"Chewin' the Cud" is an online journal written by Chenoa Manor's Executive Director Dr. Rob Teti

The past several months have been very full months at Chenoa Manor, with speaking engagements, youth programs, and our animal residents.  

This past January, I was fortunate enough to have been invited to be the keynote speaker at the White Coat Ceremony for the incoming class of veterinary students at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.   A very capable, enthusiastic, and open-minded group of young adults listened attentively as I described the mission of Chenoa Manor, sharing lessons that I have learned from all the animal residents that share their day to day lives with me.   I asked these dynamic students to not only be respectful and true to their animal patients but also to themselves, encouraging them to live passionately and compassionately; asking them to realize and remember that the animals of this world exist and live for their own reasons.

I also had the wonderful opportunity to address the academic body of the phenomenal boys' school, The Church Farm School.   Chenoa Manor is very lucky to have such a following among so many of these talented, incredible young men who have come to develop close bonds with so many of the animal residents at Chenoa Manor.

My most recent speaking engagement was at the beautiful Gentle Spirit Farm.   I had the honor of participating in a workshop that dealt with the emotions of losing a companion animal.   The workshop was not only extremely well attended and received, but the registration fees collected that day were donated to Chenoa Manor by the organizers of the event.   A very special thank you to not only the attendees but also to the event organizers, Rob & Diane Mayer of Gentle Spirit Farm.  

Just a few weeks ago, the production company of the television series, Wild About Animals , spent an entire day at Chenoa Manor.   They filmed practically all of the animal residents as well as the animals interacting with some of their friends from Church Farm School.   During the morning the young men spent a significant amount of time preparing items for the cows, goats, and sheep to investigate as part of our environmental enrichment programs. The segment about Chenoa Manor is set to air later this fall.   Once we have more information, we will share it.

Chenoa Manor also recently hosted an afternoon of creative thinking with about 40 young artists from Church Farm School.   The animals allowed themselves to be captured as "art in motion" for these young men.   Some of this work will be used at Chenoa Manor events later this year.   We are in the process of planning similar events with other youth organizations for this summer.

We also welcomed the arrival of a few new animal friends, from llamas from the infamous Catskill Game Farm to horses used in the Premarin industry.   These beautiful animal friends are readily making themselves comfortable at their forever home.

Lastly, but just as importantly, we are in the process of raising funds for the renovation and rehabilitation of our 200 year old stone Bank Barn.   The wonderful thing about this project is that, despite economic difficulties, every person can very easily contribute to the success and completion of this project.   More details about how you can help will be posted to our website soon.

There is a Chinese saying that says, those who say it can not be done, should not stand in the way of those who are actually doing it.   Every day, Chenoa Manor is making a difference.   We are actually doing it.

Posted: 6/7/2009