LARC was founded in 2009 by Lorin Lindner, PhD, a clinical psychologist and public health educator. Located in the mountains of Ventura County, California, LARC’s forested 20-acre facility with a 3,000-acre buffer offers sanctuary residents plenty of space to run free and be themselves. What began with one wolfdog named Wiley, who was rescued minutes before being euthanized (which is what happens to wolfdogs in shelters due solely to their wolf DNA), has now grown to a facility that cares ... Read More
LARC was founded in 2009 by Lorin Lindner, PhD, a clinical psychologist and public health educator. Located in the mountains of Ventura County, California, LARC’s forested 20-acre facility with a 3,000-acre buffer offers sanctuary residents plenty of space to run free and be themselves. What began with one wolfdog named Wiley, who was rescued minutes before being euthanized (which is what happens to wolfdogs in shelters due solely to their wolf DNA), has now grown to a facility that cares for nearly 100 animals, mainly wolves and wolfdogs. Many of these animals have been rescued from situations of abuse and neglect. We promote same-species companionship in large, outdoor enclosures. What’s more, we feed all of our carnivores without killing any other sentient beings. All of our food is donated through a landfill diversion program which puts to use surplus meat and produce that was destined to be thrown away.
LARC’s main program is Wolves and Warriors. In this program, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumas care for the wolves, wolfdogs, and other rescued animals at LARC. We provide them with an opportunity to heal and grow in this unique, back-to-nature environment. In addition to the therapeutic aspect of the program, enrolled veterans can also participate in our 150 hour certificate program in veterinary care which they can use to find full-time employment in animal care settings
Returning combat veterans have faced some of the highest unemployment rates ever and niche job skill development is crucial these days to secure permanent employment where disabled veterans can feel safe and comfortable. In our newly introduced program wounded heroes are immersed in nature, along with their fellow veterans, to learn unique job skills that will lead to a certificate in veterinary care they can apply in zoos, veterinary hospitals, animal preserves, and animal shelters while making a sustainable wage and with the prospect for growth.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our veterans to acquire an entirely unique skill set while once again being a part of a team working for a common greater good. They will be able to employ their military training while providing assistance with veterinary procedures under the guidance of licensed veterinarians and veterinary techs.
Disabled veterans desperately want to return to work that is meaningful, gives them back a sense of purpose, preserves their dignity, pays well - and is novel and exciting. Veterans throughout the nation who are seeking job training, skill development can join our certificated training program. After completion, the veterans have a greater likelihood of obtaining unique permanent employment opportunities in the animal care sector where they can earn a respectable wage and have the promise of advancement and independence.
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