Special animals, children help each other at Rougemont sanctuary

At the Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary, love is unconditional. It's a farm for animals in need, and a place for people in need as well.

“This is a very hard job,” Alesja Daehnrich said while feeding a carrot to one of the horses. “The need is really great.” But she said the calling to save these animals is even greater, “Because they need us.”

Daehnrich owns and operates the sanctuary in Rougemont, northern Durham County, with her husband, Alex. Primarily, they take in farm animals and pot belly pigs who have been neglected, or whose owners can no longer care for them. The couple feels they also have a greater responsibility.

“Not only should we rescue animals,” Alesja said, “But we also should be involved in the community and help those that need it the most, and it's really special needs kids.”

That's how the Hayes family ended up at the Blind Spot. Their 8-year-old daughter, Celeste, has a condition similar to Muscular Dystrophy.

“There's no judgment,” Corinne Hayes said of the sanctuary, “There's no pressure, she can just be herself and smile, and pet the animals.”

Once every summer the sanctuary opens the gate to allow special needs children special access to the animals. The Hayeses brought Celeste to the farm last year and plan to bring her again this year.

“Everyday life isn't always fun,” Celeste's mom confesses. “She can't do everything her siblings can do.” But the animals at Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary are patient and gentle, eating food right out of Celeste's hand.

“They are so sweet,” Celeste says as she pets the back of a goat. Her mom asks, “Do they make you feel good?” The answer is yes, Celeste replies in her own way.

The animals seem to get a lot out of this too, Daehnrich said. “We have some animals that have a disability as well, and it's just incredibly heartwarming to see their connection, and how they help each other.”

The pairing blurs the lines of just who is helping who. “They kind of understand each other,” Daehnrich Said.

The Tour for Children With Disabilities at The Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary is June 29. To attend, you need to sign up in advance. Visit the Blind Spot's Facebook Page for more information.