Our Story

How we started

Good Life Refuge was founded in 2018 by Nicole Brecht.

Nicole's love for animals began long before Good Life Refuge became a reality. From a young age, she was rescuing injured animals, feeding strays wherever she went, and dreaming of a career in veterinary medicine. While life took her in a different direction as she embraced motherhood, her passion for helping animals never faded.

Over the years, Nicole dedicated much of her time to volunteering at animal shelters and dog rescues and gained hands-on experience working as a veterinary technician in a veterinary clinic. Her professional background in marketing and event management also provided valuable skills that would later help her build and grow a nonprofit organization.

Her journey into farm animal rescue began when she co-founded Luvin’ Arms, a sanctuary she started alongside two neighbors. After parting ways with the organization, Nicole followed her own vision and founded Good Life Refuge in 2018. What began with four abandoned ducks rescued from a pond quickly grew into a sanctuary providing a safe haven for animals in need.

For Nicole, Good Life Refuge has always been about more than rescue. It's about giving animals a second chance, honoring each as an individual, and creating a place where compassion extends to all living beings. What started as a lifelong love for animals has become a mission to inspire kindness, connection, and a more compassionate world.