Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary was founded in 2011 by Karen Phillips, a spay/neuter veterinary surgeon who was struck by the number of unwanted ducks, pigs, and chickens being surrendered at shelters. By creating this safe place where animals of all shapes and sizes can live peaceful, meaningful lives, Karen did what may aspire to do, but what few actually accomplish: she made a difference in the world.

Maniac Magazine:  You’re a lifelong animal lover—what specific instance can you remember that shaped your relationship with animals?

Karen Phillips: I grew up in a rural town in Vermont on a little farm where the animals were friends, never food.  With no neighbor kids close by the animals were my playmates and confidants. My best friend was Dorothy, a plump Barred Rock hen, who would ride on the handle bars of my yellow bicycle.  She helped me develop strong belief in the equality of animals.  Why isn’t a chicken just as much of a beloved pet as a dog?  Why love one but eat the other?

MM:  What do you think animals can teach us?

KP: The lesson that the animals of Hope Haven repeatedly teach me is acceptance of others.  I am constantly dumbfounded at the amazing friendships that have developed between different animal species coming from such completely disparate backgrounds.  One example is Butters, a geriatric ex-carousel pony that came to us from a neglectful situation several years ago.  He was afraid of people and quite introverted when he arrived.  Soon after him we took in two older alpaca from a home where the owner could no longer care for them due to her health issues.  The three animal instantly bonded and, even though there are 120 other animals here at the farm, those three musketeers can always be seen grazing in pasture or resting in a stall together. Similarly our bird coop (a renovated two car garage) is a haven of tolerance and acceptance.  Roosters from an illegal butcher, a peacock that was hit by a car, and group of broiler hens saved from a religious ritual all live together with no judgement or malice. They share feed bins and nesting boxes as if they were raised together since birth. It’s truly amazing to see, and certainly a quality I wish more people would emulate!

MM:  What’s been your most Maniac Moment since starting Hope Haven?

KP: A memory that always makes me laugh occurred soon after we took in Rigby, the adolescent emu, from a farmer in Plum that had to get rid of his farm animals after he lost his job.  Rigby has free range of the property since all 7 acres are perimeter fenced keeping the animals all safely enclosed.  When I started the Hope Haven I put my own home up for rent so I could live in the little ranch farm house and care for the animals.  I was still adjusting to living alone in a new house in the middle of the woods when Rigby joined the family.  So one evening around dusk i had just put on my pjs after a relaxing shower.  I shuffled into the kitchen to pour myself a glass of water when I was abruptly face-to-face with wide-eyed, frizzly-haired creature in my window!  I am still not sure if Rigby peeking through that window scared me more than my blood-curdling scream frightened her!

MM:  What does the future hold in store for Hope Haven?

KP: We have spent every ounce of energy making the farm safe and comfortable for our deserving animals, but we now would like to bolster the educational aspect of the Haven. We hope to add more displays and signage to the property to elevate the experience for our visitors and impart as much knowledge as we can about the plight of Pittsburgh’s abused and neglected farm animals, as well as all the voiceless farm animals worldwide. We also dream of expanding to help more animals and create a lively and productive volunteer center. With enough support from compassionate and generous Pittsburgh supporters we can even aspire to purchasing a larger farm with more amenities for our incredible farm animal ambassadors!  Won’t you join us?

Find out more by visiting their website and be sure to like them on Facebook, and follow them on twitter @hopehavenfarm

Photos Courtesy of Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary