Woodfield Animal Sanctuary: Retired Angel Couple’s Endeavor of Love

David Wallis and Robbie Bartington are a married couple who dreamed of retiring with their animal companions in Gower, South Wales in the United Kingdom, which is known for its wonderful beaches and scenery. At the time, they already had several horses, 11 dogs rescued from Spain, and 20 cats! One night, 20 ponies came in together! Some had encountered road accidents, others were orphaned foals, and yet others were colts and stallions. The event led them to set up their home as Woodfield Animal Sanctuary, a Shining World Compassion Award laureate, to house these sweet beings.

The sanctuary’s mission is to rehabilitate the physical and mental well-being of rescued animals and to restore the trust they have lost in humans. In a January 2021 interview with Mumble Nub News, Mrs. Bartington commented, “We’ve had over 300 rescued horses from South Wales through our door.” Now they are renting 28 hectares from a neighboring farm to house over 70 horses and ponies, many sheep and countless cats and dogs. In a January 2020 interview with BBC News, David Wallis stated, “When we see there is a problem with whatever animal it is, then we just can’t turn our backs on it…”

Because Covid-19 has resulted in an economic crisis for many horse caregivers, the sanctuary has received more requests to take care of abandoned horses than at any time in the past eight years. Now they turn to social media for help. They also created an Amazon wish list, the Woodfield Animal Sanctuary Wish List, where people buy supplies that the sanctuary uses daily. Mrs. Bartington expressed, “Even the poorest of the poor have helped with dog food or cat food. They’ve given more than they ever had before.”

In March 2020, along with giving the Woodfield Animal Sanctuary the Shining World Compassion Award to recognize its noble work, Supreme Master Ching Hai also made a loving contribution of US$15,000 “in humble support of your caring work, with many thanks and lots of love, in God’s mercy. May you and your adored residents be abundantly blessed by the Divine.”