Sanctuary Project Introduction II

It seems important to also share the introduction I wrote at the time of creating this project, which was 2001-2002.  It is below.

If you are going to commit to reading Word Perch through this sanctuary project, and I hope you will, you’ll have a bit of reading to do.  I’ll space each sanctuary out by a week, give or take, so you have plenty of time to keep up.  The other thing I’ll do is provide an update after introducing each place, with current information, as well as web links (when available) should you be interested in learning more or donating.

As you read, please feel free to comment, even if only to let me know you’re following.

Here’s intro II:

Introduction

I first approached Dr. Kaldas with thoughts on photographing and writing about slaughterhouses and Humane Societies for my final project at Hollins.  I had expectations of reaching people and impacting their lives by showing how cows, pigs, and chickens are grown and slaughtered.  And by showing the faces of chocolate labs and tortoise shell calicos who are among the hundreds killed every week.  In my eagerness and excitement at undertaking such a challenge, I was disheartened when she suggested trying something “more fun.” I left her office deflated, but I mulled around a few ideas in light of her advice. Before the end of my hour drive home I felt excitement at an opposite idea to my former.  Why not photograph animal sanctuaries and rescues?   For years I have been interested in animal sanctuaries, or any place that provides safe haven for animals.  I have subscribed to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary magazine, and have read about Farm Sanctuary in New York, which provides refuge for farm animals who would otherwise be slaughtered.  I have read Cleveland Armory’s Ranch of Dreams, Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation, John Robin’s Diet for a New America, and have long admired the photographs of Elliot Erwit and William Wegman.

I determined that I only wanted to visit sanctuaries that provided quality housing, were no-kill, and took in animals that would otherwise be killed or live in misery.  In Southwestern Virginia there are no such places, so I had to venture first to Rocky Mount, Virginia for Dream Catcher Farm, then to Palmyra, Virginia to see Caring for Creatures, and my third is a private farm run by a couple in Forest, Virginia.  Theirs is not a non-profit like the first two.  They say, money only goes out; they have no volunteers, and except for the rabbits, no animals are up for adoption.   In every other way they own and run an animal sanctuary.

When I ventured out to my three chosen farms I knew that I would be moved, angered, and saddened by the stories of the resident animals.  What I had not counted on was being equally if not more so, touched by the amazing people that run these sanctuaries.  I am honored and forever changed by knowing them.  I hope this project will convey my love for the animals as well as my gratitude to the people that have made this all possible.

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