ABOUT US
FOUNDED FROM COMPASSION | FUELED BY COMMUNITY | FOCUSED ON HEALING
Harmony New Beginnings animal Rescue (HNBAR) began with a single act of kindness. In 2006, founder Joy Laudahl stepped in to help a grieving widow care for her late husband's horses. That moment changed everything. Calls for help didn't stop - and neither did Joy. On August 3, 2011, HNBAR became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and since then, we've rescued over 700 animals.
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Today, Harmony New Beginnings is run entirely by dedicated volunteers - no one draws a salary. We are powered by the generosity of donors, grants, and our local community. We provide critical care for abused, neglected, abandoned, and at-risk dogs, horses, livestock, and other domestic animals. Each animal receives veterinary care, proper nutrition, emotional rehabilitation, and the chance to be placed in a safe, loving forever home.
WHAT WE DO - AND WHY WE NEED YOU
We work closely with Animal Control officers, county shelters, and hospice programs to rescue animals that would otherwise be left behind or euthanized. Without organizations like ours, many of these animals would face slaughter or ongoing neglect.
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Animals come to us with deep physical and emotional wounds. Some are seized from cruelty cases. Others are surrendered due to illness, poverty, or end-of-life circumstances. Every animals is given the care, compassion, and second chance they deserve.
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Our work also touches people. We've had the honor of reuniting hospice patients with their pets, providing comfort in their final days. We also invite visitors to the rescue to meet the animals, hear their stories, and experience the healing power of animal connection firsthand. Animals don't just heal - they help others heal, too.
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But this work is only possible with your support.
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No one draws a salary and we receive no government funding. Every dollar you give goes directly toward saving lives - covering medical care, shelter, food, and rehabilitation. A donation of any size helps abused and neglected animals get the fresh start they deserve.
At Harmony new Beginnings, we believe that healing can be found through animal therapy. We know that animals can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up to be more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly though, a pet can add joy and unconditional love to your life.
THE COMPASSION WE BUILD IN OUR
CHILDREN TODAY WILL HELP ENSURE
A FUTURE FOR THE ANIMALS.
WHY IT MATTERS
Every animal we rescue matters. Each life saved is a story rewritten - from suffering to safety, from fear to trust.
But we can't do it alone. ​Will you help us give these animals a new beginning?
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Joy Laudahl is the founder of HNBAR. She holds a BS in Sociology from Oregon State University and is trained in animal body scoring, emergency response, and is certified in large animal rescue.
David Laudahl is Joy's husband and co-founder of HNBAR, and handles much of the physical work at the rescue. He is also co-owner of First Op Manufacturing in Salem, Oregon.
