Nestled amidst serene landscapes, Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue is far more than just a rescue—it’s a living testament to the power of trust, intuition, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. Founded by actress and animal advocate Dawn Olivieri, the sanctuary has become a haven for healing, not only for the animals it rescues but also for the people who come to experience its unique energy. From its humble beginnings as a dream of connecting humans with animals to its current mission of tackling wild horse cruelty on a national scale, Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue is a story of resilience, community, and hope.
Moon Mountain Sanctuary: A Journey of Rescue, Healing, and Hope
At the heart of Moon Mountain Sanctuary, there is a guiding belief that things happen for a reason, often in ways that can't be fully explained. The journey here was not a simple matter of searching on Zillow or relying solely on a divine plan. It’s been a beautiful blend of both—a mix of fate, intuition, and serendipity that continues to shape the sanctuary.
As Dawn Olivieri, founder of Moon Mountain, shares, creating the rescue wasn’t something she planned from the start. The vision grew from a desire to create a space where humans could heal with animals. Her early ideas were simple: bringing baby animals to hospitals or even running a petting zoo. But as she tried different paths, she was drawn more and more toward rescuing animals in need, and that’s when the horses arrived.
It was not a traditional decision-making process. Dawn trusted her intuition, listening for the "hits"—the moments when something felt right and she followed it without hesitation. One of the biggest surprises in her journey has been realizing that things rarely go according to plan. Instead, they unfold in unexpected ways. "I usually put the cart before the horse," she laughs, "but in doing it this way, I just follow my heart."
Horses, unlike goats or other animals, responded in a way that felt divine. Dawn’s connection to the animals she rescues goes deeper than just physical care. She listens to them, feels their energy, and even senses when a name fits. Whether it’s through the quiet of a passing conversation or an idea that appears in a text message, names for the sanctuary’s animals come naturally to Dawn when the moment feels right.
The Sanctuary's Role: A Symbiotic Energy
One of the most remarkable aspects of Moon Mountain Sanctuary is the energy that pervades the space. It's more than just a place for animals to be rescued—it’s an energetic base where both animals and people can come to heal. Dawn has noticed this energy flow, saying that it's palpable, something everyone can feel when they enter. The animals, too, respond. There are no problems with aggression; no one gets hurt. It's the magic of the space and the energy that guides it.
The sanctuary is not just about the animals. It's about people, too. The volunteers, the supporters, and the community all play a vital role in making it what it is today. Dawn sees it as a symbiotic relationship—everyone benefits from the shared experience. She hopes to expand this even further with plans to add cabins for visitors to stay and experience hands-on work with the animals. The idea is for the sanctuary to become self-sustaining, where the community not only helps rescue horses but becomes part of a larger healing process, benefiting from the work they do.
A Larger Vision: Saving Wild Horses
Dawn’s vision extends beyond the borders of Moon Mountain. While the sanctuary is an important part of her mission, the larger picture includes tackling the widespread issue of horse cruelty across the country. Dawn saw the problem and knew she had to do something, so Moon Mountain was born. But as she quickly learned, rescuing horses was not as simple as bringing them to the sanctuary. The sheer number of horses needing help far outweighed what any single sanctuary could handle.
With this realization, Dawn turned her focus to smarter, more sustainable solutions. She’s working on a new technology that will change the game for wild horse rescues, something she hopes to announce in May. This innovation, paired with efforts to pass the SAFE Act and change laws around horse auctions, will be a game-changer. Dawn’s efforts extend beyond the sanctuary to ensure the protection and proper treatment of horses across the country.
How You Can Help:
For those who can’t visit the sanctuary in person, there are still plenty of ways to get involved and help. Dawn emphasizes that support can come in many forms—whether it’s donating time, sharing posts on social media, or even sending a letter to legislators about the SAFE Act. Donations are, of course, always welcome, and every small contribution adds up to save lives. Moon Mountain relies heavily on crowdfunding to support the horses they rescue, and the community’s generosity makes it all possible.
"Collaboration is key," Dawn says. She believes in supporting other rescues, working together rather than in isolation. The power of a collective effort can bring about real change, and she’s always looking for ways to build bridges with others in the rescue community.
The Future of Moon Mountain Sanctuary
Looking forward, Dawn hopes to continue expanding Moon Mountain Sanctuary and its reach. She envisions more than just a place for rescued animals to find a home. She sees it as a hub of healing and learning—where people come to experience life on a rescue farm, where children can interact with animals, and where the community can be part of something bigger than themselves.
With dreams of expanding to a self-sustaining model that includes organic gardens, cabins for visitors, and educational clinics, Moon Mountain is on a path toward creating lasting change. But, for Dawn, the most important thing is the energy that flows through the land, the animals, and the people. And she is excited to continue working with those who feel called to be part of that energy.
As a partner with Keystone RV, Moon Mountain Sanctuary is also fortunate to have a beautiful mobile home base with the Montana 3901RK , which Dawn calls her "mansion on wheels." This home allows her to stay connected to her work while traveling, bringing the sanctuary’s message to new places and reaching even more supporters.
To stay up-to-date on everything happening at Moon Mountain Sanctuary and to support the cause, you can follow Dawn on Instagram at @dawnolivieri and the sanctuary at @moon_mountain_sanctuary. For more information on how to get involved, including volunteering and donations, visit Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue now.
Moon Mountain Sanctuary is a place where people and animals alike come to heal. It’s a living, breathing example of the power of trust, energy, and community. As Dawn continues to expand her efforts and rescue horses in need, she remains deeply committed to the vision of building a self-sustaining sanctuary that not only saves animals but also brings people closer to the healing power of nature. Through collaboration, innovation, and a lot of heart, Moon Mountain is making a difference—and you can be a part of it.
