Kathy Stevens 
If you’ve read my books, been on a Catskill tour, or been part of our family for a while, you know we have a mantra of sorts that goes, “In the ways that truly matter, we are all the same.” Well, this little video of JR, our heartthrob, is a perfect illustration of our perspective. JR is a “broiler bird,” the terrible name … Read more
We got the call from Annemarie Lucas of Animal Precinct fame: she’d picked up a sheep being chased through the Bronx by dogs. “Sure we’ll take her,” we said. It was Christmas Eve, 2004. I walked to the barn to welcome our new charge, and not surprisingly met a terrified animal. We placed her in … Read more
Last week we hosted a panel in New York City to discuss what the Trump Administration may mean for the animals. When it was announced, a lot of people asked, “Why do you have to get political? Can’t you leave politics out of your work with animals?” I have to admit I was floored. Hosting … Read more
On Sunday we posted a Facebook photo of the magnificent Tucker Cow — a post that included the phrase, “love trumps hate.” It prompted many followers to ask if Catskill Animal Sanctuary is political. The answer is: most definitely. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we neither campaign for nor endorse candidates for office. But do we … Read more
We lost a piece of our heart today. We euthanized Lil’ Guy. It was something we expected to do shortly after he arrived in May, but he made it clear every day that he wasn’t giving up yet. He was strong and he wasn’t done with life. But lately, that amazing strength began to fail … Read more
Tomorrow is a big day for one little guy: specifically our “Lil’ Guy,” a special needs calf who arrived four weeks ago when a beef producer released him to us. At 5:30 a.m., we’re loading him into our trailer and heading to the veterinary school at Tufts University, where X-rays and nerve function tests will … Read more
Having lived and worked with thousands of animals over the last 15 years, I have a long list of improbable friends: soulful sheep and insistent ducks, magnificent chickens and impossible pigs. Two of my dearest are cows. Their names are Sadie and Tucker. On this rainy spring morning, Tucker and Sadie are nestled into the … Read more
I’ve been fortunate to know gifted teachers. Mrs. Eggleston, my fifth grade teacher, nurtured my nascent interest in art and writing. Mrs. Yarborough, my twelfth grade English teacher, pushed me to strengthen my skills. In college, Professor Garrison’s poetry classroom was electric with possibility and promise. There were others. You had them, too. Whether we … Read more
Are you planning your first visit to meet the residents of Catskill Animal Sanctuary? Or are you a returning guest hoping for a profound encounter? Founder Kathy Stevens has advice to help you see the Sanctuary through her eyes. Sit down with them. Pigs have short little necks, ducks and chickens are less than knee-high … Read more
When animals fall ill at Catskill Animal Sanctuary, we try mightily to bring them back to health. All good sanctuaries do that: “our” animals are our families. We celebrate each one’s healing, and we cherish them all. When we lose them, we lost a piece of our hearts. Yesterday, we lost two of the most … Read more
Phone: 845.336.8447
501c3 Charitable Organizations
© Catskill Animal Sanctuary 2026
