Amazing Grace Animal Sanctuary
About Our Sanctuary
“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal, I see a living being, I see a friend, I see a soul.”
Our History
Donna Watterson is the founder of Animal Grace Animal Sanctuary. Her passion and purpose is caring for animals, especially those in need of love. Daryl, her husband, joined her in this mission and together they manage the sanctuary. Most recently Harmoney, Donna’s niece, has joined the family.
The idea of an Animal Sanctuary started to evolve about 10 years ago when Donna and Daryl moved into the Sullivan location. Prior to the move they lived in Keene and enjoyed their hobby of caring for rabbits and a couple of goats. The first rescue came about 2 weeks before the big move and a pair of donkeys were in need of a home. Donna had always dreamed of owning a donkey, as well as, a rescue farm and this opportunity was a blessing. It became the start of Amazing Grace Animal Sanctuary.
Their rented property had 10 stalls and it did not take long to fill them with unwanted, mistreated and abandoned animals. The sanctuary is now home to horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, various chickens, turkeys and a bunny.
January 2019 was the start of a new beginning for the sanctuary when it became a 501C(3) nonprofit organization.
We are excited to expand our animal care, outreach and educational opportunities. We have had the opportunity to involve our animals with disabled interns from Chesco, Inc., charter school interns, home school groups, public school groups, Girl Scouts, Cedarcrest and the Make a Wish Foundation. Additionally, we bring animals to visit local schools and fairs.
OLGA
Olga and Dad
In April of 2015, Donna received a call from a farm in Vermont that had a damaged baby goat who was born earlier than planned. The baby goat had not been noticed and when she was found, had some serious damage to her ears, leg and face from being frozen.
The farm could not keep her and requested that Donna take her. After numerous conversations about the cost of her care, Donna and Daryl agreed to take her in. In hindsight, she was an Angel sent to them for other purposes. The Wattersons helped her to heal and she brought healing to their family after the recent passing of Donna’s mother. They named her OLGA.
Eventually, our beloved Olga needed to have her rear right leg amputated. Although there were a lot of sleepless nights for us all, Olga made it through her surgery and led a wonderful life on her 3 legs, here at the sanctuary.
In 2017 she gave birth to her little boy Finn.
Sadly, on March 9, 2018 Olga passed away.
A wonderful book was written by Peggy A. Rydberg based on Olga’s story.
Our Amazing Donors
Board of Directors:
Daryl Watterson, President
Paul Stewart, Vice President
Donna Dearth, Treasurer
Diane Regan, Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Cathy LaMontagne
Barbara Berry
Kendra Sylvia
Donna Watterson, Executive Director
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501C(3) nonprofit
HOW YOU CAN HELP
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Amazing Grace Animal Sanctuary
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161 Centre St.
Sullivan, NH 03445
603-358-0578
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France
