There was a farmer who had a dog… and 600 other animals

There is one place on Cinco de Mayo where people can feed the animals instead of their faces.

For the more than 600 lucky animals at Funny Farm Rescue in Mays Landing, Spring Festival 2024 will bring in guests who will feed them, pet them and, most importantly, donate money toward their care.

The annual festival is the largest fundraiser of the year for Laurie Zaleski’s Funny Farm.

Look for hayrides, face painting and music. Additionally, there will be craft and food vendors. But the big draw is the animals themselves, who are kind enough to let customers talk to them, feed them, take selfies and pet them.

When you visit the Funny Farm, you will be greeted by dogs, donkeys and the official Funny Farm Geese Police. You can purchase food buckets for $4 from the on-site store, filled with veggies for all your new furry/feathered friends to eat. It’s affordable and fun.

I think I bought three rounds the last time I was there. I would budget a bucket or two for each member of your party. You’ll want to do this.

Pro tip: If you have an extra bag of apples or carrots in your refrigerator, leftovers from your garden, or pet food that you won’t use, you can donate them to the farm. All you have to do is bring your donation to the store. You can even exchange your donated items for a free feeding bucket and enjoy feeding the animals.

What is the FunnyFarm? The short answer is: it’s a promise. Zaleski’s mother always wanted an animal shelter. So her daughter made her one.

Although her mother passed away before the Funny Farm fully blossomed, her spirit lives on on the property. The property’s name even pays tribute to Zaleski’s mother, Anne McNulty. for casually referring to her menagerie of rescues as her “fun farm.”

McNulty also lives on in the farm’s policies.

Because money was always a struggle for Anne growing up, the Funny Farm will always be a free resource for anyone who wants to enjoy it. Parking and admission are always free.

This award-winning rescue relies on dedicated volunteers and donations.

Some are in the wooden box at the gate for just a few dollars. Some come from the sale of fresh eggs from the cooler at the entrance. But all donations go directly to the care and feeding of the hundreds of animals that call the farm home.

Who is this dynamo graphic designer turned animal activist extraordinaire?

Laurie Zalenski answered some questions for Breaking AC between farm chores, work and preparations for Sunday’s festivities.

If you missed her articles in People and The Washington Post – or have yet to read her book, aptly titled “ Funny Farm – My Life with 600 Rescue Animals ” – you can get to know Laurie now.

BreakingAC: What was your first pet?

Laurie Zalenski: A dog named Wolf was my very first pet from the original Funny Farm. My mother bought it as a security system because we were robbed so often. He became my best friend.

BAC: What was your first official farm rescue animal?

LZ: A horse that no one thought would survive. His name was Shannon. Despite the vet’s advice to euthanize, he survived with lots of love and kindness.

BAC: Do you have any favorites?

LZ: Naturally. But I would never talk about it. Some animals with special needs create a special bond, like my dog ​​Tucker, who has a mega esophagus.

BAC: What do you do on your day off?

LZ: I work full time in addition to running one of the largest animal rescues in the Northeast. If I ever have an hour to myself, I love to ride my motorcycle or fly my little Cessna plane.

BAC: What does your community need for support?

LZ: People can donate online at Funnyfarmrescue.org or in person. We work entirely on donations. If someone wants to volunteer, he or she can sign up on our website and donate an hour or all day. We are extremely grateful for any donations or support we receive. We also have a wish list that we post on the Funny Farm Rescue Facebook page every Friday if people prefer to donate items.

BAC: Why is your work important?

LZ: When you do something that helps another person or animal, it reaps incredible rewards. After literally thousands of animals have been rescued over the years, each animal means so much to me, and I know they have an amazing life. Animals that once had little or no hope are now living the most incredible lives ever!

BAC: What is the five-year plan for the farm?

LZ: We have so many plans for the future, including expanding our community garden, building new pens and fenced areas for goats and other animals. We are installing two renovated ponds for our hundreds of waterfowl and expanding Goat Town to accommodate many other breeds.

BAC: What gets you out of bed when it’s cold outside or you don’t feel comfortable getting up and caring for the animals?

LZ: Knowing that these animals have to eat and can’t feed themselves keeps me going. For most of my life I did it all myself. Now I have many volunteers I can rely on. People help because they feel needed by the animals. So many people say the Funny Farm saves animals and saves people. It gives them a sense of purpose.

BAC: If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

LZ: I always said I would live in Philadelphia with my friends, drink cappuccino and travel the world. But in reality, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Many people have hopes and dreams and never do anything to actually make them come true. In my case, I’m living my dream.

BAC: Tell us about the festival?

LZ: The Funny Farm Spring Festival is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. With feeding costs exceeding $10,000 per month, every cent counts. Nothing is wasted. All the volunteers and the community come together to make it a great event. We have crafters, vendors, live music, rides, face painting, feeding, a basket raffle and lots of fun family activities, all to help the animals at Funny Farm.

BAC: What are some major pet peeves you have when it comes to people visiting or volunteering?

LZ: Speeding on the farm. Animals come from all directions and our speed limit is 1 mile per hour. People who bring their own dogs and think it’s a dog park. Our animals protect each other and would think your dog is an intruder. People who drop off animals at the gate without permission. It is not only illegal, but also cruel. We may not be prepared or have no space.

BAC: Do you have any certifications or training that will help you care for the animals?

LZ: I am a graduate of the Helen Woodward Business of Saving Lives program, New Jersey Veterinarians Association Animal Rescue certification, and numerous First Aid certifications. I have close relationships with many veterinarians who regularly help out on the farm.

BAC: How does your ‘day job’ fit into the busy life of rescue?

LZ: I need a place to relax. It’s a good balance. I would have more compassion fatigue if I didn’t have a normal working relationship with many of my employees. I am a professional photographer and graphic designer.

BAC: What is something that no interviewers have asked you that you think they should have?

LZ: I’ve been asked almost everything you can think of. But I would say, “What is my internal motivation to continue when there are so many horrible animal rescue stories?” I would say save that one animal at a time and give them the best life possible.

BAC: Do you have anything to add?

LZ: We have a kindness program. One of the most important things we do is give back. I have three children’s books that teach kindness through real animal stories from Funny Farm. We go to schools. Schools come to the farm. We learn that if all these different species at the Funny Farm can get along, so can they.

If you go to the festival, remember to leave your non-service animals at home, wear closed-toed shoes, and choose an outfit that can tolerate dirt and animal kisses. Their website is comprehensive and contains everything you need to know about the farm.

If you can’t make it this Sunday, you can even donate or sponsor a specific animal via the website. Additionally, you can watch Zalenski’s livestream every Sunday on the rescue’s Facebook page.

Spring Festival 2024 is from 9am to 4pm on May 5 at 6908 Railroad Blvd in Mays Landing. Check out their extensive website to find out everything about the farm, the people and the animals involved.