A llama prone to running away from his Rhode Island home.

A goat kept isolated in a dark basement.

A horse that someone stopped feeding.

Their stories differ but all three animals found their happy ending at Don’t Forget Us, Pet Us, a sanctuary for animals.

So did 52 others. 

The sanctuary provides refuge to 55 animals, including pigs, cows, horses, chickens, turkeys, goats, rabbits and sheep.  All of the animals at the site are rescues, and most of them were abused or being sold for slaughter.

“We started the sanctuary because we saw a need to help farm animals, especially ones with unique needs requiring a higher level of care,’’ said Deb Devlin, who operates the sanctuary. Many needed specialized, and expensive, care. Some had severe infections, while others arrived with leg and shoulder injuries, among other issues.

As the population grows, so do the needs, she said. “When you keep taking in animals, ‘’ she said, “you definitely need a bigger space.’’

Right now, she is trying to “finagle’’ everyone into one barn, in addition to separate enclosures for smaller animals. “We sandwich in as many as we can,’’ she said.

Everyone is sheltered safely, she said, because “we make it work. But we definitely need more space.’’

To help provide additional shelter, a barn is being constructed at the site .

An anonymous donor provided the funds to construct a pole barn, which doesn’t need a cement foundation but is instead held in place by posts that go into the ground where they are held by cement.

The barn will feature large doors for easy access, with spaces that allow both for horses that like to be together and those who prefer their own space, she said. The barn will have a red metal skin.

The structure will be large enough to accommodate horses but will also house pens for smaller animals. A temperature-controlled room will also be constructed for animals with particular medical needs, she said.

She hopes the barn will be completed in about three weeks.

The shell of the barn has been paid for, she said, but costs remain. 

Stalls will need to be put in, a well will be built and electricity will be installed. 

She estimates these additional costs will total about $20,000 to $25,000.

The sanctuary is a labor of love for Devlin, who also works full-time and raises a family. The animals need attention in the mornings and evenings and take up a good part of her weekend, she said.

“While it is rewarding to see these animals get better, one definitely doesn’t do it for the reward,’’ she said.

“It’s not about us or how we feel about them. For them to feel better, to  realize that even though they have been neglected, starved or thrown away, that their life does indeed have value and meaning. That’s so important to us. Every one of us should have the opportunity in our lives to feel loved and that we matter.’’

Donations can be sent by mail to PO Box 79124, North Dartmouth MA 02747. Links to donate are also available on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dontforgetuspetus.