Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary is a recognized 501c3 EIN# 82-3859016
Volunteering is a work of heart
At Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our animal residents, volunteers, and visitors. Join our team!
The Heartbeat of the Sanctuary
Founder
Rhonda
Rhonda has always been passionate about animals, particularly those in greater need. Having grown up in New Jersey and spent some time living in New York, the transition to the slower pace of North Carolina felt more like home. Animals have always been a significant part of her life, and relocating allowed her to realize a lifelong dream.
At the sanctuary, Rhonda assumes multiple roles, including coordinating rescues, maintaining the website, managing volunteers, overseeing social media, fundraising, and caring for the animals daily. It's a busy life, but ​a fulfilling one and close to her heart.
Co-Founder
Greg
Greg, originally from New York, has served in the Air Force, a career that has seen him stationed in diverse locations, including California, Ohio and New Mexico. In addition to his full-time job, he dedicates himself to the maintenance of the sanctuary. His responsibilities are extensive: he manages UGA veterinary transports for the residents of BVFAS, coordinates rescue transport for new residents, constructs and maintains shelters, maintains the grounds and installs new fencing. His boundless energy and compassion is overwhelming
Meet the Team
BVFAS operates entirely with the support of volunteers, without any paid staff. We are grateful to have an amazing team of committed volunteers. Get to know some of our dedicated team members who have big hearts.
Animal Caregiver
Barb
Barb has been a vital member of the sanctuary since 2019. Her background as a retired Air Force nurse provides invaluable experience for the daily care of our residents. Her keen eye for detail is a cherished attribute. Always eager to assist or contribute an extra day when necessary, she is indispensable.
Animal Caregivers
Thomas & Linda
The dynamic husband and wife duo began their volunteering journey in 2023. Linda, a retired prison nurse, and Thomas, retired military, bring compassion to their work. Linda's nursing experience is invaluable for daily animal care, while Thomas has a unique gift for connecting with the animals. He also wears multiple hats here at the sanctuary, serving both as grounds maintenance and handyman.
Animal Caregiver
Pattie
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Shelter Help/Handyman
Guy
Guy embarked on his volunteer journey with our organization in 2021. Even while managing his own business, he consistently allocates time to help us and those requiring assistance. His commitment to selfless service is genuine, and he engages in it without any expectation of recognition.
Shelter Help
Amanda
Amanda relocated here two years ago and finds joy in volunteering and caring for animals. She has been volunteering since January 2024, with her preferred spot being the large barn that houses the bigger animals, reminiscent of her childhood on a Wisconsin horse farm. She retired from the army in 2013 and once served as a clinical supervisor at an oral surgery practice while residing in Georgia.
Goat Nanny
Diane
Diane, a retired Florida teacher, dedicated 40 years to teaching 6th-grade science in middle school. Imagine, four decades spent with 11 and 12-year-olds behind closed doors! Now, she finds herself amidst "kiddos" again, but of a different kind: Diane volunteers as a goat nanny. When not tending to the adorable kids, she's either golfing, traveling, or indulging in arts and crafts. With her vibrant energy, Diane certainly gives Rea a run for her money.
Goat Nanny
Miriam
Miriam retired from a 30-year career in the operating room and relocated to Macon County four years ago. She has dedicated nearly two years to volunteering at BVFAS. Her hobbies include hiking, art, and crafting, as well as spending time with her beloved goat friends at Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary, particularly Patches, whom she sponsors.
Transport/Produce/Piggy Lover
Holly
Holly has volunteered with us since 2019. As our only transportation aide, she has played a crucial role in helping many of our babies, like Asa and Mongo, begin their new journeys. A talented artist, she generously donates all her proceeds to the sanctuary. Moreover, she makes a delicious puree for the pigs using fresh produce donated by our local markets.
Goat Nanny
Debbie
Debbie lives in the Cowee area of Macon County with her husband Jim, their cat Mocha, and dog Zoey. She has a fondness for goats, having owned two pygmy goats while residing in PA. She chose to volunteer to assist disadvantaged animals, finding joy and therapeutic value in their happiness and well-being.
Goat Nanny
Judy
Judy, a retiree from the USPS, has frequented Franklin for 16 years. In 2023, she joined us as a seasonal goat nanny, devoting her time to our disabled house goats. In addition to her passion for motorcycle riding, she is a skilled crafter, focusing on loom knitting and the creation of handmade greeting cards. Her most cherished part of being a goat nanny is the chance to improve the goats' quality of life and reciprocate the unconditional love they give so freely.
Shelter Help
Jeanne
After a 27-year career as an IT Project Manager with Kroger Co., Jeanne found a new sense of fulfillment at BVFAS. Her lifelong love for animals drew her to volunteer at BVFAS, where she discovered balance in her retirement. The unique personalities and heartwarming stories of the animals have brought her immense joy and satisfaction. She is deeply inspired by the sanctuary's commitment and altruistic purpose. When she's not tending to the animals, she finds joy in nature's arms, as a passionate hiker who finds peace and inspiration in the beauty of the wilderness.