Welcome to Xanadu!
Saving them All. One at a time.
We are a farm animal rescue, specializing in the rescue of abused, orphaned and neglected animals.
Our mission is simple: Saving them All. One at a time.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Tennessee...
lie the 95 acres of beautiful green pastures and wooded wildlife haven of Xanadu Animal Sanctuary. It is currently home to hundreds of free roaming wildlife critters and 22 rescued farm animals and dogs & cats.
Today, more than ever, animals are exploited and treated inhumanly for no real reason other than sheer greed. Animals serve us – as labor, as food, as clothing. The least we can do is serve them and provide them with a good life in return; not the factory farming conditions so many of them are exposed to.
Our mission is to provide sanctuary to these exploited animals. Xanadu is truly a magnificent exotic place-a safe haven for abused, neglected, undernourished or injured farm animals; and in addition, we are working towards credentialing for wildlife rehabilitation to open a future rehab unit to serve even more.
We have volunteer opportunities as well for those interested in Animal Rescue. We cannot change how their journey began or the suffering they endured, but we can teach them to trust again and offer them a safe place and all the time in the world to heal. It is our honor to serve them, and serve our mission—saving them all, one at a time.
~Shelley Wilkins
Executive Director
Join Our Team
We are always looking for help at Xanadu. Please click the link below to see our current job listings!
You don't have to donate money - there are other things you can do!
Xanadu Animal Sanctuary is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation. (EIN 83-0682348) Your donation is tax deductible. All donations will be used to further our mission.
If you would prefer to send your donation by mail, please print and complete this form (PDF) and send it to: Xanadu Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 25, Ethridge, TN 38456-0025. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Xanadu Animal Sanctuary.
Board Members
Shelley Wilkins
With a background education in zoology and a love for all animals, Shelley has dreamed of saving the animals since she was a kid. She studied Animal Science and Zoology at Berry College and Auburn University, but ultimately chose a degree and career in Accounting in the Healthcare Industry.
While completing her Master Degree in Accounting & Finance, and working full-time at Rockdale Medical Center, Shelley also opened a Pet Sitting business in 2000 to provide a much needed pet service in her local area in Covington, GA—what started out as a part-time hobby turned into growing business serving 400 clients over her 15 year reign as its owner.
In 2017, she relocated to a beautiful farm in the Amish country of Ethridge, TN in order to pursue her true passion full-time and create the safe haven these abused and neglected souls deserve. Shelley brings over 20 years of animal care experience matched with a strong community service ethic to care for the Animals of Xanadu in a professional, and most importantly, loving manner.
Her passion in her work and her compassion for the animals in our care are immeasurable, and we can’t wait to see how Xanadu flourishes under her leadership.
Victor Crawley
Victor Crawley is a southern gentleman who has always held a soft place in his heart for animals. Through the years he has had various pets by his side including dogs, cats, and rabbits. Currently, he is the proud father of three sweet rescue dogs: “BooBoo,” the Tibetan Spaniel--a crotchety senior citizen who eats up treats and belly rubs; “Oreo”--a free-spirited Phalene (dropped-ear Papillon) who loves to run and patrol the yard for squirrels; and “Miss Molly Tamale”-- a sweet Chihuahua mix who had a rough start in life, but thanks to Victor’s patience and encouragement and kind nature, she gradually emerged from her shell, learning to trust again.
Victor has been in the trucking industry for over 25 years. Despite the long hours, he still finds time to help others. He has always been a caretaker and often puts the needs of others before his own, which is why we are so lucky to have him serving on our Board. Family, friends, and co-workers know they can always depend on him at a moment’s notice. He has demonstrated his compassion for others by being a volunteer firefighter and a first responder in prior years, and now he is proud to be a member of the Xanadu team and continues his compassionate mission by making sure the animals entrusted to the sanctuary are given the care and love they deserve.
Judy Usry
After working as an Executive Assistant for 40 years, Judy is a retired business owner and has personal and professional ties to the Community serving in various charity events throughout the year. During her work tenure she served as the President of the IAAP, and as the Executive Assistant of a Hospital Foundation, working directly with its Board and the Hospital Authority board in a variety of fundraising and operational venues. Judy also worked closely with Shelley’s Crittercare Pet sitting part time for 5 years and took the opportunity of owning and operating it when Shelley handed over the reins to lead the Sanctuary. She is a big supporter of Animal rights and rescue, and an advocate for supporting local farmers over large conglomerates using Factory Farming methods. She works closely with Shelley on fundraising campaigns and Social Media updates and serves as an invaluable member of our team.
Frank McTier
Frank’s career background involves 45 years in the Arboriculture Industry; with the past 30 years in management positions, and now he is semi-retired. Currently residing in South Georgia, near his childhood home; he and his wife are in the process of building their family home and ranch on 19 acres, most of which is in Conservatory to allow native habitats of local animals to thrive.
Frank’s respect and care for animals began 19 years ago when April, his wife, brought home a rescue puppy from the pound in Ocala, Florida. Her name was Shotzie, and she has led him to believe all animals should be treated with dignity and love. Shotzie was one of the founding pets of Shelley’s CritterCare!
Frank brings a fresh perspective and amazing compassion to the Board, and he is looking forward to the opportunity for the continued growth of Xanadu and for animals receiving the care that they so deserve.
April McTier
April has a background in Administrative Management, working for Chamber of Commerce’s in the State of Georgia, as well as owning and managing her own company for Executive Assistance. For now, she and her husband Frank, have 8 Grandchildren and their sweet Kya, the cutest Siberian Husky.
Being around animals has always been a part of April’s life. Her Grandparents and Great Grandparents owned Dairy Farms, and from the beginning, she was taught to care and work with animals in a compassionate and loving manner. April and Frank are currently building and working to keep their Ranch as natural as possible to support & protect the native wildlife.
Being part of this extraordinary sanctuary is a natural fit for April. Not only can she provide administrative support, but she is an amazing sounding board for the growth and development of Xanadu Animal Sanctuary.
Cheryl Wallace
Cheryl Wallace is a lifelong animal lover whose house has always been home to rescue dogs and cats.
Currently she lives in Warner Robins, Georgia with her three fur babies Oreo, Miss Molly, and Sadie Mae. She works as an administrative assistant for a telecommunications company and enjoys cooking, quilting, gardening, and birdwatching in her spare time.
In the past, she has volunteered with animal rescues and has always advocated mandatory spay/neuter legislation to reduce the number of unwanted animals in shelters. She strongly believes that high quality, low cost spay/neuter programs should be readily available to pet owners. Cheryl believes that all animals should be treated with compassion and respect.
She is excited and proud to be involved with Xanadu in its mission to provide permanent homes for a wide variety of animals! We are so lucky to have her.
Financials
Xanadu Animal Sanctuary is 100% DONOR FUNDED!
Xanadu Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, committed to rescuing orphaned, abused, and abandoned livestock & domestic animals. We solely rely on individual donations, and every $1 goes directly to their care.