlines, or time zone differences. Just keep in mind that while the Wi-Fi is fast, this is still a lively household with dogs and birds, so daytime noise can happen. If you're on calls or need silence for focused work, noise-canceling headphones can be helpful — or you can work during quieter times like early mornings or evenings. Communication is key, and I’m happy to make it work if you are!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  5 donkeys

  multiple cats

  chickens and ducks

  4 cows

  16+ dogs on site

  pigs

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