First and Foremost, the goal of the Sanctuary Animal Refuge and Hospice is to provide sanctuary to any animal that has been the victim of abuse or neglect. We will provide them medical and hospice care until the very end of their days - guaranteeing them a safe home forever. Many of these victims are brought into Humane Societies that are hurt, sick or otherwise need extensive medical care. These animals are often euthanized because of the cost of the care that is needed, having nothing to do with the temperament of the animal. If they are capable of providing the medical care needed, the animals are then adopted out. Some come back because the new owners are not aware of or are incapable of providing the extra attention these special needs animals require.
BYE BABY
No more lonely cold nights or
hearing that I'm bad.
No more growling belly from the
meals I never had.
No more scorching sunshine with a
water bowl that's dry.
No more complaining neighbors
about the noise when I cry.
No more hearing "shut up", "get
down" or "get out of here"!
No more feeling disliked,... only
peace is in the air.
Euthanasia is a blessing, though
some still can't see, why I was ever born If I weren't meant to
be.
My last day of living was the
best I ever had.
Someone held me very close, I
could see she was very sad.
I kissed the lady's face, and she
hugged me as she cried.
I wagged my tail to thank her,
then I closed my eyes and died.
Written by an Animal shelter
volunteer in Massena, NY
At the Sanctuary, we will be providing that medical attention and extra
care. We will rehabilitate the animals that are brought into our
facility. A great many of the animals that would have been euthanized
have a wonderful quality of life left in them, and always return the
kindness. These animals, once given the security of a lifetime home, go
on to provide love and education to others. They will often become
"surrogate" parents to new members of the Sanctuary, creating a
comfortable secure feeling for all. They also respond by showing, by
example, the visitors that will come to the Sanctuary how kindness, love
and caring nurtures the soul - both human and animal. This enriches our
lives and helps educate and prove that there are other options beyond
euthanasia. Quality of life - room to run, play and explore and a chance
to give back is what we offer these animals - for as long as they live.
These animals did nothing to be in these situations and we cannot turn
our backs on them.
Living quarters for the animals will not be kennels or crates. They are
individual or sometimes paired "condos" or "town homes" that are
furnished with all the comforts of home. Environmental comforts are
controlled; each has a couch and their own bed to sleep in, toys are
plenty and food is wholesome and nutritious. Volunteers play with them
on a structured schedule so that there is plenty of exercise, human
interaction and lots and lots of love. Food and special dietary needs
are taken into consideration by a staff dietician that prepares the
meals for all the animals, carefully monitoring their individual needs.
Having a carefully prepared and monitored diet is an important part of a
healthy lifestyle. Some animals are especially suited for human
companionship and teaching roles. We take these particular members of
the Sanctuary and let them enrich the lives of others by bringing them
to schools to help children learn pet responsibility or to nursing homes
to allow them to share their love with people who normally cannot have a
pet full-time. Special field trips to the Sanctuary are also planned for
groups such as the boys and girls clubs. This is how the Sanctuary will
contribute to
and enhance our community. Can you visualize with me how people can
benefit from the warm, loving companionship of a treasured dog, cat or
ferret? For children and adults to feel that connection when they know
that they are helping a pet that so desperately needs human help? Do you
remember what it feels like to have that companion with you - that
unconditional love you felt when it seemed no one else was there? These
are the animals that need the help of the Sanctuary.
Some animals already have the loving, caring homes they deserve - it's
just that what would happen to that treasured pet if something happened
to you? The Sanctuary will guarantee a place for your pet. We promise to
keep your pet filled with love, give them room to play and any medical
care they will need to live out the rest of their lives if you can't
provide that to them. That's phase two of the Sanctuary. Wouldn't that
be a comfort? Knowing that your special companion has a place that will
give them all the love and care that you would - if you could? I know it
makes me feel so much better. Its hard to imagine anyone taking care of
my Rosie the way I do.
Phase Three is a critical one; What happens to the pets of women and
children in domestic violence cases when they leave home? Do you know
that a large percentage of those women and children won’t leave the
violent home because they are afraid of leaving their pets behind? We
won’t let that happen anymore. The Sanctuary vows to care for those pets
until the victims of domestic violence get situated and find a home that
is safe for both themselves, and their pets.
This is my dream - My Vision - and it is as clear as day to me. I want
to be able to look into the eyes of these animals - the sick, injured or
abused animals - and see hope, comfort and love. I have seen too many
eyes looking back at me asking for a warm meal, a warm bed or just a
soft stroke of my hand. Without fail, every one of those animals that I
have intervened with has given back to me ten fold what I have given to
them. I know that every one of you that holds their pet in their heart
knows exactly what I mean.
The need is great,
and unfortunately, it does not come free. We hope to be able to raise
enough funds to purchase land to build our facilities by the end of the
year 2010. We raise all of our money by fundraising and to date have not
yet received any special grants or endowments. We need approximately 50
acres to be able to realize the goals that we have set forth. The need
is great - but I also know from experience that the kindness in the
hearts of animal lovers is also great.
For the Animals,
DJ Rotter
sanc·tu·ar·y (sangk-choo-er-ee)
any place of refuge; asylum
1.
a house of shelter or rest for pilgrims, strangers, etc., esp.
one kept by a religious order.
2.
Medicine/Medical
A.) health-care facility for the terminally ill that emphasizes
pain control and emotional support for the patient, typically
refraining from taking extraordinary measures to prolong life.
B.) a
similar program of care and support for the terminally ill at
home.
Our Mission:
To protect the health and welfare and provide medical care and a
nurturing environment for animals that have suffered from abuse
or neglect and to assure that the same environment is provided
to them as long as they live.
Our Vision:
We envision the day when animals will not suffer because of
human neglect, abuse or abandonment.
If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth.
~Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce