Chenoa Manor

There was a great story about another rescue organization in the Inquirer a few weeks ago that demonstrates, once again, the power of animals to heal those who need it most. Chenoa Manor, home to rescued farm and exotic animals, occupies 25 acres in Andrew Wyeth country. It is run by Rob Teti, a veterinarian, with a soft spot for those who have been overlooked. Teti has managed to hook up the four legged cast-offs with some equally overlooked two legged ones and everyone seems to have flourished.

The four legged residents range from geese, once raised for foie gras who did not even know how to eat on their own since they had been force fed their entire lives, to rabbits, pigs, sheep and horses. All come with their own tales of neglect, like Gladys the pig who was found tied to a post on the front porch of a Katrina flooded house in New Orleans.

The two legged volunteer caretakers are from the School at Church Farm, a prep school for kids who can't normally afford such a high-end education. Some, like Chad Pohlig, age 17, had never even been on a working farm until he volunteered at Chenoa. Now he is thinking about a career working with animals.

"There are so many similarities between the backgrounds of the animals that come to Chenoa Manor and the teens that come through here," says Teti. "The teens flourish in an environment where they are allowed to be themselves, and likewise the animals."

At the moment, Teti's phone is ringing off the hook with offers of more farm animals but he has no place to put them. His long term plan is to renovate a barn on the property but until he does, 250 animals (what he has now) is his capacity.

And while he does rely on volunteer help, he is the one holding down two full time jobs--caring for the animals in his practice and those on his farm. For those of you inclined to sponsor an animal at Chenoa or even help with chores, check out his website.

I know there are many great rescues out there, but this is one that helps people as well as animals.