Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Rutherfordton, NC, Camp Patriot is more than just an animal sanctuary and rescue…it’s a place of healing, second chances and unconditional love. Dedicated to rescuing abused, abandoned and neglected animals, Camp Patriot offers a safe haven where creatures great and small can recover, thrive and live out their lives with dignity.
From Vision to Reality
Camp Patriot Animal Rescue & Sanctuary was not born from a single moment of inspiration but through years of conviction. Nick Jongebloed and Tara Ballard began fostering dogs in 2003, taking in one or two at a time. When they moved to a larger property, saying “no” to desperate requests became nearly impossible.
“Animal rescue had been on my vision board for more than a decade,” Nick recalled. “It wasn’t one lightning-bolt event, but a growing conviction. The real challenge hasn’t been animals – it’s human apathy. People say, ‘someone should do something,’ but very few step forward.”
Supporter and Community Engagement Coordinator for Camp Patriot Vania Elliot echoed Nick’s comment. “There are so many animals with no chance of adoption, living in a 5×5 kennel, which may be numbered depending on the shelter. Many people express interest in animal welfare but don’t actively support the organizations equipped to provide assistance.”
A Life Built Around Rescue
Alongside their rescue work, Tara is building her “American Shopping Club” business, while Nick balances investing with a W-2 job at Spectrum Internet. “Animals have always been at the center of our lives,” Nick said. “Though most of the work is funded out of our own pockets.”
Vania admires their commitment: “Nick and Tara are proof that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they’re willing to sacrifice for animals who can’t speak for themselves. They keep showing up even when the support isn’t there.”
A Mission in Three Phases
Camp Patriot’s vision extends beyond providing sanctuary:
- Food Supply Solution: After Hurricane Helene, Camp Patriot distributed tens of thousands of pounds of ASPCA-provided food to more than 25 shelters. They aim to continue beyond disaster relief.
- Purposeful Paws: Training large breeds for service and municipal work. “Daisy and Ruger, who were once on the euthanasia list, are now thriving, after being trained,” Nick said.
- Matching Dogs with Humans: Focusing on animals considered “less desirable.” With 5.8 million cats and dogs entering shelters in 2024 and more than 600,000 euthanized, the need is urgent.
“Every dream collides with the reality of apathy – people love the idea of rescue, but few show up with time or support,” Nick commented.
Vania added, “Programs like these could save thousands of lives, but they only work if the community invests. Even five or 10 dollars a month or a few hours of volunteering can make a real difference.”
Stories of Redemption
Camp Patriot has become a lifeline for animals with nowhere else to go. Nick recalled taking in Mia and Max, a bonded pair of Cane Corsos, whose owner was in hospice care. “It granted him peace knowing his babies would be cared for,” Nick said.
Another case involved Dave, a Great Pyrenees left homeless when his owner died suddenly. No local rescue would take him; animal control planned to euthanize. Instead, Camp Patriot gave him a second chance.
Vania reflected on cases like these and said, “For the animals, Camp Patriot is often the last hope. Without a place like this, they would have no chance at all.”
The Volunteer and Funding Gap
A typical day involves feeding, cleaning, rotating dogs for exercise and offering love. But, finding steady volunteers remains difficult. “People will visit for photos, but few want to do the hard work,” stated Nick.
The sanctuary spends more than $3,000 a month on food alone, with constant veterinary bills. Most expenses are self funded. “That’s the cruel irony. Programs to help often require $100,000 in charitable giving before you can even qualify. Small rescues get shut out of fundraising,” Nick said.
Vania put it bluntly: “We lose more rescues every year to burnout and financial strain. If communities don’t step in, these safe havens disappear, and the animals pay the price.”
Glimpses of Hope
Not all stories are heavy. Two Great Pyrenees mixes, Rusty and Chrome, once withdrawn and anxious, now wag their tails freely. “These are the success stories that keep us going. Seeing an animal regain trust, love and joy after neglect is powerful,” Nick stated.
How to Help
For Camp Patriot, sustainability hinges on consistent community support. “The best way people can help is through small, recurring donations at GiveSendGo.com/CPRescue. If even a fraction of people gave $5 a month, we could thrive,” commented Nick.
“Individuals who are passionate about animals can contribute in many ways – donating, volunteering or raising awareness online. Rescue work is possible when communities come together,” Vania said.
At its core, Camp Patriot is about standing firm for the forgotten. “Being able to rescue is never a challenge…it’s a blessing. The challenge is people. But, we’ll keep showing up for the animals, no matter what,” Nick said.
