Apex's Forever Home Initiative
Ten years ago, we had a dream.
Today, that dream isn’t just a reality — it has grown beyond our wildest expectations. Apex is now a thriving, internationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all built from a humble two-and-a-half-acre rental property nestled in the foothills of the Angeles Forest outside Los Angeles.
Over the past few years, we’ve worked tirelessly to raise the funds needed to secure a true forever home for Apex — a place where we can rescue more animals, expand our educational programs, and create new opportunities for people to connect with these extraordinary beings.
As we continue our search for the perfect property, we invite you to become part of this once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. By supporting Apex’s Forever Home Initiative, you are investing in something that will endure for generations — a sanctuary where abused and abandoned victims of the exotic pet trade will find peace, care, and purpose, and where hundreds of visitors each year will discover the true nature of wolves and wolfdogs, becoming advocates for their protection.
The Vision
Apex’s Forever Home will be a sanctuary not only for our rescued wolves and wolfdogs, but for the people who come to experience their world. The new Apex Facility and Sanctuary will include:
Expansive, Tree-Filled Habitats that allow the animals the freedom to run, play, and explore.
Large Play Areas for socialization and enrichment between animals, caretakers, and guests.
Animal Care Facility for daily food preparation, wellness care, and medical treatment.
Volunteer Headquarters offering a welcoming, comfortable base for our dedicated team.
On-Site Living Quarters for Directors and Caretaker Staff, ensuring 24-hour supervision and care.
Office Spaces to support staff and organizational operations.
Presentation & Event Facility for educational programs, donor gatherings, and community engagement.
Retreat Yurts thoughtfully placed throughout the sanctuary for retreats, workshops, and immersive experiences.
Surrounding Natural Landscapes with hiking trails that allow guests to walk alongside the pack and experience the wilderness as it was meant to be.
AN APEX STORY
Sarge: From Euthanasia to Apex Star Ambassador
Sarge lost his home in Oregon in 2016 at the age of 7 due to a domestic situation. Right before the family moved out of the house, he fell from the top of a children’s jungle gym in the backyard, severely breaking his back right leg. The family was unable to take him with them and, because of their circumstance, couldn’t afford the surgery required. That’s when Apex received notice from the national wolfdog rescue network. He was a difficult rescue because of the expensive surgery required and no other sanctuaries in the country were coming forward. Time was running out for Sarge. If no one rescued him soon, he would be taken to the shelter where he would be put to sleep. At the time, Apex was not in a position financially to take an animal under these conditions, but the clock was ticking, and we couldn’t stand by and not do something. So, we made the decision to take a leap of faith and rescue him. Just days before he was to go to the shelter, we picked him up and brought him home to Apex. As soon as our community learned of his story they came together to help and Sarge was able to get the surgery he needed, reconstructing his leg with the support of a titanium plate.
The first few months, it was clear that Sarge was mourning the loss of the only family he ever knew. He was also in physical pain as his leg began to heal. Our team became dedicated to supporting him in every way to help him transition to his new life. At first, he was depressed and often moody, sometimes wanting attention and other times not. He wasn't always easy to read and it took time getting to know him. But as the weeks passed, he started to heal, not just physically but emotionally, and before long he was opening up to the team and beginning to trust and build friendships.
What we didn't know was that Sarge was actually an extravert who loved people - and we're not sure he knew it either! And as he settled into his new home, fully healed and bonded with his new family, he blossomed into a star ambassador for his kind, wanting to connect with everyone he met. People everywhere were overcome by his gentle kindness, leaving their interactions with a new perspective on wolves. It took a village to save Sarge, and a team of dedicated caretakers at Apex to help him heal and find joy again - and in return, he's helping his kind by bringing understanding and joy to everyone he meets.
By helping give Apex a forever home, you give us the opportunity to give more wolves and wolfdogs like Sarge a second chance at life - a full and fulfilling life for many years to come.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to join us from helping Apex financially secure the location to hosting a salon or fundraiser online to making an introduction to people or companies you know who could help.
We sincerely appreciate your taking interest in our mission. Please feel free to contact us to discuss in detail or make your donation today.
Paula Ficara and Steve Wastell
Co-Founders / Directors of Apex Protection Project ®
Co-Founders of Sedona Wolf Week™
(661) 575-9261 info@apexprotectionproject.org
P.O. Box 220 Acton, CA 93510