It takes a strong stomach—and an even stronger sense of perseverance—to run an animal sanctuary. Though the glossy brochures for well-known sanctuaries like Best Friends in Kenab, Utah, have helped popularize the concept and made these centers look like grass-and-woodland paradises (and have even helped make Best Friends a vacation destination), the day-to-day work that goes into creating safety zones for the abused, neglected, and forgotten of the four-foot and two-wing worlds is hard and unforgiving, and requires not only skill and depth of knowledge, but also unrelenting resolve. Fortunately for animals in and around the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Cara Petricca has decades of experience, a Wildlife Rehabilitator’s license, and more than enough grit to go around.

As Cara wrote in a 2016 article, “I am what a grown up animal lover looks like. I have paw prints on my windows and floors, feathers stuck to the heels of my boots. I have hay in my hair and on most days I have a newborn critter tucked in my bra.” So in 2010, she purchased a 27-acre farm in Cheshire, Massachusetts, and founded Bluebird Farm, a private animal sanctuary that rescues farm animals from slaughter and abuse, domestic animals in crisis, and orphaned and injured wildlife. She does it all out of her own pocket and with private donations—no state or federal grants, and only minimal fund-raising.

I talked to Cara about her inspiration, Bluebird’s origins, and the daily challenges and rewards of caring for animals in need.

Robin Catalano: What’s your earliest memory of being interested in working with animals?

Cara Petricca: I knew from a very early age, probably around four years old, that I wanted to work with animals and be an artist. I used to ask my dad to buy me the old Adams Supermarket (in Pittsfield, where Millers Art Supply is now), because I was going to have animals in there. My father asked me if I was going to be a vet or have a pet shop or a zoo. I told him no I wasn’t going to sell animals or be a vet; I was just going to keep animals and make them happy. I was the kid who spent her days visiting snakes in the wood pile, frogs in the window wells. . . . I’ve always had an intuitive connection with animals and how to help them.

RC: Running a sanctuary is incredibly hard and sometimes heartbreaking work. Were you hesitant at first?

CP: I didn’t really mean to open a sanctuary. Wherever I have lived I’ve helped the animals in my community. In New Mexico I helped the feral dog populations in the desert, started spay and neuter programs, and volunteered at a Mexican wolf sanctuary. In California I volunteered for a wildlife facility, working with birds of prey. I got that position because I was the only person that could get near a raven named Poe.

When I moved to Cheshire, I started the sanctuary as a way to cope with the overwhelming amount of calls I would get asking to help various animals. I realized that there were lots of animals in crisis out in our community and there was nowhere for them to go unless they were a cat or dog. We clearly still have a long way to go in our treatment of farm animals and wildlife, both in regards to law and attitude.

Photo by Cara Petricca

RC: How did you choose your location?

CP: When my family moved to Cheshire in 2009, my criteria was simple: I wanted land for animals. I actually visited the property on my birthday, and I knew it was meant to be when I saw about a thousand Eastern bluebirds in the trees. Almost every year the bluebirds migrate through the farm during the week of my birthday in late September. Hence the name Bluebird Farm.
RC: What are the challenges facing sanctuaries, and how does Bluebird address or manage them? Do you have employees or volunteers to help?

CP: There are many challenges that face the sanctuary. The first is money. Most of the money that keeps the sanctuary open is out of my pocket. Fund-raising and networking while you are also caring for hundreds of animals is a challenge. Another challenge is volunteers. The idea of an animal sanctuary and wildlife rehab tends to be overglorified; people imagine that I’m here bottle-feeding babies all day. I tend to get two types of volunteers: those who show up once and never come back again, and those who become close friends and would be here at the drop of a hat if I needed them. Unfortunately, the former far outnumber the latter. So most of the time it’s just me.

I currently have a handful of people who help make things manageable. I couldn’t keep my sanity if it wasn’t for their dedication. My “intern,” Kaila Drosehn (who is just as capable as I am, if not more so), is someone who has been working with our community’s animals for many years. We decided to join forces a few years ago. Kristin Kansilla is so dedicated, she drives donated produce from Canyon Ranch up to the farm several times a week. We also have friends who are so generous, they transport animals, bring the animals and humans special homemade treats, bring us donations. They really mean a lot to the animals, too.

Some of the other challenges we face are just the daily stuff, like the goat busted out a window with his horn, a raccoon broke open his enclosure and ransacked the rehab room, the tractor broke. It’s always something when you are juggling a thousand balls in the air.

RC: Tell us about the different types of animals you help.

CP: Bluebird Farm will help any animal we can. We rescue animals from slaughter houses, factory farms, neglect and abuse, abandonment, animal mills. We’re often asked by members of the community to help address problems with a neighbor who is hoarding animals, or finding homes for animals, rescuing animals out of Dumpsters and water canals.

Unfortunately, sometimes organizations like MSPCA or the Humane Society are unable to address problems with individuals because of weak laws or lack of staff, so there are times when we will approach members of the community to see how we can help them. Sometimes it’s a matter of helping them provide food or hay through a financially tight time in their life; sometimes they’re in over their heads and need help rehoming or vetting animals. Sometimes there is mental illness involved and authorities need to be called. We often spay and neuter pets for people who seem to chronically contribute to the stray population. Whether it be wild, farm, or domestic, we help however we are able.

Photo by Cara Petricca

RC: What roles do sanctuaries like Bluebird play in educating the public and policy makers about animal rights?

CP: At Bluebird Farm one of our most important roles in the community and beyond is education. We work with schools, local programs, underserviced populations, county corrections, nursing homes, homeschoolers, interns from various local colleges, the public. We use social media as well as host our own events and visit different organizations. One of the most powerful lessons we offer is the chance to come to the farm and meet the animals that are often only viewed as food. When someone can sit and cuddle with a turkey in their lap that was once destined to become dinner, they start to see the connection. It’s very hard to look an animal in the eye that is actively seeking your affection and say to that face, “I don’t care; you’re delicious.” Our turkeys have created more vegans than I can count.

Aside from education, we work hard to support better laws to protect animals, as well as protesting injustices.

RC: What were the most challenging parts of getting Bluebird Farm off the ground?

CP: I don’t know that there has ever been an “off the ground” moment. We don’t want to grow; we wish there was no need for us to exist. Unfortunately, every year more and more animals come in. Three years ago, we had 176 animals come through the doors. This season we had over 900.

RC: What has changed most about Bluebird Farm—or you as a businessperson/advocate—since you founded it?

CP: Founding Bluebird Farm has changed me in many profound ways. I was a huge meat eater before the farm. I would joke that I liked to have a “healthy ignorance” about where my food came from.

The biggest change really has been how strong this has made me. Emotionally you have to develop a thick skin or you will lose your mind at the things humans are capable of doing to the innocent. At the same time, you have to be tender and compassionate—you are caring for animals that are vulnerable, whether physically or emotionally/psychologically. These animals have all been through trauma, everything from losing their mama to a car collision, years and years of beatings, neglect, and starvation.

It’s such an honor to be trusted by an animal. I develop such a special relationship with some of them that it’s hard to let them go. I had a litter of baby groundhogs come in one year. The mother had been killed by a bobcat, and the babies had been on their own for almost a week. Three of them died before even reaching the sanctuary; the two that remained lived in my shirt for the better part of the summer, because they kept flatlining. One of them, Taco, became rather tame with all of the handling she had to receive, so I released her on my property so I could keep an eye on her. Every spring she comes out of hibernation, and when she sees me for the first time she jumps up into my arms and cries and squeals, licking me all over the face. Even though it’s never my intention for some of them look at me as a mother and always remember me, I worry about them like a mother.

Photo by Kaila Drosehn

RC: What do you think are your biggest accomplishments in your nonprofit work?

CP: I feel my biggest achievements are becoming someone that the community can trust will help them in whatever way I can. I also feel a great achievement when I can earn the trust of animal.

RC: What has surprised you the most about running a sanctuary, or about people’s reaction to your mission?

CP: I’m always amazed at the generosity of those who have the least to give. The people who have financial struggles, who are going through personal crises themselves, the children! We have some amazing young animal advocates that are fierce in their beliefs. Our community is very supportive and generous.

RC: How many hours do you typically work in a week? Is there any particular task that you love…any that you could do without?

CP: This work is 24/7; there is no break, no vacation from it. During birthing seasons, we’re feeding babies every two hours around the clock. If I’m not physically cleaning up poop, I’m online answering questions, or trying to help someone on Facebook with an animal issue. You never know when someone will just show up here with an injured animal or call in need of help. I’m not very good at saying no.

I love the really tough cases: unusual symptoms, diseases I’ve never seen, “miserable” personalities. It feels like a huge accomplishment when an animal comes in looking like it’s going to die on the table and collectively we are able to figure the puzzle out and later release the animal.

I least like cleaning litter boxes and dealing with hoarders. It takes a lot of patience to deal with mental illness when you just want to get the animals to safety. It’s very frustrating, and oftentimes they never truly appreciate the help.

Photo by Cara Petricca

RC: Did you ever have a moment where you thought This is too hard or I’m done!? How did you work through it?

CP: Yes. There are many, many times, almost weekly, when I wonder if I have it in me to continue this work. Not to sound dramatic, but when I lose an animal that I’ve nursed along and have grown to deeply love, it’s devastating. I think that’s probably why we lose so few, because we’re so passionately trying to avoid that heartbreak. It’s also physically never-ending, day after day there is more poop, spilled food, messes, cleaning, money spending.

Our families have sacrificed a lot. It’s impossible to go on vacation. Sometimes it’s hard just to be mentally present because you’re thinking and problem solving. I also have chronic Lyme disease, so I’m thankful for the animals here. I have no choice but to get out of bed. I just have to remember that for every life lost there are hundreds saved and that we are making a difference.

RC: Would you say that your mission is even more relevant now, considering the political climate?

CP: I think it’s more important than ever to stand up for the quality of life we want in America. For many of us that includes speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves, protecting our national treasures from those who seek to make money from its use, having say in our local governments choices.

Photo by Kristin Kansilla

RC: How do you creatively recharge?

CP: I have to admit, I’m a burn-the-candle-at-both-ends kind of personality. I’m not good at taking care of myself. I really enjoy watching the animals at dawn and dusk, when everyone seems to be settling in for the night or starting their day. It’s like a giant fish tank; it’s very soothing for me. But aside from animals, I really enjoy painting, photography, and creating things. I love watching my kids play sports, and working on projects with my family.

RC: What’s the worst piece of business/nonprofit advice you’ve ever been given, and what’s the best?

CP: I think people tend to withhold advice when there is no money involved. For the most part, building Bluebird Farm has made me feel like a bit of a lonely tightrope walker; it’s been a lot of experimenting and trying to find the right people to build a team with. But I believe if you pay attention to everything you are good at, do what you love, and work with others who can cover the things you are not good at, you can determine your own level of success.

Follow Bluebird Farm on Facebook, or make a gift via their GoFundMe page.