VIMUTTI FOUNDATION

LIBERATION THROUGH COMPASSION: A NON-PROFIT IN HONOR OF ALL DOGS PAST & PRESENT

MIDDLE DOG REFUGE

Middle Dog Refuge is the first initiative of the Vimutti Foundation, created for dogs who fall between categories — too complex, too old, or too misunderstood to move quickly through the traditional shelter system.

DESIGNED FOR HEALING

Healing is a shared experience. Who rescued whom?

When dogs are given time, consistency, and love, they relax into themselves — and trust has space to form.

In that same environment, people are invited to slow down, be present, and reconnect with what kindness can create.

Middle Dog Refuge is designed as a place of mutual restoration — where dogs flourish, and people heal.

VILLAGE OF CARE

Middle Dog Refuge is built around a vision of an integrated village where healing is supported by environment and care.

Dogs live in calm, home-like settings rather than high-stress kennels. Tiny homes are designed to allow for consistency, companionship, and, when appropriate, shared space with caretakers and fellow animals — supporting deeper bonds and a sense of safety.

The refuge will be complemented by organic gardens used to prepare fresh, nutritiously cooked meals that support long-term health and vitality. Food as medicine for both humans and dogs.

We prioritize non-harm in all aspects of the refuge — from food to rehabilitation — and move at the pace each dog needs. There is no expectation to move on. Some dogs may eventually find loving homes when the right match emerges; others may remain part of the refuge for as long as they need.

VIMUTTI FOUNDATION

MISSION & VISION

Mission:

Vimutti Foundation (vimutti means liberation in the Buddhist Pali canon) aims to create a new model to address the overpopulation of shelter dogs in the United States.

After fostering and adopting my own dogs—many of whom sat for months in the Philadelphia intake shelter or were returned multiple times and at risk for euthanasia—I began to notice a group of dogs who are far harder to rehome.

They are not puppies, not small dogs, not purebreds, and not “easy” in ways that quickly pull heartstrings or rally donations. These “middle dogs” are often euthanized or left waiting in no-kill shelters for years.

Middle Dog Refuge

Vimutti Foundation will create Middle Dog Refuge — a place for the dogs who are often overlooked (much like middle children!).

Through time, love, and consistency, we protect and rehabilitate animals who have been overlooked, giving them the space they need to heal and become the incredible companions they are meant to be.

I have seen it with my own eyes: pit bull mixes, large dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with special behavioral needs face significantly fewer chances of finding forever homes. Yet when given patience, safety, and care, they flourish. These dogs have inspired me to build a refuge designed specifically for them.

While this model may feel new to many of us, it has already been successfully tested elsewhere. Polish veterinarian Fundacja Drugi Dom pioneered a village-style sanctuary where dogs live in small homes rather than kennels, dramatically improving rehabilitation and adoption outcomes. A similar approach exists closer to home at Animal Care Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.

Middle Dog Refuge will learn from and expand upon these village models, adding an organic garden, a health clinic, and a satellite of P.S. & Co.- a 100% organic, plant-rich, gluten-free cafe and market for the public. These elements are designed to create a self-sustaining village that also creates jobs, increases positive human–animal interaction, and allows dogs to live with freedom and dignity — not behind fences or kennels.

Rehabilitation at Middle Dog Refuge will include fresh, organic, plant-rich meals, abundant time outdoors, and consistent interaction with other dogs and humans to help build steady, resilient temperaments.

Our focus is to offer individualized care and patience to animals who have been abandoned, misunderstood, mistreated, or overlooked due to age, special needs, or discriminated breeds.

Middle Dog Refuge will operate as a vegan organization. This means that donations made in support of our work will not be used to harm other living beings. Our commitment is to non-harm across our operations — including how we source food, supplies, and services.

One important caveat: the dogs who join us must be happy and healthy thriving on a plant-rich, vegan diet. For those dogs, Middle Dog Refuge will be the right place. Our model prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual animal, and placement will always be guided by what supports the individual's health and happiness.

We recognize that some may wonder why dogs are being prioritized when people are also in need. Our long-term vision holds space for both. As the refuge grows sustainably, we envision providing job training, employment opportunities and possible tiny home housing for foster and displaced youth, women, and families — creating a pathway toward healing and stability for all involved.

We begin by building an alternative system: a village of tiny homes where dogs live in real environments, learning how to coexist with other animals and humans — increasing their chances of adoption without the trauma of high-stress kennel settings. As the organization evolves, this model of compassionate care hopes to expand to serve additional species — humans included.

Vision:
We envision a world where all animals are treated as sentient beings deserving of care, protection, and belonging.

Our long-term vision includes:
• A forest/rural refuge where animals can thrive — not just survive.
• Programming that supports education, awareness, and community partnership.
• Sustainable infrastructure including training, enrichment, and long-term stewardship.
• A culture where rescue becomes a pathway to healing — for the animals and the people who encounter them.

Guiding Principles:
The foundation operates in alignment with the following values:
● Compassion: Every being deserves care without harm or judgment.
● Respect: Animals are individuals, not commodities.
● Integrity: Decisions are made with honesty, clarity, and responsibility.
● Non-Harm: We prioritize safety, emotional wellbeing, and trauma-aware handling from the resources we source to those we serve.
● Stewardship: Resources are sourced humanely, transparently, and sustainably.
● Patience: Healing is not rushed — we wait through consistency and trust.
● Liberation: Our work supports freedom from suffering, fear, and abandonment.

Scope & Intention:
This foundation is built with a focus on quality over scale, depth over speed, and sustainability over urgency. Growth will occur only when resources, infrastructure, and expertise make expansion ethical and supportive.

Our aim is not simply to save lives but to create a model of compassionate care that honors the spirit, safety, and dignity of every animal we protect. May this work reduce suffering. May it protect those who cannot speak. May it serve beings in need. We are honored to be a conduit for healing.

Thank you for your interest and support,

Andrea Kyan

Founder & President

Vimutti Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors.

Donations opening soon.

FEIN # 41-2951457