FARM PROFILE A Saving Grace Amazing Grace Animal Sanctuary in Sullivan rescues and cares for old, injured, abused, abandoned or unwanted farm animals

Donna Watterson says hello to the chickens around the barn, calls them by name, and introduces the very vocal Archie, the pot belly cross mix pig, and two full-size pigs, Gronk and Henrietta. She greets the horses, alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, roosters, turkey and bunnies who have come to live their remaining years in a safe, loving home: the Amazing Grace Animal Sanctuary. &emsp;Donna founded the sanctuary (now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and manages the haven along with her husband, Daryl. Her niece, Harmoney, joined their farm family four years ago. The family is assisted by volunteers, interns, and people with disabilities including Kenny, a hard worker who comes four days per week and does a great deal of manual labor. Bruce Wichland, a dedicated helper, joined this mission about seven months ago and "has fallen in love with the animal world here," Watterson says. &emsp;She refers to Wichland as "the chicken whisperer," explaining how he makes nests for the chickens and nurtures them. He comes daily to do morning chores and ensure the animals have what they need before moving on to required maintenance. He and Kenny share the barn manager title. &emsp;Rescuing animals has been a lifelong dream for Watterson, who, as a child, wanted to save all unwanted animals and children. She realizes now that she can't save everyone, but in her area, she is saving many abandoned and abused farm animals and some that can no longer be cared for by their previous owners. And that certainly makes a difference to them and the local community, where they offer examples of unconditional love. &emsp;A local veterinarian friend helped her find and relocate to a residential property in Sullivan, which already had a barn with 10 stalls. She created a home here 16 years ago where she could welcome and nurture these animals. &emsp;"It took no time at all to fill those stalls, and then it's been musical stalls ever since," Watterson says. &emsp;Her other goal is to serve the community by finding ways to connect the animals with groups in Keene that have included Chesco social support services, Cedarcrest (a care center for children with complex medical and developmental needs), Monadnock Family Services (MFS), and senior living residences such as Langdon Place and American House, the place Archie (the pig) and Buddy (the goat) love visiting at the facility's happy hour, bringing joy. Bunnies visit Cedarcrest and local schools. She believes in the mutual benefit of doing this and wants to establish it with other community groups. &emsp;"I love seeing kids grow up with this atmosphere; they develop a sense of belonging," she notes, adding that this is a place they can go where it's safe to be who they are at that moment. Watterson says they want to provide an environment where everyone can thrive and reach their fullest potential, where they can be loving, kind human beings. &emsp;A beautiful example was when Athena, a 12-year-old in last year's MFS summer farm camp, donated the entire $56 earnings from her yard sale to help the animals. &emsp;"That meant so much to me because her donation came from her heart," Watterson says. "She didn't have much, but rather than spend any money on herself, she donated it all as a thanks to the animals for what they meant to her during camp." &emsp;And then there are the visitors: Watterson says the animals and people who visit them are good for each other. Visitors may be grieving or struggling or just want to give and receive love. They find peace among the animals. &emsp;"We're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because you never know when someone will need the animals," Watterson says. &emsp;The animals here bond and look out for each other, she adds. Stevie, a blind sheep from birth, is led around by a "seeing-eye sheep," Frosty, who wears the bell that Watterson trained Stevie to respond to. A chicken with one eye is a companion to a blind rooster. &emsp;Says Watterson of her beloved animals: "I want them all to have a chance to know what love, safety and protection is like … and what they give back is amazing." BOX (with logo) Amazing Grace Animal Sanctuary 161 Centre Street Sullivan, NH 603-358-0578 Amazinggraceanimalsanctuary.org Amazing Grace seeks donations and volunteers to help the animals. Hay, grains, medical attention, and property maintenance are big expenses. A social media helper could get their name and message out and increase awareness of their important, dedicated work. A volunteer coordinator could focus on bringing helpers and animals together. Contact Amazing Grace for more information about these volunteer opportunities.