American Humane

Nonprofit Charity

Tucked away on 10 acres of land about 30 miles from West Palm Beach is a new animal sanctuary where military veterans and service dogs can now meet, train and form an unbreakable bond. It has three human residences for the vets, and also will serve as a safe haven for animals rescued and in need of a forever home.

The American Humane Sanctuary came about “on one of those reflective days in the middle of the pandemic,” says Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO of the country’s first national humane organization and the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world.

A first-of-its-kind, the sanctuary will serve as a new national model for the Humane movement. The veterans and service dogs are paired through American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program which is running in eight states. So far, 191 veterans have been paired with dogs.

Dr. Ganzert, who is celebrating 12 years with American Humane in October, has been at the forefront of numerous animal and human-related programs around the world. She counts among them the annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards which recognizes canines who are heroes to their owners. Although nominations closed in March, voting is open through September 13 in seven different categories: service, guide/hearing, law enforcement and detection, military, therapy, search and rescue and shelter dogs.

“We have had so many incredible dogs over the years. All of the seven finalists are winners that represent the best of the human-animal bond,” says Dr. Ganzert. The winners will be announced during a star-studded gala in Palm Beach on November 11.

In 2020, American Humane released “Escape from Extinction,” an award-winning documentary narrated by actress Helen Mirren that shines a spotlight on efforts to save one million species on the verge of mass extinction. Dr. Ganzert, who served as executive producer, is now working on “Escape from Extinction 2.”

And, as Dr. Ganzert celebrates her 12th year with the organization in October, she also is set to release “Cooking with Compassion,” a series of recipes for home chefs to set a humane table every day of the year.

“I am very excited, it will be my first cookbook,” she says.

American Humane, South Florida Office, 251 Royal Palm Way, Palm Beach, 561-537-5887, americanhumane.org. 

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