ASI Canada: When did you decide to open the sanctuary?

Jack Hurst: As a family we’ve always cared for rescued animals. We’re long-time supporters of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and the Humane Society here in Ontario. Prior to selling our home last year, we had said we wanted to take the next step and open a sanctuary. We didn’t want to regret not making the effort. We purchased the 97-acre property in Port Perry, about a half-hour drive east of Toronto, in October 2017. We opened our doors eight months later.

Jack and Rita Hurst opened Pegasus Animal Sanctuary in June. 

ASIC: Why “Pegasus”?

JH: In 1985 when we established Triton Sales & Marketing Inc., we had an appreciation for history, particularly Greek mythology. Triton was a sea god, the son of Poseidon, and he could calm the sea and storms. Another son of Poseidon is Pegasus, a winged stallion that represents speed and strength. He was entrusted with carrying lightning bolts for Zeus and could make thunder when he clapped his wings. We thought he would be an apt symbol for and protector of abused and rescued animals.   

ASIC: Two pigs, Bert and Ernie, were the first animals to arrive. How did they come into your care?

JH: On the coldest night of winter in December 2017, they were abandoned in someone’s garage and the Durham Police and Whitby Animal Control were called to seize them. Although we hadn’t yet officially opened, they would’ve been put down because there was no home for them. So we decided our long journey would start a little earlier than we expected.

Bert and Ernie, the Sanctuary's first rescue animals.

Bert and Ernie welcome visitors at the Grand Opening in June.

ASIC: How many rescue animals do you currently care for?

JH: In addition to Bert and Ernie, we have two ducks, Pip and Squeak; two barn cats, Pekoe and Eva; and five cats and two dogs at the house. 

Pekoe, one of two barn cats

ASIC: How many animals can you accommodate?

JH: As many as our funding will allow. We’ll be reaching out to the community for donations and holding fundraisers starting in September. The support has been great; local businesses have donated food and a refrigerator to store it, and a lumber store donated a large quantity of lumber to construct our paddocks. We also have about 10 to 15 volunteers.

The Sanctuary is located on 97 acres in Port Perry, a suburb of Toronto.

ASIC: How are you getting the word out so you can welcome additional animals?

JH: We’ve had stories in major papers and magazines, and on the local TV station and cable network. Our major hurdle now is to receive government approval for charitable status and to build the necessary fencing to keep our extended family safe and well cared for. We have a good presence on Facebook and a great website, and we’ll soon be setting up an online donation page.

ASIC: Will you be creating branded merchandise?

JH: We have two styles of caps and T-shirts. We sell them at our Open Houses, and at fundraisers which will start in September. I’ll be approaching a few of our suppliers to produce a line of Pegasus products for our marketing efforts.

ASIC: Is this now becoming your full-time work as you transition into retirement?

JH: I thought I would be ready to hang ‘em up, but promotional marketing and sales is certainly in my blood after 33 years. So it’s been quite a challenge to balance the old and the new and still have a life! I’m blessed that one of my sons, Logan, who’s been with us for eight years, is willing to take Triton Promo to the next level.

ASIC: What are your long-term plans for the sanctuary?

JH: We’d like to build an Education Centre in the huge loft above the barn so we can have local elementary schools come in to learn about animal welfare. The property has trails, a large pond and a stream with a beaver dam as well as wild turkeys and deer that regularly visit. We’ve recently entered into an understanding with Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge to provide a release area for wild animals that have been injured and nursed back to health. We’ve also been told our property would be ideal as a sales meeting venue so attendees can get back to basics with Mother Nature. There are just not enough hours in the day!

Watch a Global News report on Pegasus Animal Sanctuary here. For more information, visit www.pegasussanctuary.com.