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We believe that
rescue can & needs
to be reimagined.
We’re building a sanctuary that is more than a rescue—it’s a place of transformation
and healing. Here, every rescued dog finds not just safety, but purpose, often becoming a source of comfort for those on their own healing journey.
Our ‘Why’ is simple: 75% of dogs &; 50% of children suffer abuse and neglect. It’s a simple but sad truth, hurt people hurt people and hurt people hurt animals. Megan and I want to build a sanctuary that provides a healing space for those that can’t speak for themselves or cannot find their voice amidst their suffering.
With the creation of a dedicated yoga and meditation space, our sanctuary becomes a
place where both humans and hounds can reconnect to stillness, breath, and trust. It’s a space for nervous systems to settle, for hearts to heal, and for resilience to take root.
It’s an opportunity to bear witness to the impact of rescue, proving that when we help
animals, they heal us in return. Whether through adoption, therapy programs or
volunteering, every supporter becomes a part of a story, grounded in hope, connection
and the simple truth that healing flows both ways.
Rooted in Rescue: The Story Behind Farmer & The Flea
Rooted in Rescue: The Story Behind Farmer & The Flea
Megan and Robert are the founders of Farmer & The Flea, an open-air market that
began in the small coastal town of Summerland, CA. Since their very first community
market, caring for & finding homes for adoptable dogs has been a cherished and driving
force behind Farmer & The Flea.
For Megan, the spark came from a simple truth she learned through lived experience:
mental health and happiness are deeply tied to community.
In 2019, fueled by that insight, and a desire to create space for connection, she rallied
town leaders to launch a market at the local post office. What started small soon grew
into a vibrant monthly gathering when people needed it most, during the isolating days
of COVID. As the market grew, so did their clarity around their own purpose.
For Robert, it was yoga and service that became a lifeline; tools that helped him
reconnect to healing and presence. For both, the path kept circling back to the same
truth: healing happens through connection, compassion and always through dogs.
The market became more than a
gathering; it became a mission.
Rescuing dogs became their purpose. With the help of their generous
community and partnerships with local rescues,
Megan and Robert have helped save 100+ dogs and find their
forever homes, healing and second chances.
Witnessing the healing transformational power between humans and dogs, in 2023
Megan and Robert began the process of laying the foundation for what was to come and
in 2024, they turned Farmer & The Flea into a 510(c)(3) Non-Profit Dog Rescue.
Now, they’re taking the next step:
Building a world-class, cage-free animal sanctuary in the
Santa Barbara area
One that brings their full vision to life. The sanctuary will not only be a refuge for dogs, but also include a yoga and meditation studio, offering space for people to heal alongside them. A place where breath, movement, stillness, and rescue live side by side.
This region is a haven for hound lovers. With the right support, they believe it can become a model for what’s possible when compassion, mindfulness, and community come together.
Their vision is clear:
THEY NEED US AS MUCH
AS WE NEED THEM.
Who we are…
-
Founder
For me, it was never about one dog. it was about the healing. My journey didn’t start
with a single moment, but with the quiet realization, over time, that dogs had always
been there. Through every chapter, every hardship, the common thread was the
presence of a dog. It wasn’t until I was 30 that I finally connected the dots: hounds had
been my constant source of comfort, my emotional anchor, my path to healing.
That’s when I truly stepped into my role as caretake of my dog, Nemo, and all the other
dogs that touched my heart. And suddenly, everything clicked. The care I gave was
rooted in gratitude. And while, I was rescuing these dogs, they, in turn, had always
rescued me.
That same instinct to create space for healing and connection is what inspired the
Farmer & The Flea Market, a local gathering I started that’s grown into a beloved
community hub. What began as a small effort to bring people together has become a
vibrant celebration of local makers, food, music, and shared values.
What makes this sanctuary powerful is that it’s built on that shared truth. No matter your
story, status, or income, the love of dogs is the great equalizer. It’s what brings us
together. And in spaces where people feel safe to be honest and vulnerable, that
connection becomes even more healing — for both humans and hounds.
-
As a kid, I couldn’t stand the thought of my dog, Pepper, sleeping out in the cold, so I
made room. First in the laundry room and then by the fire. That instinct to care for those
who need warmth, has stayed with me ever since. Years later, during one of the lowest
points of my life, friends made space for me. In Santa Cruz, I found the healing power of
yoga & service.
With a gentle nudge, I landed on a mat, into tears and eventually, volunteering at the
local animal shelter. In these places, I found breath, presence, and the space to heal. I
was released from my suffering and learned that healing lives in the mind, thru the body
& comes to life by serving those in need.
Yoga, meditation & walking dogs became the way I worked through life’s weight: stress,
anxiety, depression & grief. They taught me how to surrender, how to listen, and how to
find stillness when everything felt loud. Most importantly, they showed me that peace
starts within and living begins with giving. I want to share these gifts freely; because
giving opens the door to growth, connection, and healing. Our Sanctuary is the space
I’ve always tried to create: a safe, restorative home for those simply needing room to
breathe.
Each step with Megan, the dogs, the practice of yoga, and the grounding force of
community has led me to this path of healing & purpose.