Adoptable Faith
This portion of our site is currently dedicated to a volunteer program Dog Momma is coordinating locally. Gentle Spirit Farm, a 9-acre fenced-in “doggie paradise”, has set aside time each week for shelter dogs to come and have the farm to themselves for a much needed off-leash romp in the midst of nature. CompAnimals Pet Rescue is the first shelter to participate and the experience has been nothing short of awesome!
New volunteers are welcome to have a practice visit with an experienced volunteer before making a commitment.
Program Overview
CompAnimals Pet Rescue is a not-for-profit “no kill” rescue located in Landenberg, PA. Their mission is to take in unwanted, abandoned or abused dogs, cats and other small pets; to place those they can in loving, permanent homes; and to provide a sanctuary for the animals whose age, health issues or temperament precludes them from adoption.
Gentle Spirit Farm is graciously sharing their property (in Avondale, PA) to shelter dogs on a scheduled basis. Words will not do the property justice, but we’ll try… it’s a giant fenced-in area with creeks, hills, trails, landscaping, wildlife, shade and sun… and best of all, good energy.
Adoptable Brutus Beefcake
The volunteer’s job is to transport one shelter dog between CompAnimals and Gentle Spirit Farm, share 30-40 minutes of off-leash bliss with the dog, and then return the tired and happy dog back to CompAnimals. The entire volunteer effort takes 2 hours.
How to Become a Volunteer
Please contact us with questions, and to register. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
We will arrange a program coordinator to share your first volunteer experience and provide orientation. Volunteers are required to comply with both CompAnimals and Gentle Spirit Farm policies and procedures aimed toward maintaining health and safety for animals, staff and volunteers.
Leona and Adoptable Cupcake
Volunteer Protocol
As this program is a celebration of nature and freedom, there aren’t too many rules to follow! Still, bear the following in mind to make the program successful:
- The gate to the property is always closed, so there is no risk of dogs running out the front entrance. Be sure to close the gate behind you when you come and go.
- Confirmation of each appointment will be provided to volunteers the day prior (on Sunday).
- Parking is available outside and inside the fenced-in property. If you’d prefer to park inside, please proceed the entire length of the driveway to the small parking area at the end of the drive. This way others can use the driveway if necessary.
- The volunteer team’s contact information will be shared, so we can communicate in the case of questions, poor weather, special circumstances, etc.
- A common question is how to get the happy dog back into the car… we have found:
- Ten dogs into the program, we haven’t had an issue yet. The dogs are cooperative and understand they won’t be staying at the farm indefinitely!
- Treats are welcome if you think to pack ahead.
- You may opt to leash the dog ahead of time, at an opportune moment, anytime in the last 10-15 minutes of the walk.
- Walking the trails clockwise will put you in a small, fenced-in area (near the chickens and near the inside parking lot) at the end.
- Contact info. will be available for someone to come lend you a hand if needed.
- We will review your experience periodically to confirm the opportunity is working well for all involved.
- You are welcome to take photographs to be included on this site!
Volunteer Calendar
You can view a full-page calendar to see what shifts are booked or available in the future. Note:
- The shifts are always on Mondays – start times at 9 AM and 10 AM at the farm.
- Volunteers should plan to arrive at CompAnimals 1/2 hour prior (at 8:30 or 9:30), to spend a few minutes picking up the dog.
- The drive between CompAnimals and Gentle Spirit Farm takes 20 minutes.
The DOGS
We hope this section gets way too long to manage… see the posts below for glimpses of the wonderful experiences of “doggie paradise”! These dogs are available for adoption; please pass on the good word.
