Couple hopes to grow animal sanctuary at former dairy farm

Jan. 19, 2022 | Mike Lydick

Volunteer Lynn Savage checks on 12 goats that now call Whip City Animal Sanctuary home. Savage, who lives in Westfield, has been volunteering for nearly two years. She calls it her “happy place.”
Reminder Publishing photos by Mike Lydick

WESTFIELD – A former dairy farm on Montgomery Road looks much like it did years ago. Except now it’s home to 55 animals rescued from abuse or neglect instead of dairy cows.

Robin and Perry Plourde moved from Southampton to the farm in September 2019. It was not only going to be their new home, but also a place for their rescued animals – a horse named Omen, two mini-horses, Sonny and Lucy, a turkey, a rooster and two ducks.

The two Westfield natives immediately renovated one barn for their animals, enclosing all four sides, constructing stalls, removing debris and rocks, laying mats, and installing fencing. They also fenced in a large pasture for their animals to graze and exercise.

Then they discovered their field had a hoary alyssum infestation – a weed extremely toxic to horses. This meant their horses wouldn’t be able to graze. Discovering the weed changed their plans.

“We both were already working two jobs each to pay for renovations and building materials. We just couldn’t afford the cost of professional services required to eradicate the weed,” recalled Robin.

Their situation inspired them to instead create a non-profit organization called Whip City Animal Sanctuary to care and support unwanted animals. Approved in May 2020, the Plourdes opened their renovated barn to public visitors six months later. Since then, every Sunday, from noon to 2 p.m., the animals are allowed to meander around the property for visitors to enjoy.

“We chose Sundays because this was our only day off from work. We put out a donation jar – and were surprised when we received almost enough to cover the animal feed each week,” she said.

Once the sanctuary opened to the public, word spread, support grew, and donations came from throughout the community.

“We began receiving all types of donations, including gift cards to Westfield Feed, gift baskets for fundraising events, produce for the animals, and so much more,” she added.

They also put out a call for volunteers to help manage the growing sanctuary. Currently, there are about 50 volunteers, ranging in age from 10 to 70 years old. They come every day, four shifts a day, rain or shine, to feed, groom and exercise the animals, muck stalls, help with building maintenance and coordinate fundraising events.

“They selflessly give their time and donate their money – we truly couldn’t ask for a better farm family,” Robin said. Added Kerry, “We have a great crew of volunteers that take a lot of pressure off us. Without them – and support from the public – the sanctuary wouldn’t survive.”

Lynn Savage of Westfield has been volunteering for almost two years.

“I love the animals,” Savage said. “This is my happy place. I didn’t know a lot about farm animals until I came here. I come to help out and to relax.”

Ben Parsons of Holyoke is an adult companion to Garrett Wheeler of Westfield, who has Down syndrome. They joined the sanctuary’s volunteer ranks three months ago.

“We really like working with the animals. They’re so cool – especially the horses, which are amazing,” said Parsons.

“It’s an important job taking care of the animals. When we saw this opportunity, it was a no-brainer for us. Volunteering is very fulfilling,” he added.

 

‘For now we’re full’

Currently, 55 “animal friends” now reside at the sanctuary.

“They come from all walks of life, but mostly rescue groups and local animal control,” explained Robin. “The animals were pulled from neglect, abuse, owner surrenders, and abandonment situations.” Two of their newest residents were saved from the slaughterhouse with only moments to spare.

“The sad reality is that we receive calls almost daily for animals that need placement, but for now we’re full,” she added. Numerous projects need to be completed before they can accept more animals. Among the needs: maintenance work in the main barn, building a dedicated goat barn, and erecting paddock structures to give animals shelter during the day.

Robin said once these projects are completed, they will focus on converting the farm’s large barn –which she described as being “in very rough shape” – into additional living space for more animals.

The sanctuary’s biggest expenses are veterinarian bills. When a rescue horse named Molly developed colic, it required surgery costing in excess of $10,000.

A Scottish Highland calf, Teddy, required several surgeries – both at the sanctuary and at a hospital. Additionally, all new male arrivals require neutering for population control.

“Routine care and sudden illness accounts for thousands in vet bills annually,” said Robin. “Hay is also very costly. We purchased 1,200 bales of hay for $10,000 in July and are likely to run out before this spring.”

Kerry said when they’re tired and sometimes overwhelmed, they often think about the quiet, private life they had in Southampton.

“We do miss those days. Early on, we were extremely stressed out. Exhausted one night, we caught a rerun of ‘We Bought a Zoo.’ It’s funny and it made us feel better.”

In addition to donations during the weekly open house, the Plourdes have hosted several fundraising events during the past year. A golf tournament, a car wash, a haunted pub crawl, and a quarter auction helped raise thousands of dollars to support operating expenses.

The Plourdes said the fundraisers wouldn’t have been as successful as they were without the support of generous community members and sponsorships from several local businesses.

Among them: Shortstop Bar and Grill, East Mountain Country Club, Brothers Automotive, Camp K-9, Michael’s Towing, Whip City Nutrition, the Maple Leaf Pub and the Tavern Restaurant.

“We’re a family here, and we give back whenever we can,” said Robin. “Admission to the sanctuary is always free and we love to host family-friendly events as often as possible.”

Last year the Plourdes kicked off summer with a carnival for kids and a celebration for Teddy’s first birthday. In the fall, they hosted a back-to-school carnival and a Halloween trunk-or-treat. As winter approached, they hosted a food drive for needy families and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus for younger fans.

Whip City Animal Sanctuary – 232 Montgomery Road – was once the Reed family dairy farm from 1869 until recently. The farmstead includes 12 acres and several outbuildings. The Plourdes’ goal is to one day purchase 10 acres next door so they can expand and bring in more animals and more volunteers.

“We’re dedicated to our mission and moving forward we will continue to engage with our wonderful community, fostering relationships, and giving back whenever we can,” said Robin.

Share this: