Humans rescuing animals rescuing humans in Buellton

BUELLTON, Calif. - A farm animal sanctuary in Buellton is offering wellness therapy.

Martha's Farm Animal Sanctuary first saves animals, and now is looking to help save humans.

New wellness therapy is being developed by Martha's Farm owners.

“Our vision for Martha's Farm Animal Sanctuary is helping animals and people and exploring that connection,” says Nikki Dalko, a co-founder.

The non-profit organization’s co-founders say the stories of farm animals escaping the food industry brings hope to humans. 

“Every animal has a story, and it's all about hope and resilience. And these stories are helpful to all of us,” says Dalko. 

They house cows, goats, pigs & ducks - animals that typically struggle to find forever homes after exiting the agricultural machine.

“The medical world is taking this more seriously now, that there is health benefits to being around the animals. Your blood pressure drops. This is all beneficial to mental health. We've had members of the fire department out here. We've had women veterans. And the feedback has been so great and we want to do more of that,” says Dalko.

The founders are working to create a new wellness program with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

“The animals really like interactions with people and they behave and they respond to that as well.

"We really wanted to expand on the benefit and mutual relationship, mutual beneficial relationship between animals and humans,” says sanctuary operator and co-founder John Patterson.

The farm founders say veterans, first responders, people fighting cancer & those with special needs can all benefit from animal therapy services.

“We want to help animals and people,” says Patterson.

Martha's Farm Animal Sanctuary is not open to the general public, but small groups can schedule private tours through their website.  

“People that have high stress jobs, trauma, special needs. We believe that these animals are so beneficial, the human and animal connection, and we want this to be part of our sanctuary going forward,” says Dalko.

To schedule a visit to the sanctuary, you can visit their website, marthasfarmanimalsanctuary.org or Instagram, @marthasfarmanimalsanctuary.