Willow’s Wings is a one-of-a-kind animal sanctuary and rescue  

Willow Sullivan, founder of Willow’s Wings Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Maine, N.Y., is devoted to caring for animals in need. Described by some as an “angel to animals,” Sullivan’s furry friends include domestic pets, farm animals and multiple exotic birds, among others, and a majority of which have been abandoned, abused, neglected or disabled.

“The animals that arrive here are not only welcome into my home,” Sullivan said, “but also into my heart.”

On her 20-plus acre property, Sullivan today cares for approximately 130 animals, a majority of them sent to her via referrals from veterinarians, or by owners who have entered a nursing home or assisted living facility or who have passed away, and sometimes by those who have some other difficulty in caring for their pet.  Through the power of social media, particularly Facebook, connections come from all over the United States and more recently, as far away as China and Thailand. 

“So many times people choose euthanasia as an easy way out,” Sullivan explained, and added that more often there are animals that can be saved if given the chance and attention.

Sullivan commented, “My goal is to make animal lives better.”  Animals roam free on the property, and it is also Sullivan’s goal, too, to find forever homes for some of the animals.

An effort that started several years ago, and a love for animals that goes back to her childhood, it was in December 2015 that Sullivan saw the focus of her work become even more critical when Willow’s Wings was approved for nonprofit status.  Through fundraising, donations and grant opportunities, the wingspan of what the organization can cover has expanded significantly. 

Primarily a one-woman show, Sullivan does receive help from faithful volunteers, and explained that she is always looking for new volunteers, especially during the daytime hours. Sullivan’s day starts at 6 a.m. with feeding and giving animals daily medications, cleaning litter boxes and transporting animals to veterinary clinics and Cornell University, among other tasks. The work is nonstop caring for parrots, horses, cats and dogs, ducks, geese, chickens, pigs, rabbits and more.

It is a tremendous amount of work, but Sullivan said, “It is always rewarding.”

Sullivan started out caring mainly for cats and dogs, however over the years her efforts have turned into a sort of Noah’s Ark.

One rewarding story centers around Chamalea, a dog that was having issues walking. Chamalea was taken to Cornell on Dec. 22, where a CT scan was done and determined that the patellas, or kneecaps, had shifted to the insides of her legs.  With surgery, which is estimated to cost $6,000, the Cornell veterinary team assured Sullivan that Chamalea should be able to walk again normally.

“I would like people to understand that every animal’s life has value,” Sullivan shared. Sullivan explained that just because an animal has aged or requires extreme medical care that does not mean that people should give up on them.

“It is frustrating and depressing,” Sullivan commented, referring to how the well being of animals is sometimes dismissed.

One of Sullivan’s most recognized rescues is a story about Scooter, a two-legged dog who suffered severe life-threatening injuries.  Now hailed a “Miracle Dog,” Scooter has become a celebrity at Willow’s Wings, and along with continued care, can now run freely on the farm with a custom fitted cart. 

Sullivan keeps in contact with a few original owners of animals that have come to her sanctuary, and often snaps photos of a few parrots, and then emails updates to owners, most of whom are elderly residents in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Sullivan remembers fondly that her mother, who has passed away, called her daughter a “Pied Piper,” and recognized that she bonded with animals easily as she took them under her wing, hence the organization’s name, Willow’s Wings.

Sullivan shared that regular volunteers are welcome and has also hosted individuals and groups of visitors, many who have volunteered their time on the farm.  Sullivan asks that potential visitors contact her via email to set up a date to visit.

As a nonprofit, Willow’s Wings relies on donations and fundraisers, and welcomes an experienced grant writer for future projects.  Even as a nonprofit, there are rarely any discounts for Sullivan at area veterinarian facilities.   

One upcoming fundraiser, “Doug’s Fish Fry,” is scheduled on Friday, Jan. 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tractor Supply located in Vestal, N.Y., and benefits Willow’s Wings.      

For more information about Willow’s Wings, visit willowswings.com or find them on Facebook.  Send inquiries or PayPal donations to willow6226@gmail.com.