This month, I interviewed Sarah Carney of Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary (HAAS) in Canton. Learn more at hiddenacresanimalsanctuary.org.
What is your mission?
Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary Therapy and Rescue is a nonprofit with a mission to spread hope, healing and love to rescue farm animals and human hearts and a purpose to bring joy to all who cross our path. We pay forward the hope, healing and love we instill in our rescue animals to local seniors, memory-care patients, hospice patients and individuals struggling with mental and emotional health through the natural and amazing benefits of animal therapy. We also have a youth empowerment program for middle and high school students. We believe animals are powerful healers, making us both an animal rescue and a human rescue.
How many animals are on the farm, and what type?
We have 87 animals, including goats, ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, birds, donkeys and a Holstein cow at the sanctuary. Each of these animals is personally touched and inundated with tremendous love and care every day by teams of volunteers.
Why did you choose a goat for your logo?
We have more rescue goats than any other animal. We take our goats to senior centers and have a lot of goat-related activities, such as goat yoga.
How do your animals come to you?
Mostly through large-animal vets and animal controls across a number of counties. Harley the pig wandered around homeless in Atlanta for two weeks. Bucky the donkey was 28 years old when he came to us. During all that time, he had never been touched. His hooves were so overgrown, he could barely walk. He also had a severely infected face as a result of being attacked by other animals. Rosie was the first pig in our therapy program. She was sold to college students by a breeder when she was just 2 days old. The kids tried, but couldn’t keep up with her needs, so I took her into the sanctuary. The residents of Camellia Place in Woodstock bottle-fed her, and she has brought lots of joy on her visits there.
Next month, my interview with Sarah continues, as she explains how farm animals are used as therapy animals.
– Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
These animals are at Cobb County Animal Services, waiting for homes.
This dog’s name is Zane. He is 6 years old and was a stray. He is scared in the shelter. He has good energy and would be a happy and active companion. He loves to walk outside and seems like a dog that would be good and loyal to you.
This cat’s name is Wilson. He is a 4-year-old orange tabby. He came to the shelter as a stray. He is a pretty calm cat who doesn’t make much noise and enjoys being held a lot. He deserves and would love a great home.
Leave a Reply