Good Work

Carol Jessee

They know they’re safe

“When you step out on the farm there is such a feeling of peace here. First, it’s a beautiful place; but the animals seem to know they are protected; there’s no fear.”

That’s how Carol Jessee describes Harmony Farm Sanctuary— a nonprofit operating under the umbrella of Angels of Assisi (the better known, popular animal welfare, shelter, adoption, and veterinarian services organization headquartered in downtown Roanoke). Harmony Farm Sanctuary was established in 2003 and was created primarily to aid animal control responding to farm animals that are neglected or living in cruel conditions, Jessee says. The 90-acre Farm sits off Route 11 in Botetourt County.

“We have about 300 animals now,” Jessee says. “That includes a two-legged goat (who happily rolls around on his wheels), roosters rescued from cockfighting, peacocks…” And yes, the large farm animals and livestock as well. The animals are there for life; but occasionally, Jesse says “we do adopt out rabbits, piglets…”

Carol Jessee is the director of development for Angels of Assisi. The full story of both organizations is available at angelsofassis.org and the extended path: www.angelsofassisi.org/harmony-farmsanctuary/

By Tom Field

Executive Summary:

Many folks are aware of Angels of Assisi; but the nonprofit also serves neglected farm animals on 90 acres in Botetourt County.

Submitted photos

The animals seem to know they are protected. ”“