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A Sanctuary for Disabled Animals
Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: April 2023
The fortunate animals who find their way to Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary in Franklin are given a new lease on life. To learn more and to support this vital mission, visit bellaviewfarmanimalsanctuary.com.
Greg and Rhonda Farrell have opened their hearts and their Bella View Farm in Franklin to disabled baby farm animals.
The animals are welcomed to the farm to live out their lives with love and compassion. And though the project was conceived to provide sanctuary and a chance to live a protected life for disabled baby goats, over time it’s welcomed disabled turkeys, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, and bunnies (plus a couple of peacocks and a disabled emu).
“I was always drawn to the animals that no one wanted. Maybe they were too old, or only had three legs, or one eye, or the runt, whatever it was, my heart invariably went out to them,” says Rhonda. “I always dreamed of having a farm where I could bring all the little misfits to live. Our own little world made up of happiness, kindness, and lots of love. I never thought that I would be able to do what I have always loved; care for ‘special’ animals.”
Both of the Farrells arrived at their Macon County farm as escapees from hectic lives in New York.
“We bought 25 beautiful secluded acres – no neighbors, no ordinances, no noise, no passing cars, just peaceful, quiet, and untouched,” Rhonda says. “We named our place Bella View Farm after one of my horses. At the time I didn’t know the path we would be going down. Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?
“But here we are today. Taking care of special needs animals. The animals my heart was perpetually drawn to, finally I can give them the life they so deserve. “We became a nonprofit sanctuary in April of 2018. We are still a work in progress. With Sanctuary life, there are always needs. “Yes, it can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. We have over 80 animals in our care, but when you’re doing something you love it’s not work…it’s a dream come true.”
Bella View Farm is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, funded entirely through tax-deductible donations. Rhonda said they are always looking for responsible, compassionate, and dedicated volunteers. The farm is not open to the public due to the sake of the animals and the work involved. If you’d like to support the farm and its animals or learn more about its mission, visit bellaviewfarmanimalsanctuary.com.
