Sanctuary's 'pure intent' path

By Pippa Quelch
BBC Radio Devon faith producer

BBC Radio Devon's Pippa Quelch with Debbie De Ste-Croix

A Devon animal sanctuary has taken the path to "pure intent" after being approached by Kelsang Pawo, a nomadic Kadampa monk.

The Quality of Life Animal Sanctuary (QOLAS) near Holsworthy was struggling to find funding to stay open in 2008.

After a successful public appeal for funds, the sanctuary adopted a new philosophy: to "positively influence children and animals with pure intent".

About 350 animals and birds live uncaged on the farm site at Clawton.

Kelsang Pawo is the founder of the Gesar Foundation for Children which aims to free children from tormented lives.

The English-born monk, who travels throughout Britain promoting Gesar teachings, says he has "the single aim of promoting friendship and harmony for all living beings".

Kelsang Pawo is a nomadic Kadampa monk

The word Gesar is from ancient Tibet, meaning indomitable, unmoving and solid in faith.

Debbie De Ste Croix runs QOLAS with her family after moving to Devon from Jersey in 2005, the sanctuary recently applied for charitable status.

Debbie says Kelsang Pawo "offered a life line of friendship" when the sanctuary faced eviction in 2008.

Now QOLAS and the Gesar Foundation are working to set up a residential facility to bring children and animals together to learn from each other.

Debbie believes it is important her residents can "come and go as they please" in a happy, stress-free environment.

One of the Quality of Life Sanctuary's 350 residents gets a bath

The guest list includes ponies, sheep, pigs, rabbits, rats, dogs, hamsters, goats, terrapins, ferrets, geese, peacocks, turkeys, chickens, ducks, seagulls, guinea pigs, Tiggy the Iguana and Rooney the magpie who refuses to leave, despite being offered rehabilitation and release.

Most of the animals are elderly or have behaviour problems and will never be re-homed, many have been victims of cruelty or neglect.

Equine-specialist Debbie says her dream is "to enrich the quality of life for children who are less fortunate in life and to show them the compassion that animals have when given choices".