Meet my friend Darla Daniels. Darla founded Orphan-Annimals over 20 years ago following her passion and purpose to help save and rehabilitate needy, abandoned and surrendered animals.
Having always loved animals since she was a child, Darla brought home lost and injured dogs and cats to save, and as she grew, so did her vision of saving animals. They got bigger, the types of animals became diverse and so did the land she needed to home them, and soon enough, Darla had saved hundreds of animals.
By trade, Darla is a farrier, and she expanded her reach to farm communities. Horses and donkeys that had been left in a corner stall to die became residents of the sanctuary, as did a mini horse who had never had his hoofs trimmed and could not walk, sick dogs and cats, stranded donkeys, goats, Norman the cow, alpaca, and more who were all nursed back to life. Even the mini horse that could not walk – walks today. Every animal in Darla’s care has a roof over its head, a coat on its back, hay, grain, and food, urgent and regular medical care, and a good life.
Darla is out on the land from 5:30 am until 7:30 pm, 7 days a week. There are currently 60 animals on site, and the 10-acre farm has now expanded to include attaching 6 more acres that need fencing, so it can house even more needy animals. Animals that come to Darla are often abandoned and abused and so are welcome to live their lives out there where they can be safe and well cared for. If possible, some are rehomed. Each individual animal gets its own rehab plan, created by Darla so that it reaches its full potential and has a happy and healthy life. Another of the sanctuary’s goals is to educate people about responsible animal care to prevent future cruelty and mis-care of animals.
Darla has a heart larger than the acreage she works on to keep these animals safe, well cared for, and loved. Her love for them overflows and her devotion to them is endless. The job is demanding in many ways: physical, mental, financial, and can be exhausting. From that exhaustion, Darla is amazingly able to find more energy to care for the animals who find her.
All of Darla’s rescue is supported only by donations and volunteers. With COVID, the past year has eliminated volunteers and Darla’s time to host new people at the farm and meet new people has been limited. We hope you will help Orphan-Annimals to continue to prosper so that this wonderful sanctuary can continue to thrive and bring grace and good fortune to so many animals that need a home, care, and love.
Orphan Annimals is located at 71 Forge Hill Road in Glen Gardner NJ. You can call 908.447.5049 for more information, or set up a time to visit.
You can donate to Orphan-Annimals here: https://orphanannimals.com/donate/
You can see more on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/orphannannimals