Organization
Lockwood Animal Rescue Center
TL;DR
A Frazier Park, California sanctuary where combat veterans recovering from PTSD care for rescued wolves and wolfdogs. Home of the Warriors and Wolves program.
The Lockwood Animal Rescue Center sits on 20 acres in Frazier Park, California, surrounded by protected wildland. Founded in 2009 by clinical psychologist Lorin Lindner, it gives a permanent home to wolves, wolfdogs, coyotes, foxes, horses, parrots, and other animals rescued from illegal breeding operations, roadside zoos, and shelters that would otherwise have to euthanize them.
Its Warriors and Wolves program brings in combat veterans working through PTSD to handle the animals' daily care. The sanctuary calls it reciprocal recovery. The animals arrive traumatized too, and the trust that grows between animal and veteran helps both. Veterans also get practical job training in animal care and emergency response.
Why OGSP Recommends It
This is the sanctuary our film is about. The Warriors and Wolves program, the veterans, and the wolfdogs all live here, and the sanctuary runs on donations. If the film stayed with you, this is the place to support.
Featured In
Ways To Get Involved
Donate (monthly or annual support keeps the animals fed and cared for), join the mailing list, or, for veterans, come out for a veteran volunteer day. Details at lockwoodarc.org.
Key Takeaways
- Wolfdogs can't be released to the wild and can't live as pets, so sanctuary is the only humane option. LARC gives them permanent homes.
- The Warriors and Wolves program is reciprocal recovery. Traumatized animals and veterans with PTSD learn to trust each other, and both heal.
- The founders want the breeding to stop, and support legislation that would make wolfdog ownership illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center?
A sanctuary in Frazier Park, California that rescues wolves and wolfdogs bred for domestic life, and gives combat veterans recovering from trauma a place to work and heal.
What is the Warriors and Wolves program?
The center’s veterans program. It offers paid work caring for the rescued animals, along with job skills and coordination of care.
Who founded the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center?
Clinical psychologist Lorin Lindner and Navy veteran Matt Simmons, the couple featured in the Animal Planet series Wolves and Warriors.
Does the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center only rescue wolves?
No. It takes in wolfdogs and other animals bred for domestic life, and it also works to protect wolves in the wild.