Interview with Joe Jackie, Founder of Woof N’ Wags Sanctuary
We recently had the chance to sit down with Joe Jackie, the founder of Woof N’ Wags in Jezzine, Lebanon. Alongside his wife Ghada, the shelter has become a sanctuary for more than 300 dogs and a growing family of rescued farmed animals, including pigs, goats, donkeys, and a calf named Hanjool.
Joe’s journey is one of resilience and conviction. From childhood memories of crying when witnessing the slaughter of animals to becoming vegan four years ago, his path has been shaped by compassion and a refusal to accept that animals are commodities. What began as a dream shared with his late brother to create a shelter for all animals has now become a living reality, despite Lebanon’s economic collapse, war, and harsh winters.
In our conversation, Joe spoke about his personal journey, the realities of running a multi‑species sanctuary, and his vision for both the shelter’s growth and the building of a compassionate community in Lebanon.
What inspired your transition to veganism three years ago, and how has that shift influenced your work at Woof N’ Wags?
I discovered it on my own. As a child, whenever I saw animals being slaughtered, I would cry. That sadness stayed with me, and when I grew older and became more aware, my brother and I decided to stop eating meat back in 2013.
I was raised on the principle of rescuing animals. My mother and father loved them deeply, and they taught us to love animals too. We always lived surrounded by animals at home, so compassion was part of our daily life.
I remember looking at my dog, Blacky, and making a connection between her and calves being killed. That bond pushed me further.
Later, with the influence of friends and social media, I took the final step and became fully vegan in 2021. It has been four years now, and this choice has completely shaped how I see the shelter’s mission. Veganism is not just about food. It is about aligning every part of my life with the belief that animals deserve freedom and peace.
Woof N’ Wags began as a shelter for companion animals. What led you to start rescuing farmed animals like pigs, sheep, and donkeys?
My brother and I always dreamed of creating a shelter for all animals, not just dogs. After he passed away, I carried that dream forward on my own.
It started with the dogs, but then, by chance in 2012, a vet had a sick pig named Dixon who was about to die. I took him in, treated him, and brought him to the shelter. That opened the door to rescuing farmed animals.
Later, I saved Hanjool, a calf who was about to be slaughtered. From there, I rescued goats that were sick and pregnant. People were going to throw them away, but I treated them and brought them here, and now they have babies of their own.
Sousou was another goat, saved just before being killed for milk. Then there is Sunbul, a donkey who was abused, and Amira, another pig we welcomed into the shelter.
Today, Woof N’ Wags is home to around 300 dogs, 6 goats, 2 pigs, 2 donkeys, and one calf. Each of them carries a story of survival, and together they represent the dream my brother and I shared, a sanctuary for every kind of animal.
What are the biggest challenges you face running Woof N’ Wags in Lebanon, especially during winter?
Feeding the animals is always the most important thing. During the war, we were under bombardment and had to move the shelter to Jezzine. It was an extremely difficult time, but we managed to survive thanks to donations from people. Even if the help was small, it was better than nothing, and it kept us going.
Winter brings its own dangers. At first, we had no tents or proper shelter, but recently we received enough donations to protect the animals from the cold. I did all the construction work myself to save money.
Right now, our biggest need is food. Every single day we require around 10 bags of dog food, each weighing 20 kilos. That is a huge amount, and without it, the rescues simply cannot survive.
People can help us more through our website https://woof-n-wags.com/donate and our Whish account. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it is food, shelter, or supplies. The winter is harsh, but with support, we can keep the animals safe.
How do you respond to people who are surprised that you rescue farmed animals, like pigs or cows?
Many people are shocked that we raise pigs and other farmed animals. Some even say, ‘If you sell them, you will make money and benefit from them.’ But for us, there is no difference between a dog, a cow, or a pig. Their lives belong to them. We have no right to take those lives or to end them.
Sometimes visitors come and ask why we would save a pig instead of eating it. But to us, it is simple. He is an animal, and animals deserve care, not exploitation and slaughter. We give them the same attention and love as any other rescue.
In fact, I feel that my love for animals is even greater than my love for humans. They are innocent, and they deserve to live free from harm, no matter their species.
“Animals never judge, never betray; they simply love. In their eyes I find the honesty and peace that the world too often forgets.” – Joe Jackie
What is your vision for Woof N’ Wags in the next five years, and what has this journey taught you?
Our dream is to rescue more and more animals, and to make sure nothing can stop us. The shelter’s mission is to save lives, no matter the species, and to show the world the truth about animals, their reality, their feelings, and their right to live freely.
In the next five years, I want Woof N’ Wags to grow stronger, expand to welcome more animals including rescued farmed animals, and build a community that truly understands animal rights and actively supports the shelter.
This journey has taught me resilience and compassion. It showed me that when you stand for animals, you are not just saving them. You are also changing how people see them. Every rescue is a chance to shift perspectives, to prove that animals are not objects, but beings with souls. Strengthening the community around this truth is the most important part of our vision.
What was the purpose of your latest vegan event at the sanctuary?
The idea was to invite people to truly engage with the animals, especially the farmed rescues who often surprise visitors. I wanted them to see the animals up close, to feel their presence, and to understand their stories.
At the same time, we offered vegan food so people could taste compassion in practice. Sharing a meal that reflects our values helps connect the experience of meeting the animals with the lifestyle that protects them.
Another purpose was to strengthen networking and build community. When people come together around animals and veganism, they form bonds that go beyond the event.
Finally, I wanted guests to see for themselves the challenges we face at the shelter, the daily struggles with food, shelter, and care. By witnessing it directly, they can understand how important their contributions are, and how they can help us continue this mission.
Conclusion
Our interview with Joe Jackie revealed more than just the daily struggles of keeping hundreds of rescues fed and sheltered. It also reflected the devotion he shares with his wife Ghada, who actively cares for the animals at the sanctuary. Together, they embody the heart of a family that believes every animal, whether a dog, pig, or donkey, deserves freedom and peace.
Through events like Meet, Greet, and (Vegan) Eat, Joe is building a community that not only supports Woof N’ Wags but also begins to see animals differently, as beings with souls, not resources. His dream for the next five years is simple yet profound: to rescue more animals, strengthen the network of supporters, and shift cultural perceptions toward compassion.
As Joe reminded us, “Their lives belong to them. We have no right to take them.” Supporting Woof N’ Wags means standing behind that truth, ensuring that no rescue is lost to hunger, cold, or neglect.