Florida Agent Builds Sanctuary Giving Abandoned Animals a Second Chance

Florida real estate professional Iris Beaugrand

Florida real estate professional Iris Beaugrand has built more than a career—she’s created a sanctuary where unwanted animals find safety, care, and a fresh start.

Originally from Germany, Beaugrand moved to Englewood, Florida, in 2000 with her young family and a handful of beloved animals—two horses, a donkey, a cat, and a dog.

After leaving a career in banking, she became a stay-at-home mom until her divorce in 2005, when she turned to real estate to support her four children.

Working across Sarasota County’s farmland, Beaugrand often found herself helping farmers sell properties where animals were left behind.

“I took in goats, horses, geese, ponies—whatever needed a home,” she recalls.

Word spread, and soon the community began reaching out to her directly.

The rescues quickly multiplied, and the costs did too—feeding and caring for dozens of animals runs about $3,000 a month. In 2019, Beaugrand formalized her efforts, establishing a nonprofit called Fandango Sanctuary, named after her horse who made the journey from Germany and still lives on the farm at nearly 30 years old.

Today, the sanctuary is home to a wide mix: horses, donkeys, a mule, cows, pigs, goats, turkeys, chickens, cats, and dogs. Beaugrand also partners with groups like Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue and Charlotte County Mosquito Control, fostering donkeys and giving retired chickens a place to live out their lives.

But the journey has been far from easy. When Hurricane Ian hit just north of Englewood, the storm caused more than $300,000 in damage, destroying shelters and structures across the property.

With limited insurance support, Beaugrand has spent the past few years rebuilding piece by piece.

“I take it one day at a time, but the dream has never changed,” she says.

Despite the setbacks, Beaugrand continues to expand her vision.

Fandango Sanctuary now offers a retirement program for domestic animals, allowing owners to enroll their pets with confidence that they’ll be cared for if they outlive them.

She also opens the farm to visitors by appointment and welcomes volunteers—including veterans, seniors, and individuals with special needs—who find purpose and healing through working with the animals.

“I see the joy my volunteers feel when they connect with the animals—some who are normally nonverbal light up with excitement,” Beaugrand explains.

“And the animals that have suffered neglect learn to trust again.”

With the help of her adult children and growing social media outreach, Beaugrand hopes to bring more attention to the sanctuary and its community impact.

“I love rescuing animals who become part of the family, and I want people to understand that they’re living beings with feelings and bonds.

Animals and people can heal each other—and that’s what this sanctuary is all about.”