BELLA VISTA FARMS ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Description

Animals that come to this sanctuary are here for the duration of their lives. There are currently more than 300 animals living at the sanctuary. Unlike shelters that focus on adoption, this sanctuary concentrates on providing long-term care and a permanent home for these needy animals.

Bob and Chic Miller started Bella Vista Farms in 1990 and moved in 1997 to west of Cottonwood. The farm became a licensed animal sanctuary, growing from 4 acres to 45 acres.

Chic, a licensed vocational nurse for 25 years, now nurses the animals. Bob is a retired business man who is fully involved with the animals, as well as maintaining the animal sanctuary. It is a labor of love 24/7 as the animal sanctuary does not have paid employees.

The animals benefit from Chic’s medical background. Some of the animals arriving may suffer from injuries, diabetes, malnourishment or congestive heart problems. Others are blind or deaf. Many are what Chic calls her "geriatric patients."

On a daily basis, the animals consume about 50 pounds of dry dog food, 40 pounds of cat food, 15 cans of dog food, 12 bales of hay, 50 pounds of grain, and a variety of medication.