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Meet us at 393 Pugsley Hill Rd in Amenia, NY
AFF is providing the following meals. Please contact info@animalfarmfoundation.org in advance with any dietary restrictions or allergies.
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Thursday dinner is on your own. See the Nearby section for restaurant suggestions.
Please meet at the Training Center, located at 395 Pugsley Hill Rd, Amenia, NY. Plan to arrive by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15 and depart after 1:00 PM on Friday, July 17.
For additional property info refer to the property map. If you get lost, call Nikki at 845-242-8875.
Animal Farm Foundation can arrange transport to and from the Poughkeepsie or Wassaic train station, as well as trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, and other errands. Just let us know in advance.
Most participants will be staying on property — either at our Office, Barn, Mod, or Ranch locations. Depending on availability, some may be staying at a nearby Airbnb. All locations have a shared full bathroom, fridge, microwave, and coffee pot.
Depending on your room assignment, yes! You will be sharing your space with at least one dog. Each dog at Animal Farm has walking equipment fit specifically to their body and needs. Each dog must be kept on their equipment and a leash whenever they are not in your room.
Please put away personal belongings while you're away from your room so the dogs cannot access them.
AFF is a working farm on dirt roads — it can be muddy, so keep that in mind. The weather can change quickly; we recommend packing both warm and cool clothing even if the forecast doesn't call for it.
You must wear closed-toe shoes while working with the dogs.
We strongly recommend you do NOT wear hoop earrings, long necklaces, or anything that hangs off your person — these can be caught by a dog's paw and cause injury to you or the dog.
A hat and sunglasses are recommended for dog walks. Sunscreen is important — there isn't much shade in the walking areas.
Ticks can be an issue on the farm. Be sure to check yourself at the end of each day.
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash can be provided upon request.
Please arrive to 395 Pugsley Hill Rd by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15. The retreat concludes at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 17 — plan departures after that time.
Reach out to Nikki Juchem at njuchem@animalfarmfoundation.org or 845-242-8875 with any questions about the program, logistics, or accommodations.
Your fellow retreat participants — a community of changemakers from across the country.
In case of emergency, call 911 first. The nearest hospital is Sharon Hospital, approximately 22 minutes away (860-364-4141).
| Name / Service | Role | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 911 | Police / Fire / Medical Emergency | 911 |
| Local Police – Troop K | Non-emergency police | 845-677-7300 |
| Fire Department – Amenia | Fire emergency | 845-868-2213 |
| Sharon Hospital (22 min away) | Nearest Emergency Medical Care | 860-364-4141 |
| Taylor Cummings | Retreat Coordinator | 845-826-3646 |
| Ritsa Galitsis | On-Site Dog Contact | 631-678-1218 |
| Nikki Juchem | Back-Up Contact | 845-242-8875 |
| Erich Steffensen | Back-Up Contact #2 | 845-518-4617 |
| Bill Vincent | Property Manager | 845-392-4254 |
The AFF team is here to make sure your retreat experience is seamless.
You're in beautiful Dutchess County, NY — wine country, farm-to-table dining, and Hudson Valley charm. Thursday dinner is on your own. Here are local favorites to explore.
The Hudson Valley offers beautiful and historic towns with antique shops, farmers markets, hikes, and restaurants.
At Animal Farm Foundation, the animals on our property are our highest priority. Please follow these guidelines throughout your stay.
Networks available on the property: