HARTVILLE — If you don’t know, you better go. Almost 1200 acres of grassy hills and pine-topped vistas are home to the Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary north of Hartville. Since opening in 2007, Kindness Ranch has been home to animals that have been tested or otherwise used in lab and clinical trials and experimentation at universities, medical schools and private laboratories, providing them a place for rehabilitation, and/or adoption into their forever home. Many of these animals such as dogs, cats, horses and even pigs come to the Ranch having been repeatedly traumatized, and part of the role of the small but passionate staff is to offer a gentle, secure, and trainable environment that allows the animal to adjust to a potential home environment. The staff lives on-site and provides daily care.

The majority of dogs that are transitioned to Kindness Ranch are beagles, as laboratories find them highly “useful” thanks to genetic traits and behaviors that are heartbreakingly exploited in a lab setting. When a test-animal’s life is no longer “useful” to the lab, the animal is euthanized, and this is where the Kindness Ranch comes in; providing safety, longevity, and freedom.

Executive Director John Ramer played a pivotal role in legislation surrounding the use of animals in laboratory research and testing, and Kindness Ranch is the only facility of its kind in the United States that exclusively takes in these animals. “We are raising awareness around programming like ours,” said Ramer, “and we have addressed congress advocating the type of rehabilitative program we offer at Kindness Ranch.”

Cats receive plenty of play time, trees for climbing and outdoor space for socialization with other cats and human visitors. Some of the experienced staff members live with the dogs and work daily on housebreaking, leash-walking, some basic commands as well as socialization in hopes of ultimate adoption by closely vetted candidates meeting strict criteria.

The farm animals that are rescued live out their life on the ranch where they are hand-fed and happily spoiled with open air pastures, fresh nutrition and lots of affection. Horses and cows that are brought to the ranch are free to roam on most of the Ranch’s acres, and sheeps, pigs and goats have access to open grazing land, according to Ramer. “They are truly living their best life out here and only experience happiness and love.” Animals that are too debilitated, old, or sick to be adopted live out their days on the Ranch.

The Kindness Ranch also offers long-term volunteer opportunities, and provides on-site living accommodations in a spacious yurt that perches atop a rocky hill overlooking the rest of the ranch. Not only that, but the Ranch also offers fully-furnished rental cabins (vaulted ceiling, spiral staircase, anyone?) which are available year-round. The cabins afford access to hiking trails around the ranch and gorgeous views of wide open Wyoming land. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to stay whether they are interested in animal adoption, fostering, volunteering or supporting the Ranch.

Over the weekend, Ramer, his wife, and his staff and volunteers guided visitors around the vast property introducing them to the animals, facilities and mission of Kindness Ranch. “We are proud of what we are doing here,” said Ramer. “Our mission to save lives, build bridges and create a better future for both these animals and our community has reached new heights. We have had a great turnout for the open house and hope that awareness, networking and support continues to grow.” Kindness Ranch has saved thousands of animal lives and also creates local jobs that benefit our communities and build economic growth in the area. “The Ranch draws visitors and support from all over the country,” said Ramer.

Visitors are encouraged and tours are available by visiting their website at kindness ranch.org you can also follow Kindness Ranch on Facebook and other social media.