Nestled in the lovely Baraboo Hills sits Jane’s Journey Home for Dogs—or simply “the farm,” as many affectionately call it. I spoke with Rachel, who has worked there since the non-profit was founded in 2021 and brings over twenty years of experience in animal welfare. She first met the owner, Larry Barton, through their church choir over a decade ago.

Larry told her about his late mother, Jane, who had entrusted him with fulfilling her dream of creating a sanctuary for aging and special-needs dogs—a place where they could live out their days surrounded by care and love, and when the time came, pass peacefully. After months of planning, fundraising, and sheer determination, Jane’s dream became real.

When I entered the barn’s entryway, Keeper, a large senior dog with kind eyes, greeted me. Rachel explained that Keeper’s owner had died unexpectedly, leaving no arrangements for him. In a traditional shelter, his chances for adoption would have been slim, and his stay stressful. Instead, here he was—tail wagging, eyes bright—welcoming me like an old friend.

Beyond the gate, the main room was bright and cozy, warmed by a wood-burning stove and filled with beds, blankets, and wagging tails. A few dogs slept peacefully, including Obama, a sweet, seventeen-year-old, three-legged Jack Russell. (If you read his backstory on the farm’s website, have tissues ready.) Most of the dogs, though, were awake and eager for attention.

When I asked Rachel what an average day looks like, she smiled. “Volunteers start as early as six,” she said. “We clean up, give the dogs breakfast, walk them, and, of course, give lots of love.” The farm hopes volunteers gain as much from the dogs as the dogs do—and it seems they do.

Michael, one volunteer, is in his eighties. Though he can no longer own a dog, he finds joy in visiting and comforting them. He told me about Timothy, a scrappy little dog rescued from the streets of Chicago. “I think I made his last year happy,” Michael said, his voice catching. When Timothy was diagnosed with advanced cancer and they knew it was time to put him down, the staff spent his final day outdoors, letting him sniff the grass, watch squirrels, and feel loved until the end. Michael later wrote Timothy a heartfelt letter thanking him for their time together.

Nearby, a coonhound mix named Sami barked a few times. Rachel explained that Sami had lost her bonded sister and was struggling. “We’re arranging for her to go into foster care,” she said. “She needs a new start—a place where she can heal.” Since she’s only ten, she’s also available for adoption. You can read about her on the farm’s website.

Before leaving, I spoke with Larry. He said he often wishes his mother could see what her vision has become. “She’d be very happy,” he said, his eyes soft as he looked around the farm.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m grateful for people like Jane Barton, her son Larry, Rachel, and all the volunteers who remind us that love doesn’t end—it multiplies.

If you’d like to help, Jane’s Journey Home welcomes volunteers and donations. Visit Jane’s Journey Home or their Amazon Wishlist. This season of giving, it’s a beautiful way to say thanks—by giving love forward.