The Marley Pet Sanctuary is a peaceful pet sanctuary nestled in Canon, Georgia, just a few miles from Hartwell. Though we are a small, private pet sanctuary that opened our doors in 2025, our vision is big: to rescue, heal, and nurture pet in desperate need.
At the Marley Pet Sanctuary, we give last-chance animals a fresh beginning. Through rescue, natural nutrition, holistic healing, and gentle, compassionate training, we ensure that every animal here is safe, cherished, and treated like family. Our sanctuary may be modest in size, but it overflows with love, patience, and heart.
Some of our animals are ready for adoption. While they have a safe and loving home here at the sanctuary, finding them the perfect forever family opens space for another soul in need.
The name Marley is a tribute to our beloved cat boy Marley who recently crossed the rainbow bridge. He was the gentle leader of our cat family, a steady, loving presence — and his spirit will forever live in our hearts.
Age: 6.5 years
Neutered male
Rescued in February 2026
Gwinnet Animal Shelter, GA
Jovi came to us on February 17. At the shelter they called him “Sausage,” a nickname that never fit his gentle soul. To us, he looks like a sweet little Winnie-the-Pooh. For a long time, he was overlooked — no adoption interest, no second glance — perhaps because his needs felt overwhelming.
Jovi had a few pounds too much. Years of little exercise and poor nutrition led to dental issues, painful dermatitis, overweight and inflamed joints.
But healing has already begun. He has decompressed beautifully from shelter stress and shows his true nature.
Age: Unknown
Neutered male
Rescued in October 2024
Dallas Animal Shelter, TX
Dakota is a giant, purebred Siberian Husky — part gentle giant, part fluffy comedian, and 100% stubborn in the most Husky way possible. He’s well-trained, walks politely on the leash, and shows off his obedience skills like a pro (when he feels like it, of course).
But life wasn’t always this good for Dakota. When he first arrived, the emergency vet discovered double pneumonia, a serious upper respiratory infection, and several broken ribs — all signs of the abuse he’d endured.
Age: 5 years
Spayed female
Rescued in December 2024
Palm Valley Animal Shelter, TX
Shelby is the ultimate mix of zoomies and cuddles — a speedy, agile girl who’ll fetch a ball like a pro, then plop on the couch for snuggles like it’s a full-time job.
Surrendered as a puppy in a South Texas shelter, Shelby spent over 3 years among 400+ dogs, waiting for someone to see her sparkle.When the shelter ran over capacity in December 2024, she landed on the euthanasia list — until I, with an amazing team of volunteers, whisked her to safety.
Age: 8.5 years
Neutered male
Rescued in December 2021
Dekalb Animal Shelter, GA
Rusty is an 85 lb mix of Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. His absolute favorite things are nature walks, swimming, and obedience training.
Rusty is an incredibly fast learner, and his training performances are nothing short of impressive — a true testament to the intelligence and drive of his breeds.
Rusty is the unquestioned leader of our pack and was the very first to join our family.
Age: 11 years
Spayed female
Rescued in August 2025
Hall County Animal Shelter, GA
Would you believe this beautiful girl was surrendered to the shelter… twice?
But Sam made it out! She arrived as a senior who “just wanted a soft bed.” Oh, mighty, was that ever an understatement. At 10 years old, a little under the weather, she was quiet at first. But after just a few weeks of nature walks and fresh healthy food, Sam transformed.
Sam’s golden years? Just getting started!
Age: unknown
Spayed female
Rescued in October 2023
Dallas Animal Shelter, TX
When we first saw the sad eyes of a small white Husky in the overcrowded shelter, we knew we had to get her out. The trip was long, and we had to plead with the shelter for just two days to make it happen and save her from euthanization. Brie arrived in Dallas only an hour before the deadline, and Pearl was tired and groggy from her spay surgery.
Overjoyed to finally have her, we set off on the 1,000-mile journey home. Somewhere along the way, at a rest area in Mississippi, they took a nap in the back of my car with Pearl — a little smelly, a little sleepy — cuddled up next to Brie. That quiet moment became pure magic.
Age: 9 years
Spayed female
Rescued in December 2024
Palm Valley Animal Shelter, TX
Diyani the gentle soul went through an early life of confinement in a breeding operation, producing litter after litter, until she was finally abandoned and ended up in a shelter. She spent 200 days there, unnoticed and ignored, ultimately landing on the euthanasia list. But through the dedication of a team of local rescue partners, Diyani embarked on a 28-hour journey from Southern Texas to Georgia, finally escaping her past
Age: unknown
Spayed female
Rescued in December 2024
San Antonio Animal Shelter, TX
Aiyana was a small German Shepherd with a big heart and a genius brain. She came to us with severe medical issues after being picked up as a stray and brought to the San Antonio Shelter, where they didn’t give her a chance.
Despite her challenges, Aiyana is a happy, active girl that enjoyed her new life at the sanctuary. Aiyana had a kidney failure and crossed the rainbow bridge in January 2026. She will always be in our heart.
Age: Unknown
Neutered male
Stray intake in January 2025
Hartwell, GA
Riley showed up one cold winter day with his friend Rouby, and let’s just say—he wasn’t exactly the “pick-me-up” type. Shy and cautious, he kept his distance until a few good meals melted his icy attitude.
We’ll never forget his first time inside—he saw a dog and nearly jumped out of his fur! Fast forward to now: he struts through the kitchen like he owns the place, brushing past dogs as if they’re invisible.
Riley always dreamed of being a house cat, and he’s nailed it.
After all, nature’s his realm—but home is his heart.
Age: Unknown
Spayed female
Stray intake in January 2025
Hartwell, GA
Rouby came with Riley as a stray, but she was the boss who taught him trust.
She marched in like she owned the place—and nobody claimed her, so we said, “Welcome to the family!”
Soon, surprise: a springtime kitten explosion! Once the babies were weaned, Rouby got spayed and finally earned some chill time. Watching her mothering skills, we realized she’s a tiny hero.
Still, she loves her neighborhood strolls—always confident she can waltz back right on time for dinner.
Age: 1 year
Spayed female
Rescued in September 2025
Polk County Animal Shelter, GA
Meet sweet Joelene, the little cat who looks like she’s wearing white socks.
She was on the euthanasia list with 19 other cats, mostly kittens, and had no one because she was shy and scared.
But at the sanctuary, she quickly found her courage—and friends! After four weeks, she bravely stepped outside for the first time. Now she loves chasing butterflies with her fearless buddy Ivy, Rouby’s adventurous daughter. When it comes to snugging she always watches out for Rosie. These three have a strong bond.
Joelene mostly enjoys the cozy indoors, but she treasures her daily outdoor adventures filled with curiosity and joy.
Age: 1 year
Spayed female
Born here in May 2025
Hartwell, GA
Meet Ivy, the spirited daughter of Rouby and Riley!
She inherited her brave heart from mama Rouby and the stunning color pattern and smooth personality from daddy Riley.
From the moment she was born, Ivy has been full of curiosity and courage, exploring the world with wide-eyed wonder.
She loves chasing butterflies, snuggling with her best friend Joelene and her sister Rosie, and showing off her playful, fearless nature.
These three are strongly bonded team.
Ivy is the perfect mix of boldness and sweetness—a little ball of love and adventure ready to charm everyone she meets.
Age: 1 year
Spayed female
Born here in May 2025
Hartwell, GA
Rosie, the tiniest of Rouby’s kittens, started out shy and fragile — the little one who always stayed close to her mama’s side.
But with time, care, and love, she’s blossomed into a healthy, confident young beauty.
Her soft brown tabby coat looks like it’s been brushed straight out of a storybook, and her gentle eyes reflect both sweetness and quiet strength. Rosie may still be a bit reserved at first, but once she feels safe, her affection shines through.
She’s proof that even the smallest hearts can grow strong with love.
Age: Approx. 1 year
Spayed female
Rescued in August 2025
Hall County Animal Shelter, GA
Jessamine’s spirit was too big for the shelter walls — she longed for freedom, for sunshine, and for someone to love her back.
The moment she stepped into the open, her joy was unstoppable. She darted through the tall grass like a little comet, full of life and laughter, finally tasting what happiness feels like.
But when the day slows down, Jessamine turns into the sweetest snuggle companion — curling up on her favorite person’s chest, purring softly through a movie night. She’s a bundle of love and energy, brave and gentle all at once.
A reminder of how beautiful a second chance can be.
Age: Unknown
Spayed female
Rescued in September 2025
Polk County Animal Shelter, GA
This is Mia, a sparkling-eyed kitty with a permanently silly little tongue peeking out—a quirk from losing all her front teeth, likely from biting a crate or kennel.
Her early life wasn’t easy: She was surrendered to the shelter and suffered in this environment. We learned about Mia last-minute and made short-term trip to the Polk County AS to rescue this star.
The poor girl was infested with flees and suffered from a severe skin irritation. After lots of care, she’s now healthy, happy, and thriving.
Mia is cuddly, affectionate, and mostly enjoys indoor life, though she still loves little outdoor adventures.
Age: 7 years
Spayed female
Rescued with Mia in September 2025
Polk County Animal Shelter, GA
Emily’s story is heartbreaking but full of hope. She had a loving home with an elderly couple, but when her dad passed and her mom went to a nursing home, Emily was surrendered to one of Atlanta’s worst shelters.
Her lifelong companion was adopted, leaving Emily alone in a tiny, cold kennel, showing signs of depression. When we rescued Mia in the same shelter, we couldn’t leave Emily behind and brought her home too.
Emily’s playful curiosity, gentle nature, and resilience make her a truly wonderful companion.
Age: 9 years
Neutered male
Adopted in October 2021
Charleston Animal Society (No kill shelter), SC
Jovi’s story began with heartbreak. His previous family left without him, and for days he wandered alone, unsure where to go or who to trust.
Luckily, someone brought him to the Berkeley County Animal Shelter, and from there he was transferred to the Charleston Animal Society — where Brie was fortunate enough to meet him.
This grey panther moves with the elegance of a leopard and climbs with the grace of a true adventurer. But beneath that wild spirit lies the sweetest, softest soul you could ever meet.
Jovi is gentle, loving, and full of quiet charm — a companion who treasures every moment of kindness and affection.
Age: +10
Spayed female
Came to us in May 2026
Hart County Humane Society, GA
Two years ago, someone left them on the side of the road.
In a carrier. Together. Alone.
They were rescued and brought to the Humane Society, where they waited. And waited. And waited.
For two years, Snowball and Smokey sat side by side, watching other animals go home — while nobody came for them.
Until we did.
Now these bonded senior sisters spend their golden years exactly where they belong — safe, loved, and never waiting again.
Age: 6 months
Spayed female
Came to us in May 2026
Hart County Humane Society, GA
Casey spent her first six months isolated in a kennel — not because she was dangerous, but because of a misunderstood diagnosis. FIV is only transmitted through deep bite wounds, not shared bowls, not casual contact, not play.
That misconception cost her months of companionship. Today she’s making up for lost time in our cat loft, chasing toys and discovering what it feels like to simply be a kitten.
Always in our hearts
Age: 5 years
Neutered male
Adopted in October 2021
Charleston Animal Society (No kill shelter), SC
Marley was the undisputed boss of his little cat pack — and he took that job very seriously.
He and his best buddy Jovi were a bonded pair, and Marley wasted no time making clear who was in charge. With his confident strut, sly looks, and legendary “I demand snacks now” stare, he ruled the roost with humor and charm.
But beneath the boss act was a cat completely devoted to Jovi — proving even the toughest leaders need a loyal sidekick.
Together, they were twice the mischief and twice the love.