Today we’d like to introduce you to Doniele Disney.
Hi Doniele, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t plan on running a rescue, a sanctuary, and multiple businesses. It all grew from one instinct I’ve had my whole life — if something needs a second chance, I’m going to give it one.
I started as a creator and a fixer. Repurposing, refinishing, and transforming things wasn’t a hobby; it was just who I was. Over time, that same instinct shifted from objects to animals — especially the ones everyone else overlooked. One or two rescues turned into dozens, and eventually Cudabears Lair Animal Rescue & Sanctuary took shape on my family’s land. It’s still run the same way it started: with grit, humor, and a whole lot of heart.
As the rescue grew, I leaned into my creative side to build sustainable support systems.
I acquired Poppies Paint Powder back in 2017 and used it to transform every piece I touched. That led to Distressed Mess, where I took repurposing to a new level, and eventually Poppies DIY Studio, a space where people could learn, create, and experience the same joy of giving old things new life.
Then came Florida Beer Burros, blending advocacy with unforgettable experiences — another creative way to support the animals who depend on me.
And now, I’m stepping into something even bigger: teaming up with an amazing young entrepreneur to open a cat café in downtown Sebring. It’s a project rooted in rescue, community, and opportunity — a place where creativity, connection, and second chances all meet.
None of this has been linear. I’ve navigated chaos, misinformation, and the kind of challenges that force you to get sharper and more transparent. But every setback pushed me to build stronger systems and a stronger community.
Today, I manage multiple colonies, run a sanctuary, support other rescues, and operate several creative businesses — all from the same place where it started: my family’s home, surrounded by animals who remind me daily why this work matters.
At the core, my story is simple:
I give second chances — to animals, to ideas, to people, to anything worth saving — and I’ve built a life around making those second chances possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been plenty of challenges along the way, but nothing compares to losing my best friend, Alexis, to cancer in 2023. She understood my chaos, my creativity, and my mission without needing a single explanation. Her passing changed me in ways I’m still learning to navigate.
When she died, I inherited her beloved Chihuahua, Victory — a tiny dog with a huge heart. Victory grieved right alongside me. She showed me what loss looks like in real time, and caring for her helped me cope with losing someone who had been such a constant in my life.
And Alexis is still part of everything I’ve built.
The Beer Burros were something she wanted us to do together — a fun, creative way to raise money for the rescue without feeling like another fundraiser. It was supposed to be our project, our adventure. Even now, every time the burros go out, it feels like a piece of her is still here, still helping, still cheering me on.
But the truth is, this road hasn’t been easy.
There have been several points where I’ve thought about quitting — finding homes for all the animals, shutting everything down, and walking away from the constant pressure, the emotional weight, and the never‑ending responsibility. There are still days when I question whether I’m even making a difference, or if I’m just pouring from an empty cup because I don’t know how to stop.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Cudabears Lair Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is a privately run, family-operated rescue in Sebring, Florida. We focus on the animals who need stability, understanding, and a safe place to land — the misunderstood, the behaviorally challenging, the ones who’ve been failed more than once, and those who simply need consistent care. We focus on animals who can thrive with the right environment, consistency, and support. We’re known for our honesty, transparency, and commitment to doing rescue the right way, even when it requires patience and long-term dedication.
We provide lifelong sanctuary for animals who cannot be safely placed, and we adopt out animals who are ready for a home and can thrive with the right people. Our work includes sanctuary care, rehabilitation for fearful or feral animals, ethical adoption placement, colony management, and full TNVK support — Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Keep — for community cats. Every animal is treated as an individual, not a number.
What sets us apart is our transparency and our commitment to integrity. We don’t sugarcoat rescue, and we don’t chase drama. We focus on the animals in front of us and the work that actually makes a difference. Because we’re family-run, every animal is cared for by people who live this work every day. Our brand is built on trust, truth, and the belief that every animal deserves to be seen for who they truly are.
We’re most proud that people know us for our honesty and our heart. We don’t hide the chaos behind rescue — we embrace it. Our community trusts us because we show the real story: the setbacks, the breakthroughs, the humor, the heartbreak, and the victories that make it all worth it. We’re also proud of our creative outreach and character-driven storytelling that educates without lecturing.
What we want readers to know is that Cudabears Lair isn’t just a sanctuary. It’s a promise. A promise that the animals who land here will never be abandoned again. A promise that we will always operate with integrity. A promise that we will continue to fight for the ones who can’t speak for themselves. Supporting us means supporting ethical rescue, long-term care, responsible adoption, and TNVK efforts that directly reduce suffering in our community. Every bit of support helps us continue this work.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work with us, collaborate with us, or support us in several meaningful ways. We already partner closely with other rescues, including being one of FARA’s (Florida Animal Rescue Alliance) rescue partners, and we value honest, mission-focused teamwork that keeps animals safe. Community members can get involved through adoption, volunteering, helping with transport, assisting with colony care, or supporting our TNVK efforts — Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Keep — which directly improves the lives of community cats and reduces suffering in the long term.
Support also comes through donations, sponsorships, and supplies, all of which help us continue caring for the animals in our sanctuary and the colonies we manage. Even simple actions like sharing our posts, engaging with our content, or helping educate others about responsible rescue make a real impact.
Another way people will soon be able to support us is by visiting The Cat House, our cat café experience opening in Downtown Sebring, projected for fall 2026. It will be a place where the community can meet adoptable cats, learn about our mission, and support our work just by showing up and enjoying the space.
Whether someone wants to collaborate, volunteer, adopt, or simply be part of the community that believes in ethical rescue, there’s a place for them in our mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cudabearslairanimalsanctuary.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cudabears_animal_sanctuary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cudabearslair/
- Other: https://www.flbeerburros.com
Image Credits
@jarstudioweddings
@goodluckproductions
