Mendon, Massachusetts Sanctuary Welcomes Unwanted, Abused Farm Animals

The Maple Farm Sanctuary in Mendon, Massachusetts is where "abused, abandoned, and unwanted farm animals" that are "worthy of compassion and respect" are cared for daily and "live in peace," according to the sanctuary.

Jim Vandersluis, a third-generation dairy farmer, and his wife Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis, a former goat milk farmer, co-founded Maple Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit on North Avenue in Mendon, Massachusetts.

According to NetworkForGood.com, the Vandersluises "farmed animals for a couple of years before having a complete change of heart."

The site says the Vandersluis "couldn't stand to see what happened to animals in the farming industry."

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The couple realized they wanted to "save animals rather than exploit them." They turned their property into a sanctuary for animals and adopted a vegan lifestyle.

In June 2007, Cheri told Satya Magazine that Maple Farm Sanctuary is "a safe and loving refuge for farmed animals – they live the remainder of their lives in peace, free to roam and meander the land."

Jim and Cheri Vandersluis say, "Maple Farm Sanctuary has taken in a fraction of the billions of farmed animals that are bought, sold, tormented, and slaughtered by the meat, dairy, and fur industries."

The couple refers to its 120 acres of farmland and wildlife habitat as a "sacred trust."

Cheri Vandersluis says, "We have dedicated our lives to completing our transformation from animal farmers to animal rescuers and caretakers and to share what we have discovered along the way with as many people as possible."

Maple Farm Sanctuary is always in need of donations and volunteers and is sometimes open for tours. Ways that you can help or perhaps schedule a visit are available on the Maple Farm Sanctuary website.