A Safe Haven
Haven of the Heart is an animal sanctuary located on a farm near Palgrave, Ontario, Canada. It is a safe haven for a menagerie that includes dogs, cats, horses and a variety of domestic animals and fowl, all under the watchful eye of Ursula Hart, founder and guardian of the sanctuary.
Haven of the Heart is a registered charity and depends in the main on the generosity of adoptive families and other concerned animal lovers. We are grateful to those who have either offered a forever home to one of our waifs or who have supported the care of our waifs via a financial contribution (donate online).
Blessings and love to all from the Haven Waifs and their humble keeper,
Ursula Hart
gary higgins said,
June 10, 2010 at 11:29 pm
hi ursula
thanks for all your good works
i’m writing on behalf of a close friend
she’s adopted a cat, 3 – 4 yrs old,
the previous owner passed , cancer
the new owner is very old
she complains, the cat is very needy, over affectionate
and she [ the present owner], is not available enough for her
she would like to find a better home for her
can you help ?
pauline, the present owner, doesn’t have email
is it possible for her to reach you by phone or regular post?
or you can communicate with me, for the present
the cat, “mittens”, is well behaved
jackie mccullough said,
June 30, 2010 at 4:02 pm
we adopted a dog from you in probably 1986, a black wolfhound /lab about 6 months old. she was the best dog anyone could ever ask for, died at the age of nearly 16 years. wanted to tell you that you are doing a great job and there should be more people in this world like you. we now have 6 cats…all strays that i’ve taken in and 2 dogs from a rescue.
i always say that you can tell what a person is like from how they treat an animal.
Peter Kovach said,
January 13, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Jackie, we too adopted a dog black wolfhound/lab in roughly 86. i think it was the sister to the dog you had. she also was the same as yours the most gentel dog that ever lived and as yours she lived to 16 years. i think ursala’s love for these animals is the reason. just though i would share that with you.
katrina beverly horchover said,
July 14, 2010 at 12:07 pm
hi there ursala , i dont believe u would remeber me , but i came up a few times with my grandfather Lorne horchover and Merve meleski , i just was looking through the website and i want to tell u that i hope soon , i will be adopting some dogs , i have put some messages out through my own facebook page to get people interested in adopting from you , but anyways i just want to wish you good luck in adopting out your animals , and i hope to see you soon ,
sincerly katrina horchover.
Merv Meleski said,
July 21, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Hi Katrina Horchover…We’re Merv and Marg Meleski, your grandad’s good friends and co-volunteers working at the Haven for the animals. Ursula is tickled pink to see such a nice message from you and remembers you well…just like the old ‘chip off the block’, like Lorne, she thinks. She can’t e-mail back (her internet resources are limited) but wants to thank you very much. All the best to YOU.
katrina beverly horchover said,
July 21, 2010 at 10:30 pm
hello my dear Merv , and Marg I missing you very much , I do hope all is well with you , and I would love to contiinue working at haven, with you and like my grandfather used to do , unfortunately I do not own a vehicle or an appropriate liscence , but when I can eventually get that , i will be up there vollunteering. Just the same as I worked on the lions club barbeques, Once again I hope all is well with you.
sincerly ,: Katrina Horchover.
jean gallus said,
August 2, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Dear Lisa,
I would like to visit your farm,but I need directions,because I live in South Ajax Ontario.
I would appreciate your help
Thank You Jean
Gordon Doig said,
August 5, 2010 at 3:39 pm
We adpted a German Shep (long haired) about 13 years back. What a wonderful friend Dar was, I have to say he was the most loyal, regal, nobel and loving dog I have ever had in my life, came with a lot of baggage due to his life experiences. He was gentle and fun loving with our cats and various other family members including, a baby squirrel and injured pigeon.
Thank you for the gift of our journey with him Ursula
Monica Reynolds said,
August 7, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hi Ursula,
I just looked at your website and it is absolutely wonderful,
sorry to hear about your illness..I hope you are feeling better and also to see the upset and worry regarding your Mum, I sincerely hope that she is feeling alot better too………….I lost my Mum 5 years ago, I don’t know whether you remember her as my parents lived with me on Coxwell Avenue,
I would love to hear back from you as I need to go over something with you regarding helping to raise some money for the Sanctuary………….
I loved the photographs on your website, the animals look so gloriously happy
hope to hear from you soon,
Monica (from coxwell ave Toronto)
is Bernice still doing o.k.?
Monica Reynolds said,
August 7, 2010 at 12:37 pm
BTW, I have Zehrs tapes accumulated that I can send to you…….is it just Zehr’s and Canadian Tire money that you accept?
where do I send the tapes?
Loretta said,
August 7, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Hi Ursula,
A mutual friend, Monica, gave me your website. I helped out a local rescue when she came upon 6 kittens and a very young Momma. She had no room for them, so I told her I would keep them until they were weaned from their Momma. They are now 14 weeks old, and have no shots on them, and no where for them to go. I don’t want to put them in a regular rescue because they are all kill shelters.
Can you help?
I really appreciate what you are doing for these wonderful animals. Myself and Monica ( she lived on Coxwell Ave. near Bernice, the elderly lady that rescued animals ) plan on helping your Sanctuary in the very near future. Monica owns and operates an antique store as well as a flea market. We plan to put a table up with items to benefit your work.
Thank you for your consideration of these kitties and their Momma.
Loretta
Adrienne Flanagan said,
August 21, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Hi Ursula
my name is Adrienne and I am the owner of an approximately 8yr old cockatiel named Harry.
Harry landed on my shoulder 7 years ago while I was walking to work. I had never owned a bird before but being a bleeding heart I decided to keep him. Thinking with my heart and not my head. Harry has never really taken to me, he seems very fond of men in particular, but I have tried to bond to no avail. We have other
pets in the home along with a 3 yr old boy and another on the way. I don’t feel I am giving harry the life he needs. I haven’t for sometime. I feel guilt keeping him and guilt at the thought of giving him away. He is becoming increasingly antisocial, doesn’t like to come out of his cage, probably due to the lingering cat and the toddler banging his cage. I can’t bring myself to just drop him off at any old shelter, especially since to the THS scandal. If you have room at your shelter I would be happy to donate monthly to cover the cost of his care until he is adopted. If not perhaps you may know of a bird lover that can give this little fellow the lifestyle he deserves?
Thank you for your time.
Monica Reynolds said,
August 22, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Hi Adrienne,
I was talking to Ursula and she tells me that she does not go onto this site very often, her computer is very old and I don’t think it is working at the moment,
you may need to reach her by phone………….
also you may like to try this rescue…………..http://www.parrotadoptontario.com/
I hope you don’t mind me answering your email but I did not want you to think that Ursula ignored your letter,
Monica
Adrienne Flanagan said,
August 22, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Thank you so much for the info on the parrot rescue, I have sent them a message about Harry. I tear up at the thought of doing this but I know in the long run he will be better off.
Loretta said,
August 23, 2010 at 10:29 am
Hi Adrienne,
|Good luck placing Harry… Don’t feel bad. If you can’t provide everything he needs, I know there is someone out there that can. Life sometimes puts us in a position where living with someone else is better for them, and you are a good person to recognize this, and do the right thing for the animal.
God Bless !!!
Loretta
Darryl said,
November 1, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Hi,
Your name was referred to me by a fellow cat lover. In April of this year, my uncle died and left behind nine cats. They were extremely well cared for and for the past seven months I have looked after them in his house. Unfortunately we have been unable to find homes for the cats and the time has come to sell the house. I am only going to surrender them to the Humane Society as a last resort and am hoping you will be able to help to house them or to help find a home.
Thanks
Darryl
Monica Reynolds said,
November 7, 2010 at 11:21 am
Hi,
You will not be able to reach Ursula by computer as hers is not working,
you will need to phone her OR there is also the TORONTO CAT RESCUE, you can find them if you do a Google search, they are fantastic……………………….good luck with your kitties,
Monica
Jacqui Gierczak said,
November 15, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hi there!!
The student council of St. Simon Stock have collected Canadian Tire Money for you. Would you like us to send it to you or would you like to come to our school with one of your “animal guests” to visit us?
We have collected just under $275.00. We love your work and believe that you are making a difference.
Your Friends at
St. Simon Stock Elementary School, Mississauga, Ontario
Monica Reynolds said,
November 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Hello,
I am responding on behalf of Ursula,
her Mum is back in the hospital and things are very hectic,
could you forward the Canadian Tire Money directly to her address?
Haven of the Heart
1230 Conc 7
R.R. # 1
Palgrave,
On L0N 1P0
phone # 905 – 936 – 3055
she thanks you so much for this,
pls contact her in futire by phone or her address as she does not check the website often as her computer is down,
thankyou
Monica
Pati Habermann said,
January 17, 2011 at 6:02 pm
Hi Ursula
You probably don’t remember me I am Cathi Richardson’s sister, we’ve met a few times. She sent me a link to your website and suggested I may be able to help you with your computer woes. Could you use a free fairly new working computer? What do you use a computer for? Do you have wireless? Cable, dial up etc…
Please contact me by email and I will give you my phone number so we can talk. I cannot volunteer any other way as I am not living near you and I work a lot of hours but I would also be willing to help you with anything that requires design, layout, graphics..etc as I do graphic design including web design and newsletters, business cards in my spare time.
Please let me know if you need my assistance.
Pati
Monica Reynolds said,
January 19, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Hello,
I am responding on behalf of Ursula,
Ursula does not check this site all that often so can you contact her at 905 936 3055
I keep an eye on her emails so that she does not miss any
thanks,
Monica
Liz Adams said,
February 13, 2011 at 8:12 pm
I didn’t know this site existed until Ursula mentioned it in a recent Newsletter. I had a little trouble actually finding Haven of the Heart, but I did. Our family adopted a male terrier-poodle-beagle from the Haven back in 1988 and he was the joy, love and entertainment of our lives until 6 years ago when we had to send him to Doggie Heaven. He even battled cancer during the same time as my mother was fighting breast cancer! And both of them were winners! Almost 3 years ago now, we agreed to ‘foster’ a large dog and 2 cats from Kentucky until their owner got settled in Canada — sadly, we had to say farewell to Dash very unexpectedly in early January, but the cats (a brother and sister) are still with us and we do believe this will be their forever home now as we love them dearly. We took several boxes of bedding/blankets up to Ursula some months ago, and she hasn’t changed over the years – nor has the farm. The animals are all wonderful and we only wish we could either take them all home, or help find good forever homes for them!
Annabelle Delorme said,
March 3, 2011 at 4:44 pm
I just want to say Hi and to know if you like the pictures that I sand you.
Take car of you and give a big kiss to all the animals
Annabelle Delorme
Rudy said,
March 6, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I don’t know if you will remember me, but I came to visit last December, just before Christmas. I think you mentioned then that you could possibly use the services of a groomer that is willing to come on site. I may have someone willing to come out on Mondays, as this is the only day of the week she is free.
Do not worry about cost.
In this regard, would you please let me know which Monday would be convenient for us to come out to the site so she can see the place, scope the work area and discuss this further with you ?
I also have some things I would like to give you, that I think you might find useful and helpful at the site.
I called a number of times but have not been able to reach you, just to see how things are going at the haven and how you and your mom are doing.
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Take care and warmest regards
Rudy
Barb Sheppard said,
March 11, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Hi Ursula,
Do you still have Celina? How old is she, and does she have any medical concerns or is she on reg medication? I have one 13 or 14yr old cat at home, a sweet but loud burmese. We lost her (adopted) brother – a gorgeous cat – 6 months ago to cancer, and my beloved Golden Retriever 2 years ago to same disease, and I spent somewhere between $5-6,000 diagnosing and treating both of these beautiful pets until there was nothing more that could be done. So I am interested in another dog, but can’t afford huge medical bills as I’m still paying off the bills from the Small Animal Hospital at the U Of Guelph.
Martha Huska said,
March 15, 2011 at 6:13 pm
I have desperately been trying to reach Ursula by phone. My former husband has had to give our two 8-year-old Shar Pei dogs up to Toronto Animal Services, as he is no longer able to care for them due to illness & depression. I cannot have them where I live, and I am absolutely devastated and at my wits end … I can’t just leave them at the shelter but have no where to turn. I was given Ursula’s name and number by a friend, and am wondering if there is any way she could take Clementine & Seymour in and try to find them a good home. I live in Newmarket and would like to also speak to Ursula regarding possible volunteering at her place and I would definitely be a regular donor to the cause, now that I know of her work. Ursula, could you please call me at 647-385-2219, or 905-731-2291 (Work). Thank you so much.
georgia passer said,
April 3, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Please call me. I have an American Stafford and he needs a good home. My son can not look after him. He has had all shots. 416-791-8433
Laura said,
April 10, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Hello,
Your animal sanctuary has been very highly recommend to me. We have a 5 year old cocker spaniel who we can no longer care for. We are very concerned about his quality of life after he leaves us. We are hoping that you would accept him. I have called a couple of times and left messages. Please let me know, we need to find him a safe place as soon as possible!
Thank you.
Venessa said,
April 13, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Please help me… I rescued two cats from off my street in Bolton 1.5 mths ago.They are both female, and are in heat. I have a new baby, and cannot afford to get them fixed. They dont belong to anyone in my area. I dont want anything bad to happen to them as Im an animal lover, but Im pulling my hair out with stress, from the spraying!!!!! Please help me!
Tina said,
April 24, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Try Toronto Cat Rescue, they helped me immensely with the same thing. Look them up on the google.
Joe Pirasteh said,
September 3, 2011 at 2:34 am
Torontonians, act now help end puppy mill misery…
Send a brief email to your councillor supporting Councillor De Baeremaker’s Sept 26 bill to ban sale of dogs/cats in petstores. These animals come from horrific puppy and kitten mills. Passage of the bill will be a watershed victory for animals.
To find your councillor: http://www.toronto.ca/council/councillors.htm
pl cc: mayor_ford@toronto.ca and councillor_debaeremaker@toronto.ca
Diana Pawlowski said,
October 3, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Hi:
You don’t know me, but I used to volunteer at the Brampton Thrift Store until it closed down and Merv Meleski took the two store cats to your sanctuary many years ago. I live in Mississauga and have been looking after the stray cats in my area for about 6 years. At present I have accummulated 10 cats in my home which people have abandoned and am feeding an additional two feral cats outside. It is become overwhelming as I cannot get any of these cats adopted and no one will foster them. I have called the shelters and they advise they are full. Would your sanctuary be willing to take 1 or 2. If not, could you direct me to someone that might be willing to foster a couple of cats. Any imput or assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Diana
cc said,
October 20, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Hi Ursula
u won’t remember me but i was a friend of the Late Tony Merrit (+ his Boxer). ur name came up when i was talking to a cat rescue group. i said i knew of you, but did not know u personally. but i did know someone to volunteered years and years ago for you. we talked about you briefly and i said i don’t even know if she even exists anymore? so i am just dropping a line to say hello and hope this note finds you well. +thank you!
gary higgins said,
October 26, 2011 at 10:50 am
is there a cat rescue somewhere?
Tina said,
October 27, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Toronto Cat Rescue
Trisha Urquhart said,
November 1, 2011 at 10:52 am
Hi Ursula,
This is trisha, Richard’s wife. Wondering if you can post a photo of the dog you were wanting Richard to take home and can you tell me what type of dog it is?
Trisha
sarah said,
November 18, 2011 at 7:11 pm
hi Ursula,
this is one of the students that came to help you for volunteer hours.
you are one of the most kind people i know to take in these animals and wanted to let you know that you really inspired me and i thank you for what you are doing for these animals
Madison said,
November 24, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Ursula,
My family and I have adopted several pets from you over the years including Aoife, husy mix, and Sarah, bordercollie lab. Although both have passed away they were the best behaved most loyal pups.
They made my childhood/teenagehood genuinely special. My fondest memories are visiting your farm and watching as Aofie and the other puppies busted out from under the chicken coop.
I’m so glad to see you are still doing your amazing work.
Thank-you.
Madison Trusolino
Jamie Page said,
February 2, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Back in 1995 my family adopted out dog ‘Brandy’ a 9 month old Border Collie, Sheltie mix. She was the best dog ever, she was so docile, loving and is the reason many of my friends and neighbors are no longer scared of dogs. Brandy lived 17 years and passed away in this summer. I wanted to thank Haven of the Heart for rescuing Brandy from the Pound all those years ago, so I was able to grow up with such an amazing dog!!
gary higgins said,
April 8, 2012 at 10:24 pm
hi ursula
i’ve inherited a pom, jack russel [ 15% ] mix
he’s 7 & he’s been beaten & abused, previous owner
he’s afraid of all new comers, & other dogs
any tricks to help him adapt quicker,,
maria said,
April 14, 2012 at 11:24 am
Your life may have gone to the dogs, and cats and sheep, and blind horses but your heart has definitely come to us.
maria said,
April 14, 2012 at 11:30 am
I hope one day you meet my friend Clark Lungren and all he has done for the wildlife in West Africa including the Elephants.
Kelly Tunney said,
April 25, 2012 at 2:26 pm
Hi Ursula I adopted a wonderful Shepherd/Collie X from you in 1985. Casey was a wonderful loyal companion until she was 13 when she passed away. I am so happy to hear that you are still helping so many animals and really enjoy reading the messages left by other families who also had the wonderful oportunity to adopt from you.
Now that I know you are still helping so many animals I will refer you on to anyone I know who is looking to adopt or rescue.
Kelly
Carolyne said,
May 16, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Do you know of anyone who can rehabilitate a 4 week old baby racoon anywhere from Toronto up to the Muskoka area? I hate the thought of taking the baby to a center that is going to euthanize it.
Monica Reynolds said,
May 20, 2012 at 11:08 am
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 705) 732-6368
there may be some wildlife sanctuaries in the Barrie area, just spoke to Wings which is our sanctuary here in Leamington and they are running at full capacity!
Susanne Hogarth said,
May 19, 2012 at 9:23 pm
i Ursula I came about 2yrs ago with my son and we got Samson an orange cat who was a stray had a broken hip we got him as company for Max his Golden retreiver Sam needs a new dog Max got cancer.