A current day shepherd

The barking of enthusiastic dogs, the varied gazes of assorted cats and the friendly presence of Stacy’s horse, Willie, in his nearby stall, all greet visitors to Stacy Andris’ Bedminster Township home.

Stacy has loved animals since infancy. Her earliest memories are of romping with the family poodle; she even took her horse with her to college. Two years ago she received state and federal approval to establish The Shepherd’s Flock Animal Sanctuary at her home, a remodeled barn on property she shares with her husband, Philip, two sheep, four horses, two dogs, five cats, Stanley the cockatiel and an ever-changing number of rescued animals awaiting good homes.

What’s behind the name Shepherd’s Flock?
Well, what does a shepherd do? When you think about it, a shepherd minds the sheep and protects the animals, and that’s where the name came from.

Who or what are your usual boarders, how do you get them and what do you do for them?
Right now, mostly dogs and cats. People in the animal rescue world know me. I get calls from local veterinarians, animal control officers, other shelters, individuals, sometimes even the police. We arrange adoptions, provide sanctuary, rehabilitation, and if necessary, hospice. Our motto is “Restoring dignity to abused and neglected animals.” We treat them all with love and respect. When they come here most are in pretty bad shape. I’ve worked for veterinarians and animal hospitals, taken courses. I’m experienced in caring for sick animals.

It’s one thing to love animals, but quite another to establish your own rescue organization. What led up to it?
I’ve been around animals, healthy and sick, all my life. I considered veterinary school, but instead I was drawn into working with homeless animals that have no one to advocate for them. After I graduated from Hamilton College where I met my husband, my first paid job was working for St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison. I knew I was going to do something involving animal ethics. I took in rescued animals first as pets, then I began to take in others. I decided to officially become a non-profit organization.

Read more in the spring issue of New Jersey Countryside Magazine, available now at bookstores, on newsstands and by subscription. Click here to get one free bonus issue and save more than 80% on a subscription.