CLAUDINE AND PATRICK VEISTROFFER’S
STORY
(written by Claudine)
I worked as a professional esthetician since 1981 and had my own
salon from 1987 until present.I
practice holistic skincare and spa therapies.
In the summer of 2001 I meet my future husband Patrick who was vacationing
in the states and we soon married.After
we married Patrick moved to the states and started a small picture framer and art gallery business (he had twenty years of
experience managing different art business in France).We also moved our business in the same space so we could spend more time together.
Our story and relation with animals started in
2004 when an acquaintance ask us to take care of a lonely little bird named Mikie (a cockatiel).Immediately both Mikie and Patrick fell in love
and we adopted the bird.Now
we live with 22 birds at home that have their own space, playground area and branches so they can enjoy flying.
Our story
took a second turn when in spring 2007 I had a memory of a farm (part of a middle school)that I used to visit everyday when
I was single.I asked
my husband to take a drive there to see if they still had animals.The animals were still there, so we started to visit regularly and bring treats
(bread or carrots) to the donkeys, goats and rabbits.This is what led us to volunteer to help with animals; we eventually got hired and spent
2 years there.
In late July 2009 we decided to go our own way with some of the animals adopted from the
school, some from local farm or private individuals.
We now have 85 animals both at home and in our
sanctuary in Upton (MA).
I am semi retired and my husband had to give up the framing store due to both
the time necessary to work at the school and the bad economy.
So now he has more time available to do our construction
at the sanctuary and take care of the animals.
This past summer I learned about Cloa’s
Ark Animal Sanctuary and how Claudine and Patrick were expanding their kindness to animals.
I have volunteered
at many sanctuaries for animals and nothing compares to the experience I had and
continue to have at Cloa’s
Ark.
Cloa’s Ark is a special sanctuary because visitors will witness Claudine and Patrick interact
with each animal as individuals and share each animal’s story.
Every animal at Cloa’s
Ark has a name, a personality, and a personal narrative.
As busy as they are caring for eighty‐ five
plus animals, Claudine and Patrick tenderly talk
to each animal displaying the emotional relationship that exists between human beings and every kind of animal.
Visitors to the Sanctuary also learn about the emotional
relationships amongst the animals as Claudine and Patrick know how each animal relates to others.
Operating a sanctuary for animals is not easy work yet Claudine and
Patrick, motivated by compassion, are dedicated to the well‐being of all the animals at Cloa’s Ark.
Claudine and Patrick are knowledgeable,educated in providing the appropriate nutrition, environment, and health care for the
animals.
They are extremely sensitive
to each kind of animal’s behavior and specific needs.
One of the calves at Cloa’s Ark had surgery and required daily wound care during her convalescence.
Claudine and Patrick diligently nursed this calf back to a full recovery.
I know that all the animals at Cloa’s
Ark receive the same level of care and this is remarkable. Cloa’s Ark Animal Sanctuary is a special
place where animals are given a peaceful home.
More importantly it is a place where children and adults
can spend time with animals, learn about them, and
learn about compassion.
Every time
I go to Cloa’s Ark I learn something new about animals and myself and I hope that many more people will have the same
opportunity.
Sincerely,
Dharshini M. Joseph
