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2 The Outdoors: Sisters Of Mercy

Niagara County Sanctuary Sacrifices Much To Provide A Haven For Animals In Need.

Running an animal sanctuary is not an easy task. It takes time, dedication, knowledge, and above all it takes a lot of help and money.

The three owners of Sisters Of The Son Sanctuary in Niagara County are learning all that the hard way, through experience. They wouldn't have it any other way, and they are willing to do anything for their animal family.

Pam Hennessy is one of the founders of the sanctuary. "Right. The pockets are getting empty," she said. "That's why we sold the house. We sold the house to try to do more out here, put up more buildings."

As many do, the haven began by happenstance. About three years ago, an elderly neighbor had far too many cats than he could care for, and the three stewards could not resist the call for help.

Pam said they bought the property across the road and the sanctuary was born.

"We bought the property because they were tearing his house down, and he passed away, and they needed a place to live," she said. "So we started with the feral cats."

Credit: Terry Belke
A Porcine " Wannabee " Photographer

After that, their future was undeniable. They adopted a couple of bulls headed for slaughter, and then their family grew quickly.

Co-founder Tess Hennessy explains: "We got a couple of goats, then the sheep arrived. Then, OK, there's some chickens nobody wants, we'll get the chickens. And then it went from that to the pigs, and the cats, the cats were the originals of course, and that's where we're at now. We want to do more. We want to help more animals. It's just a matter of space and financial ability."

Some of the animals at the sanctuary found their way all by themselves.

Tess describes the day a trio of sheep mysteriously showed up on the sanctuary doorstep: "They're just showing up, and they don't belong to anybody. We've asked every neighbor in a three-mile radius, and nobody knew where they came from, so I think they could feel or sense that we would take care of them, that it's a good place, and it's safe for them. "

The land provides human solace as well. The trio recently played host to a group of men recovering from the grip of drug addiction. The founders believe their experience with nature was beneficial for both body and soul.

"It was very nice seeing these young boys becoming close to the animals, being in nature and the fresh air, all of that is really good for a person."

With all of the good karma the sanctuary has accrued, one might think their future is paved with gold. The three stewards know better though.

They are prepared for the hard work in the future, and they embrace it, because they know they are aspiring to a higher cause.

"God has worked in my own life, Jesus has worked in Tess's life." Pam said. " All our lives, and we just want to give some back now, we want spread the good news, if you will."

Adds Tess, "Faith is always there, and I think God wants us to keep doing what we're doing, and we won't ever give up."

To learn more about the sanctuary, click here.

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