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Meet Uno: The Unexpected Beginning of Our Sanctuary’s Story
We always knew Boulderwood Animal Sanctuary would begin with a story—just not this soon, and certainly not like this. Uno arrived before the gates were ready, before the systems were polished, and before we felt “prepared.” But animals in need don’t wait for the perfect moment. They come when they need help, and we answer. Uno—a bearded dragon now safe in our care—was found abandoned in an empty apartment during one of Rhode Island’s coldest stretches of the season. The tenan
Elisha Zonfrilli
4 days ago2 min read


How nature helps me handle stress and anxious days.
Some days the world feels heavy —the to-do list, the noise, the expectations, the pressure we carry as moms, humans, and just… people trying to do our best. Nature is the one place that always brings me back to myself.The quiet of the trees, the rhythm of animal life, the feeling of cold air hitting my lungs—it's like everything inside me exhales. When I’m overwhelmed, stepping outside reminds me that life doesn’t need to be rushed.The birds aren’t hurried.The forest isn’t co
Elisha Zonfrilli
7 days ago1 min read


When I knew...
Animals have always been part of my story. In 2017, I became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and spent years working with small mammals — especially squirrels — through the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island. Rehab work is beautiful and meaningful, but it can also be emotionally draining and heartbreaking. A couple of summers ago, after losing a large group of squirrels to an untreatable illness, I found myself burnt out and questioning everything. That experience made me paus
Elisha Zonfrilli
Dec 12 min read


A Beginning Full of Hope (and chaos)
If you’re reading this, thank you — truly. Today I’m officially announcing the launch of Boulderwood Animal Sanctuary’s first fundraiser , and saying that feels both exciting and surreal. This little sanctuary idea started as a whisper — a dream born from compassion, heartbreak, healing, and a stubborn belief that animals deserve safety, dignity, and kindness. For years, I’ve helped animals quietly — first with domestic exotics like rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small compa
Elisha Zonfrilli
Nov 152 min read


Our First Milestone: Building Toward $10K
We’ve officially set our first big goal here at Boulderwood Animal Sanctuary — to raise $10,000 by April ! This milestone will help us begin building safe, comfortable enclosures and provide the foundation we need to welcome more rescued animals into our care. One of the very first projects within that goal is something close to our hearts — our Bunny Hut . Each spring, as Easter approaches, thousands of baby rabbits are purchased for children as holiday gifts. Sadly, within
Elisha Zonfrilli
Nov 32 min read


We're Official! Welcome to Boulderwood!
We are official, the website is live! Welcome to our sanctuary!
Elisha Zonfrilli
Nov 32 min read
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