On November 7, I attended the Save the Animals Fundraiser at Bee Meadow Farm in Apple Hill. The event was held in collaboration with the SD&G Chapter of the OSPCA and the Seaway Valley Theatre Company (SVTC) and featured cast members from the upcoming production of Dr. Dolittle Jr. The partnership couldn’t have been more fitting since the play is about a doctor who speaks to animals in their own languages. Proceeds from the event went to Bee Meadow Farm, the SD&G Chapter of the OSPCA, and the SVTC.
Bee Meadow Farm owners Natalie Rowe and Gordon Campbell purchased the farm in 2007, and it became an animal rescue farm in 2014. “It was mostly OSPCA animals at the beginning,” said Natalie. Then a pregnant pig arrived and gave birth to seven piglets. Six goats followed, and then a pony. Animals kept coming. For the most part, the farm no longer takes in additional animals.
Bee Farm Meadow identifies itself as a rural haven for rescued animals, not an animal shelter. It is a private not-for-profit organization that relies on volunteers and donations to operate. Fundraisers help cover ongoing expenses, including veterinary bills and medication.
Mary, one of the volunteers, gave me a tour of the farm and shared many stories about the animals, all of whom seem to have names. I met Wilbur, an indoor pig who lived with her owner until her death. Diego, a goat, is one of several animals who visit local senior residences. The barnyard residents have been rescued for many different reasons. There is a dwarf donkey who was bullied, a blind sheep, another who was paralyzed and spent time in a wheelchair, and yet another who had a mastectomy. Every animal has a story.
I also learned the farm has a cat-io, a patio for cats who cannot go outside because they have been declawed or traumatized.
As I toured the farm, I did not hear any animals talking, but then again, I am not well-versed in animal talk. I will leave that to the doctor.
The Doctor Dolittle Jr. cast performed a few songs from the musical, and if the vocals, directed by Stephanie St. Louis, are any indication of what is to come, the SVTC’s production promises to be an entertaining outing for the whole family.
For Director Amy Malyon, who also co-choreographs with Kiana Seitz, collaborating with Bee Meadow Farm has been a wonderful way to give the young actors some early exposure. “About fifty percent of our cast is brand new to performing. We thought it would be a nice way to give them a chance to get some of those jitters out by performing live.”
The play, produced by Josée Julien and Bernadette Piché-Proulx with apprentice, Kevin Proulx, will take the stage at the Aultsville Theatre, 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, Ontario, on Saturday, December 5th at 1:30 and 4:00 PM, and on Sunday, December 6th at 1:30 PM.
Reserved seats are $18.00, $25.00, and $35.00 and can be bought in advance online at https://tinyurl.com/SVTCDrDolittleJR or by phone at 613-933-3998. Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to availability. For more information, visit http://www.svtc.ca/drdolittlejr
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