Spring Farm CARES is a becoming – an unfolding – a daily miracle and revelation – a place unlike any other, where the impossible becomes reality, and magic is commonplace.
Spring Farm CARES was founded in 1991 by Bonnie Jones Reynolds and Dawn Hayman who were later joined by Dr. Margot Unkel. We began as a retirement/rehabilitation sanctuary for abused, abandoned, unwanted or homeless domestic animals, some old, some crippled, some seeming misfits in this world… animals considered “useless” in a society obsessed with utility.
We thought we were simply giving these animals a place to live out their years surrounded by love and care. Instead, the caregivers became the humble students of the great spirits residing in these animals. A tragic fire in 1993 revealed itself as a blessing, and it began to seem that angels hover lovingly over this place.
Spring Farm CARES has become many things to thousands of people, an enchanted little world of it’s own, two hundred forty acres, a place of love and peace, tranquility and nonjudgmental acceptance, where hearts and souls are warmed and inspired, minds educated and elevated, senses sharpened by beauty, where animals are friends and teachers who communicate freely and help us human beings reactivate the telepathic connection to all of creation with which each of us was born.
OUR PROGRAMS
ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Spring Farm CARES is home to about 250 animals, including 32 horses and ponies, goats, sheep, llamas, dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, and a few exotic birds. Animals not adopted are guaranteed a home here for life. The dogs and cats live in rooms furnished like livingrooms, enjoying as a “home” atmosphere as possible. We do not euthanize to make room for new animals, HOWEVER, when we are full, we are full and must turn animals away. With today’s animal overpopulation, we are always full.
HAPPY HEARTH SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM
Our mission statement is to spay/neuter as many pet, stray, and feral animals as possible, because a crisis of overpopulation exists among them. Not only is the cost to tax payers in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but untold suffering, hardship, and abuse is being visited upon these animals. Spring Farm CARES funds low-cost and, in extreme cases, no-cost spaying and neutering using a voucher system. As of June 1, 2004, to be eligible, you must be a resident of Oneida County. Vouchers will be issued according to a sliding fee scale based on household income. Our goal is not only to spay and neuter as many animals as possible, but to educate people as to the severity and inherent cruelty of the overpopulation problem. This program began in the fall of 1999 and by June 2004 we have funded the spay/neutering of over 37,000 dogs and cats.
INTERSPECIES COMMUNICATION
Communication with animals, and all of Life, is done telepathically. Telepathy is the foundation of all communication in the Universe and can be relearned by everyone. Spring Farm CARES is home to world-renowned animal communicator Dawn Hayman. Through workshops, lectures, and consultations, Dawn helps to reopen that telepathic channel natural to us all and lead us through a doorway into a world where we can communicate with our animals and with all of Life.
NATURE SANCTUARY
In 1994, Spring Farm CARES turned about 200 of its acres into a nature sanctuary. We have miles of groomed and marked trails open to conservationists, bird watchers, botanists, herbalists, joggers, walkers, cross-country skiers, supervised groups, and lovers of tranquil beauty and wildlife. Over 165 species of birds, some which are endangered, as well as many different species of mammals, have been observed in our sanctuary. We are making our preserve environmentally safe, protecting and encouraging the nesting of our many species of birds, the replanting of our natural forestland, encouraging and maintaining wetlands, and replanting and protecting endangered plants and herbs. Educational placards are being placed along the trails. Guided tours are available by appointment.
NEWS
ALL THAT IS, OUR NEWSLETTER
Spring Farm CARES publishes a newsletter full of wonderful, heartfelt stories regarding the loving animal friends who grace our lives. The pages are filled with their wisdom, with their often side-splitting humor, and with their forgiveness. This newsletter is free to all who want to share in the magical tales of these master animals. Please contact us to be put on our mailing list to receive our newsletters.
KIGERCAT HALL
The main hall of our facility lends itself splendidly to theatrical presentations, musical presentations, and events of cultural and spiritual benefit to our community. We maintain an active schedule of such events. Please contact us for our current schedule of events.
ADOPTING A FRIEND
Spring Farm CARES adopts out dogs, cats, rabbits, and sometimes ducks to approved homes, according to our adoption contract. First there is an adoption application, then upon approval, adopters must sign our adoption contract. There is a $35 adoption fee. Tours and appointments to look for your special animal companion are available by appointment. Please call (315) 737-9339, Monday thru Friday, 9am- 4pm for any information on our animals and to learn more about our adoption contract. Appointments are available 7days a week. For rabbit adoption information, please call Joanne (315) 737-0933, Monday - Friday, 9am-6pm.
COME VISIT US!
We love to have visitors but request that you visit by appointment only so that we have a staff person available to assist you. Appointments can be arranged 7 days a week. For information on adoptions, tours, or any of our programs, please call (315) 737-9339 during office hours. Although our sanctuary functions seven days a week, our office is only open Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm.
Spring Farm CARES 3364 State Rt. 12
