Whispering Acres sanctuary in Medina heals both rescued animals and the people who love them

When Janine Smalley opened Whispering Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in 2020, her ambitious mission was to provide a safe and loving home for abused and neglected farm animals. Since then, that mission has expanded in ways she could never have imagined.

Her sanctuary, on Norwalk Road in Medina, has become a haven that offers refuge and tranquility – a place where both animals and humans find ways to heal together.

“We originally just planned to rescue animals but were amazed by how much love the animals give back to those who care and visit them,” Smalley said.

Assisted by her husband, Scott, and a team of more than 35 volunteers, nearly 100 farm animals receive care and rehabilitation. They include goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, donkeys, horses and a peacock named Glitter Chicken. Smalley shared inspirational stories of the relationships that develop between the animals and those who visit and care for them.

Some visitors are autistic children and those with sensory disorders. One nonverbal boy joyfully rode a horse. As he was helped off, he amazed his family by saying, “Go, go, me love.”

Another boy was found hugging Agnes, a 2,800-pound Belgian horse. He explained that she looked strong, like his father who had recently passed away.

“We have kids from the Medina County Juvenile Detention Center who come once a week to work at the farm,” Smalley said. “Even when they no longer have to, some come back just to hang with the animals.”

She recalled a late-night text from a 16-year-old volunteer urging her to rescue a severely underweight Belgian mare that was headed to a kill pen. Smalley knew the teen struggled with body dysmorphia and was impressed that she recognized the horse was dangerously thin. After rescuing the mare, named Matilda, the girl developed a feeding plan for both herself and the horse. 

“They ate snacks and meals together, and she learned that eating is not a bad thing,” Smalley said.

Whispering Acres has also partnered with Harvest Presbyterian Church, bringing farm animals to 60 inner-city children so they could experience life in the country. 

“It was the first time many of these kids had seen farm animals, and they loved them,” Smalley said. “We received so many adorable thank-you notes.”

At times, Whispering Acres suspends tours and the acceptance of new animal surrenders due to biosecurity concerns and quarantine measures. These often follow large-scale animal confiscations in partnership with local humane societies. Many animals arrive sick, with broken bones or compromised immune systems. Smalley encourages visitors to call or text 440-212-6769 or email janine@whisperingacressanctuary.com before visiting.

A recent rescue included dozens of chickens and roosters. Homes were found for the hens, but the roosters, once used in fighting rings, remained. 

“We have 10 to 12 roosters running around who we’ve trained not to fight, and now they’re all friends,” Smalley said.

She said they often receive pigs and goats. “Potbelly pigs are adorable, but people aren’t prepared for how big they get. They should not be house pets. Goats try to kill themselves every day. They get parasites and are often sick.”

Smalley said she mentally prepares for rescue missions, often saving farm animals from horrendous conditions. “I like to believe that most of the neglect is not intentional. In nine out of 10 cases, people become unable to provide care because they have become too ill themselves. Or they can no longer afford to care for them, and they are too ashamed to ask for help. We are a judgment-free zone. I won’t ask you why you did what you did to your animals. I know that in most cases it was not purposeful neglect.”

The sanctuary also reserves space for animals belonging to women entering domestic violence shelters. “Often, people won’t leave a domestic violence situation if they have animals because they can’t bring them. We hold the animals until they’re able to take them back. If necessary, we promise to keep them for the rest of their lives without rehoming them,” Smalley said.

Despite her full-time job as coordinator of the Interventional Psychology Program at University Hospitals Lake West, Smalley begins her days before dawn feeding the animals and ends them after work with more hours of animal care. She also manages lupus and permanent hearing loss in one ear. Her dream is to secure financial support to care for the animals full time. She also hopes to publish a book sharing her passion for providing farm animals with second chances while receiving reciprocal love from them.

Whispering Acres is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies heavily on volunteers and donations. More information is available at www.whisperingacressanctuary.com.