Soraya McKay | Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

Volunteer Spotlight: Gwen D’Orazio

Aug 12, 2025

A Cattery Companion with a Heart for Cats
Suppose you’ve ever wandered into the Hallie Hill cattery on a quiet afternoon and spotted someone eating her lunch and giving head rubs to some affectionate felines. In that case, chances are you’ve met Gwen D’Orazio. A devoted weekly volunteer since 2023, Gwen has quickly become a favorite among the community cat colony and the “Sweethearts,” as she lovingly refers to the sanctuary’s resident cattery cats. Whether offering head rubs or simply providing a calm presence, Gwen has a special way of making each cat feel cherished.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Gwen’s journey has taken her from the Southwest to the Northeast and now to the warm charm of the Lowcountry. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico before launching a 20-year career in Boston as a jewelry buyer and product development design manager for a multi-channel catalog/website company. In 2015, Gwen and her husband traded snowstorms for sunshine and moved to Charleston—and she’s never looked back. Though she and her husband now share their home with a tennis-named pup named Rafa, Gwen’s heart has always belonged to cats. Over the years, she’s adopted three cats and cared for several feral colonies. One of those colony cats led her to Hallie Hill—a feral cat in need of rehoming brought her through our doors, and she says she’ll be forever grateful that we opened both our hearts and our sanctuary to him. By day, Gwen serves as a Content Director for an Amazon agency, but her passion for animals fills her spare time. She enjoys traveling, Pilates, and quiet evenings with her husband, but her weekly visits to Hallie Hill feed her soul. She calls it a “true blessing and honor” to volunteer alongside some of the most thoughtful and kind individuals she’s ever met.

Thank you, Gwen, for your dedication, compassion, and all the love you bring to our feline friends!

Clear the Shelters: August 1- 31, 2025

Aug 6, 2025

This year, NBCUniversal Local is teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country, including Hallie Hill, to host the Clear the Shelters campaign. Since 2015, this nationwide pet adoption campaign has given more than one million pets their forever homes.

Instead of adoption, The Black Dog launched a Clear The Shelters merchandise collection. They will donate 100% of the profits from the limited-edition merchandise collection to the Clear The Shelters fund. This collection includes merchandise for pet lovers and their dogs!

If you’re looking to add a goofy and sweet companion to your life, Hallie Hill is hosting our Clear The Shelters open house event on August 23 and 24 from 10 AM to 2 PM. We want to showcase our deserving residents in hopes of finding them their forever homes.

Can’t adopt but still want to help? Donations are just as impactful. Your support gives our animals the care, comfort, and second chance they deserve. Donations are accepted here on the Hallie Hill website or at the Clear The Shelters Website, here.

Hallie Hill and PetSinc offer an Affordable Mobile Vet Clinic on Thursday, August 14

Jul 31, 2025

Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary and PETSinc have partnered to help the community receive affordable veterinary care for their pets. This low-cost mobile veterinary clinic allows community members to bring in their pets for vaccines, spay and neuter, and other wellness necessities, as well as elective services such as microchipping, nail trims, and ear cleanings.

Getting your furry family members the care they need shouldn’t be unattainable. That is why Hallie Hill and PETSinc offer low-cost services to those in need. So far, we have completed five mobile clinic days and performed over 93 spay/neuter surgeries and over 81 wellness visits! By bringing your pet to receive care on one of our mobile clinic days, you will be improving their quality of life!

The next opportunity is on the Hallie Hill campus and will occur on August 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We do not require an appointment for wellness exams, but an appointment is required for spay and neuter appointments, as they are in high demand. To schedule your pet’s low-cost spay or neuter appointment, click here.

Volunteer Spotlight: Mia Balman

Jul 22, 2025

Introducing Mia Balman, one of our newest volunteers at the sanctuary. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Mia moved to Charleston in 2015 to attend the College of Charleston and quickly fell in love with the Lowcountry and its community of needy animals.

Mia is no stranger to rescuing herself; her beloved companion, Jabba, has been by her side since she was 19. A spirited German Shorthaired Pointer/Pittie mix, Jabba is now almost nine years old but full of life and personality. “He’s my entire world,” Mia says. “He keeps me active and busy with all his energy.”

Between graduate school, earning her master’s in social work, and her love of the outdoors, travel, and reading, Mia still makes time to give back—and Hallie Hill is lucky to be one of the places where she shares her time and heart.

“Volunteering at the sanctuary feels like a way I can give back to those who saved my baby, Jabba,” she says. “Having a facility like Hallie Hill has been my dream for the last 10+ years—something I talk about as my ‘early retirement plan.’ Being a part of it now is so special. And honestly, every animal here has completely stolen my heart.”

We are beyond grateful to have Mia as part of the Hallie Hill family—her passion, compassion, and commitment are truly inspiring. Volunteers like Mia help us give second chances to animals in need, and we couldn’t do it without them.

Meet July’s Adorable Adoptables at Hallie Hill

Jul 15, 2025

Looking to add a little extra love to your life this summer? Meet Hallie Hill’s July’s Adorable Adoptables. Each furry friend is ready to find their forever home, which could be with you. Take a peek at this month’s featured pets below, and if one (or more) steals your heart, don’t wait, fill out an adoption application and schedule a time to meet these cuties in person.

Amaya
Amaya is a sweet and spirited young foxhound with a heart full of love—and a serious passion for food! This handsome guy has a beautiful cream and white coat that makes him stand out, and his playful personality will surely win you over. Amaya is a true foodie, and his enthusiasm for treats will make training a breeze! He is incredibly loving with people and gets along well with other dogs here at the sanctuary. He’d make an awesome addition to any family looking for an affectionate and active companion.

Sven
Sven is a cheerful and self-assured senior pup with a striking reddish-brown coat and adorable shepherd-like ears that perk up with curiosity. Don’t let his age fool you–Sven still has plenty of pep in his step and brings joy wherever he goes! He has spent many years living in a home with children and another senior canine. Despite his age, Sven is youthful and well-behaved on a leash.

Fiji
Fiji is almost two years old and has a heart full of love just waiting to shine. This handsome shepherd mix is very playful and has already won over hearts at the sanctuary with his sweet nature and kind eyes. While Fiji can be a little nervous when facing new adventures, he’s steadily building confidence through positive experiences and gentle encouragement. With a patient and loving home, Fiji will continue to grow into the loyal and trusting companion he’s meant to be.

Donny
Donny is a handsome grey tabby with soft stripes and an even softer spirit. Born in 2021, this domestic shorthair is the perfect blend of youth and maturity. He’s unassuming and one to demand the spotlight, but his quiet presence is comforting and kind. Donny may be a little reserved at first, but give him a bit of time and patience, and you’ll discover a friendly, loyal companion who enjoys calm company and gentle affection. He’s done well living with other cats at the sanctuary and would likely thrive in a peaceful home with feline friends or on his own.