Meet Elli
Founder. Visionary.
Heart of The Mission.
Elli Smith has loved animals for as long as she can remember.
Like many little girls, she dreamed of starting her own animal rescue, but it wasn’t until grief and hardship entered her life that this dream began to take shape in a real, powerful way.
Finding Purpose in the Dark
Elli grew up in Fresno, California, where she found deep comfort in her bond with animals. After high school, she moved to the South, where she met her late husband, a Green Beret in the U.S. Army. Together, they had their daughter, Skye.
When Elli lost her husband unexpectedly, she was left with an infant and unimaginable grief. A friend invited her to volunteer at a local shelter, and something shifted. The most behaviorally challenged dog there found trust in Elli—and in that moment, she found her purpose.
The Birth of Sky Sanctuary
Years of volunteer work followed, and one heartbreaking pattern kept repeating: the sick, the seniors, and the scared were always left behind. When Elli and Skye relocated to Arizona in 2015, she was struck by the number of stray, injured, and terrified dogs living on the streets. These were the animals she was meant to help.
Sky Sanctuary, named after her daughter, began as a small grassroots rescue focused on humane trapping and giving hope to the forgotten.
Building a Lifeline
Everything changed in 2018 when Elli met Caitlin Beall during a rescue. They shared the same fire—and together, with Skye by their side, they began rescuing across the county and beyond. Sky Sanctuary grew into what it is today: a lifeline for those who need it most.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though Elli has since stepped back from day-to-day operations, her legacy is stitched into every life saved. Her heart, grit, and unshakable belief that every animal deserves a second chance are the foundation this organization is built.
We are endlessly grateful for Elli—for the vision, the sacrifice, and the unwavering love that made Sky Sanctuary possible.
