Students, faculty and guests gathered in Oxford College’s Humanities Hall on Oct. 4 to listen to Best Friends Farm co-founder Cecilia Fernandez speak about the emotional benefits of interacting with animals. Best Friends Farm is an animal rescue and sanctuary in Oxford, Ga.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Spanish Cristina Tarazona, who hosted the event, spoke warmly of Fernandez before the talk.
“If you know Cecilia, you know that she is one of the kindest persons that you’ll ever meet,” Tarazona said. “She treats everybody, humans and animals alike, with the deepest respect and care.”
Drawing from her experience working with animals and children, Fernandez captured the audience’s attention by discussing the necessity of honoring and protecting animals. She argued that animal domestication fundamentally altered the dynamic between humans and animals, making animals reliant on human care and protection.
“Animals started needing us when we domesticated them, right?” Fernandez said. “They do need us, of course, because we’ve made them dependent on us. And the same is true for domesticated farm animals.”
Fernandez also addressed the ethical issues surrounding factory farms in her talk, describing the poor treatment animals endure in these environments. She also explained that although factory farms keep animals safe from predators, “their emotional needs are not being met.”
Fernandez highlighted the contrast between these practices and her ideologies of compassion and care, which inspired her and her husband to found Best Friends Farm. She shared that their dream to open a sanctuary was driven by a desire to “educate and advocate” for neglected and abandoned animals.
Engaging with animals has many benefits, Fernandez noted, including reducing stress.
“A lot of the students come around exam time,” Fernandez said. “They’ll come the week before just to be with the animals, just to relax and be at peace.”
Chloe Chiang (26Ox) reflected on the new perspective she gained on the value of animals from Fernandez’s talk. Fernandez mentioned that though people can overlook the well-being of animals other than dogs and cats, every animal deserves the chance at a safe, emotionally secure life.
“I like that we can learn to respect those animals, even if they’re not considered emotional support animals,” Chiang said.
The event left a strong impression on attendees, many of whom were inspired to reflect on their own thoughts about how humans treat animals.
“The presentation was a great way for students to think critically about the society we live in and our own personal values,” Kaela Moscati (25Ox) said.
Sunny Tian (25Ox) said the talk was “eye-opening and powerful.”
After the event, Fernandez emphasized the volunteer opportunities available at Best Friends Farm, encouraging the audience to get involved. Students can contribute by assisting with the animals and reading to them, or volunteering at the annual summer camp. She expressed hope that those in the audience would recognize the impact they could have and be inspired to educate and advocate.
“You’re young adults, and so if I can say something that might enhance your life and animals’ lives, I feel like I’ve completed my purpose,” Fernandez said.
