They are society’s throwaways, and one Woodland man has dedicated more then 10 years of his life . . . opening his ranch and his home, to save these abandoned animals.

It may look like your typical ranch when you drive up, but if you look closely you’ll find more than just horses.

10 miles from downtown Woodland, on a beautiful stretch of land, is Shelton Farms. Owner Joe Shelton has been dedicating his life saving abused and abandoned animals from scrap heaps and pounds. Originally from Utah and having majored in accounting, this quiet man runs a ranch that has over five dozen horses, more then 40 cats, 8 dogs, goats and even a beautiful exotic macaw named Maggie.

Not alone in his struggles, Joe runs the ranch full time seven days a week with his partner Tammy Gerard, a former paramedic. Joe’s wife Cathy helps out after her full time job as an escrow officer. Together this animal loving team strives to find homes for all the animals they rescue while finding enough resources to care for the ones they have.

It is a tough and costly job, but one that Joe will never cease doing. If you are interested in adopting any of Joe’s animals or would like to know more about them, you can call Joe Shelton at (530) 662-0951.