Kathy Stevens founded the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in 2001 with 80 acres of land that she turned from a virtual trash heap into an idyllic sanctuary where rescued, abused, and forgotten animals can live their final years filled with the love, care, and respect they so richly deserve. 

In her work and in her exquisitely written books, Kathy describes the essence and personalities of these animals – and today, she shares some of the most poignant stories from those souls she has had the privilege of caring for through the years. 

Every animal has a rich emotional life and they want to live. Like humans, they have pain and fear, but can also learn to trust with the right interactions. 

Thank goodness for humans like Kathy Stevens and places like Catskill Animal Sanctuary who bring love and care to animals, while also making the world a better place for all of us. 

Episode Highlights

11:05 When and how did she get the property to start Catskill Animal Sanctuary?

17:02 How does she acquire her sanctuary animals?

22:25 Animals of the stories, starting with Rambo the sheep

37:30 Polly, the cockfighting rooster

41:35 Buddy, the Blind Horse

48:25 What Kathy knows for sure about all of her animals

51:20 Dino, the only survivor of a fire that killed 22 other horses

54:10 The special pig/human relationship

58:30 Mealtime is the magical time at Catskill Animal Sanctuary

1:01:10 How has our current climate affected sanctuaries?

1:05:10 What makes her most proud about her work?

1:06:50 How does she say, “hello” or welcome a new animal to the sanctuary?

1:09:45 How do they say, “goodbye” to these precious animals?

"I believe that in all of us is a good and pure knowing that beneath the surface of things, beneath gender and skin color, religion and nationality, social class and sexual preference, and yes, beneath species, we are all the same. This book is dedicated with love and hope to that good and pure knowing in you."

Episode Resources

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Catskill Animal Sanctuary Website and Resources - including public tours and donation information

Order Where the Blind Horse Sings

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