Nominated by Mary Ann Jacob.

Sanctuary Animal Refuge is a not-for-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to the overall protection, care and conservation of animals. The sanctuary specializes in the rescue, care and placement of animals, and providing a life home for those animals that have been left behind and are not adoptable. Palena also specializes in the education of children in the community. She teaches and trains people how to properly care for animals through several programs offered at the sanctuary, including a "Work and Earn" program that allows children who cannot afford and do not treat their animals properly to do so. By spending time helping at the sanctuary they earn the right foods and medications to tend to their own animals as well as being taught the proper ways to feed, groom, handle and give basic care to the animals they work with at the shelter. Through the years I have seen Palena take many animals that were near death from sickness and nurse them back to health, even when the sanctuary was almost destroyed by a hurricane. To watch her work with and love each dog, cat, pig, horse and other animals brings such joy to a person's heart and tears to one's eyes.