Welcome

You are probably wondering why this rescue based in Oregon, WI is called Desert Willow…

Here is our story.

We were founded in Lubbock, TX in the middle of many Desert Willow trees. At the time it seemed like the perfect name for the roots we planted. However, our personal lives changed and we found ourselves moving to Wisconsin in a blink of an eye. 

While many people asked me at the time what our plan was for all the animals that were in our care, I always said the same thing: they are coming with us, of course. 

During a hot August of 2024, we recruited help to transport 25 dogs, 8 cats and 6 horses. Would I recommend this? No. Would I do it again? Absolutely. 

My name is Andrea and I am the founder of Desert Willow Ranch and Rescue along with my husband, Milos. I have been planning on building a rescue for the last 20 years or so and only now was I able to do so and here we are. 

We are not like many other rescues however. We choose the hard ones. The ones with no hope. The ones who come with many, many scars both emotional and physical. The ones who were left to rot, in both backyards and kill shelters. The ones who were left on the highway. The ones who have literally nowhere else to go. We take those and we try and show them love, life and that it’s ok to be a little broken. Nothing is unfixable. 

We also keep most of the animals on our property in a sanctuary. There is no time limit, no expiration date. If they stay here forever, then so be it. Wounds take time to heal and we understand that. But, our goal is to adopt out all of them to the right home.

This philosophy also goes for people. Many of us have things that we are working through and need just a little (or a lot) of help to do that. Desert Willow acts as a place where people can come to heal and have therapy with the animals. Sometimes just sitting with a dog in your lap or grooming a horse is what anyone needs. These animals have been through it and truly make the best listeners. 

Ultimately, Desert Willow is a place of hope. We want to be the place where both animals and humans can come and just be who they are, as they are. No expectations, no judgement. Just love. 

Come join us in our journey. Lets try and make this small part of the world a better place.