Although officially founded in mid-2003, The Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary happened gradually over the past 15 years starting with keeping cows as pets whose milking days were done. Founded by Dr. John Pastore (animal lover and prominent Boston cardiologist), The Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary is located on the same property as the Inn at Mountain View Farm, owned by the Doctor and his wife Marilyn.

The idea of a sanctuary for large farm animals began informally in 2001 with the arrival of Molly and Emmy, a mother-and-daughter pair of miniature Sicilian donkeys, whom Pastore bought from the petting zoo at the Calidonia country fair. Emmy was born premature and at the time was two months old and on the verge of death when Patore brought her to the Rochester Equine Clinic in New Hampshire. After 15 days in their newborn intensive care unit, Emmy went "home" to Mountain View Farm where she is now healthy and thriving.

The Sanctuary is a non-profit Vermont corporation dedicated to providing farm animals, especially ones with a difficult past, with a good future and a chance at a long and healthy life. In 2001 one of the original Holsteins"Clover" passed away at the relatively old age of thirteen. Generally less than 25% of dairy cows live past the age of seven.

Since Molly and Emmy's arrival, the sanctuary has welcomed Yorkshire pigs Eugene and Wilbur, Holstein steers Ben and Jerry, and sheep Rosie and Hillary, many of the others have equally somber stories and were saved from sad fates by Pastore's good will. The daily management of the Sanctuary is in the capable hands of Larry Sargent, Pastore's caretaker and a life-long Vermonter. The Sanctuary's newly formed board of directors combines veterinary and non-profit expertise.

Some animals are housed in the Clock Barn, a 1912 structure that has recently been going through some major renovations. This non profit refuge is eagerly accepting donations to offset their costs. Donations are 100% tax deductible.

Says Dr. Pastore, "I have not doubt that it will be good for the farm animals we are able to sanctuary, because we've seen that already, but maybe the greater effect will be a more general respect and affection for all animals, sanctuaried or not. My personal conviction is that people feel the rightness of it... I think children especially will experience the humane treatment of these large farm animals and be enriched by feeling closer to them and their stories." And who could disagree?

Inn at Mountain View Farm guests and the general public are welcome to visit with the animals. Guided tours are offered either by Dr. John Pastore or Larry Seargent. Just stop at the inn or call to set up a time. For more information about the sanctuary or to make donations, contact the Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary at Box 38, Darling Hill Road, East Burke, VT 05832, 802-626-4039; or email jop2map@aol.com