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Compassion in Action:

Sally the Pigeon uses an engineered wheelchair to help her learn to walk at Cornerstone Farm and Rescue on Lake Street in Bellingham, which has over 100 animals in its care, from chickens and other birds to dogs, cats, goats, and even reptiles.

By Jennifer Russo
Longtime teacher Jodi Greenleaf and engineer Richard Johnson may look like any other couple you might walk by in the supermarket, but the truth is they just keep their angel wings tucked under their jackets. The couple are the owners and proprietors of Cornerstone Farm and Rescue, located on Lake Street in Bellingham, a place where animals who are injured or abandoned have found a safe haven to heal and be loved. 
With over 100 animals currently in their care, which include many species of birds, a few goats, some cats (including former stray Jax, who is clearly the king of this castle), a couple of dogs, and even reptiles, Cornerstone provides an opportunity for transformation. It is a sanctuary for both domestic and wild animals who have been found hurt, abused, neglected, or are struggling in the wild for one reason or another. Through their tireless efforts and a deep commitment to helping the animals heal their physical or mental trauma, Cornerstone gives a second chance at a fulfilling life. 
“We simply feel compelled to respond to any situation in which an animal is in need. It’s a natural instinct for us, and we are not bystanders; we take swift action,” shares Jodi. “We are filled with gratitude for the resilience of our animals, the compassion of our supporters, and the joy of every small victory.”
The farm and rescue facility has an indoor aviary, with doves, parakeets, homing pigeons, and a bright green Indian Ringneck Parrot named Oliver, who was happily crunching on some lettuce when I arrived. The room also had a few Russian Tortoises, who didn’t seem to mind the flutter of the birds around them. In various animal crates were also birds in recovery, from a beautiful and talkative chicken who was healing from a broken back to a pigeon with a severe neurological condition called Torticollis, which makes it hard for her to move easily. 
Outside is a large area with a barn, although half the barn was destroyed when a large tree limb fell on it back in 2023. Thankfully, no animals were inside when this happened, but Jodi and Richard are slowly rebuilding that space, hoping to complete it as soon as possible to mitigate the frigid winter months. They have a play area with a manger for goats and a huge enclosed outdoor housing area for their many chickens, roosters, and pigeons. There is also an old horse trailer left by the previous owner, which will be converted into a playhouse for the goats.
Additionally, the couple have become more self-sustaining, keeping beehives, an orchard with many kinds of fruit trees, and even a mealworm farm, all which help to provide food for animals in their care. They also receive donations of food from Elizabeth’s Bagels, which are a nice treat for the birds. To help offset their costs, they also sell fresh honey, eggs, and other items from the farm.
Cornerstone has also partnered with PetSmart Charities, and pending some legal documentation that needs to be completed, should be able to soon use the adoption room at the North Attleboro store, enabling them to find forever homes for some of the cats and smaller animals they rescue. Additionally, the shelter has what they call the Daisy Chain Pet Food Pantry, which is a storehouse of pet food meant to help support pet parents who need support in feeding their own animals due to hardship or other shelters who have immediate need.
Recently, Cornerstone has been helping to spread awareness and generating support for a cat hoarding situation that happened in Plainville, where over sixty cats were found living in squalor, as well as a few emaciated and abused dogs having been recently found abandoned in Wrentham. In response to their pleas for assistance, the couple received an influx of boxes from Amazon, with items ordered by those who desperately wanted to help.
“We are so incredibly grateful for everyone who has sent items to us – our hearts are so full and thankful to the generosity of our community, and we are so proud to be a part of it. Every donation matters and makes an enormous amount of difference,” says Jodi.
Jodi and Richard passionately believe that we are responsible as humans to care for our planet and preserve its resources, including acting as custodians for and protecting our wild and domesticated animals. As the shelter continues to grow, so does its impact – offering hope and healing to many animals in need. 
Cornerstone happily and gratefully accepts any donations that can help them care for their rescued animals. One of the greatest needs they have is birdseed, as they go through around fifty pounds of it per day. If you would like to donate, any kind of birdseed is appreciated.
Cornerstone Farm and Rescue is located at 460 Lake Street in Bellingham. Learn more about them and the work they are doing on Facebook at Facebook.com/CornerstoneFarmAndRescue or on their website at www.cornerstonefarmandrescue.org and the ways you can help bring hope to animals. 
Jodi and Richard, for making our community a brighter place
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