Apifera Farm Inc. has been helping elder/special needs animals [and some young ones too] since 2004 when they began in Oregon. In 2016, they took a leap of faith, moving to a 1760 property in mid coast Maine, along with all the animals. They currently care for 60+ creatures-horses, donkeys, ponies, sheep, goats, pigs, fowl, llamas, elder shelter cats, dogs, rabbits and bunnies. Many of the elders arrive after losing elder owners, some are from rescues, and some are special needs animals whose owners need help. Some arrive as hospice cases. Once at Apifera, it is considered their forever home.

Apifera Farm is owned by Martyn and Katherine Dunn. While their mission is to help animals in need they also share the healing power of animals with people at their Healing Barn where people can mingle with the animals. Katherine spent over seven years taking her goats, dogs, rabbit and llamas to elder care homes but now is focusing on bringing people to the Healing Barn for small intimate animal encounters. When time permits she takes her llama and pony on outings.

Katherine is a firm believer in the healing power of music and uses it in her hospice and animal care work. She began having a ukulele group come to play for the animals. She hopes to grow this in the coming years. The animals roam freely in and out of the barn while people enjoy the music, and animals.

Katherine is an artist/writer and is the animal caregiver. Her art is entwined with her life amongst the animals. Her husband Martyn is a landscaper by day and is an integral force to the farm with building and infrastructure work. He also maintains the gardens which guests can enjoy.