Where Humans and Non-Human Animals Come to Heal
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Penelope's Place is a 501c3, Non- Profit Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. It was inspired by the rescue of Penelope, the chicken. This sanctuary is her legacy. Penelope's Place is currently located in Akron, NY and serves as a respite to rescued animals. Co-founders Vanessa and Steven Dawson began Penelope's Place in Brooklyn, NY and moved to the Buffalo area to be able to expand the sanctuary beyond the confines of city living. A larger space increased their ability to take in more animals. Penelope's Place is a vegan sanctuary and operates fully under those values. The animals will never be used for their eggs or meat and we also serve as a place of education about living a compassionate life towards all beings.
If you would like to help fund the mission of Penelope's Place and support the work that we do you can donate to the "Karuna Campaign", |
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Who is Penelope?
Penelope was rescued by Vanessa and Steven Dawson from the religious ritual of Kaporos in 2014. Penelope is the star of the award winning documentary “Penelope: A Rescue Story” and she has become the face of the movement to end the use of chickens as kaporos. Her rescue story has been seen by millions of people worldwide and has inspired many to reconsider the way chickens are viewed by our society.
Sadly, Penelope died in May of 2017 due to an un- treatable respiratory illness, but Vanessa and Steven will not let her story end there. They are dedicating their lives to continuing their beloved Penelope’s legacy by starting “Penelope’s Place", a sanctuary where animals like Penelope can find peace. |
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Co-founders Vanessa and Steven Dawson
Being so inspired by Penelope's love and experiencing first hand the bond between human and non-human animals, Steven and Vanessa are excited to use their collective talents to help others. In addition to the animal care work their skills include Vanessa’s education in yoga, sound, holistic healing and the performing arts and Steven’s experience as a social- worker and psycho-therapist. Here they come together to create a unique approach to the healing profession. Their ultimate goal is to help human and non-human animals increase their quality of life.
Vanessa Dawson
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Steven Dawson
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We are:
A sanctuary of love
A home for chickens- the most exploited, undervalued and abused beings on the earth
A place where beings come to heal, be seen and be loved for the beautiful souls that they are
A place whose mission is to change the world and raise the vibration of the earth through the power of loving kindness.
A place where we have deep respect for all of nature.
A place where humans and animals heal each other through love.
Our Sanctuary Values:
We are an ethical vegan animal sanctuary and rescue. These are the core beliefs that we hold.
1. Ethical veganism...we strive to be a place of collective liberation, where beings of all species (including humans) can be safe from violence, oppression, and exploitation
2. No consumption and usage of animal products, including from sanctuary residents.
3. We will never sell or give away any animal based items for human usage. This includes milk, corpses, eggs, honey and wool
4. We reject the idea of “humane” animal husbandry and ‘welfare’ approaches. There is no right way to do the wrong thing.
5. Absolutely no breeding of residents, and proper precautions are taken to avoid breeding (including spay and neuter when appropriate)
6. Priority is given to the safety and physical and emotional well-being of residents
7. All human and non-human interactions are respectful – we are not a petting zoo.
8. We will never support purchasing of animals from exploiters/farmers. Liberated or rescues only.
9. Vet care is provided for all residents.
10. Proper nutrition is provided for all residents, seeking to avoid non vegan sources when possible for residents.
11. Safe enclosures for all residents- this includes aerial protection for avian residents. Free range of chickens/ducks equals free lunch for predators.
12. Weather appropriate housing for all residents (example: chickens are tropical birds and should have coop winter temperatures above 50 degrees F)
13. We have all vegan board members
14. There is no non-vegan food allowed on site.
15. We strive to educate about the victims, survivors and the very foundation of veganism with the general public.
To learn more about how to support our sanctuary :