Catherine and Gregory Sims own a small farm, Cuddle Coop. They enjoy spending time on their porch, talking about their day, carefully observing nature and enjoying time with their rescued dogs, Sissy and Rocky. “It’s fulfilling,” Cathy says.
Cathy and Greg have been together for more than five decades, dedicating their lives to serving — whether by rescuing animals or through their volunteer work in the community.
Both are children of military families. Cathy, the daughter of Italian immigrants, is a retired accountant with an artistic streak that shines through in her painting, pottery, sewing and basket weaving. Greg served in the Marines during the Vietnam War, spent 24 years involved with the Boy Scouts and built a career as a business development specialist.
Both were born in New Jersey, and since getting married, they’ve moved five times, each time choosing a more secluded place, away from cities. “I’m not a big people guy,” Greg says. In 2011, during Hurricane Irene, their New Jersey basement flooded. Much was lost, including their wedding album and all Cathy's craft materials. It became the last straw.
They began looking for a farm where they could live their dream. “A place where I can sit on the porch at night, listen to the crickets, and see the stars – this calms me,” Cathy says. Visiting friends in Kentucky, they fell in love with the area and began searching for a place within their budget.
They found a special piece of land in Williamsburg and started Cuddle Coop Farm, a sanctuary for animals rescued from abuse. They already had dogs: Rocky, Sissy, Andy and Sarah. After adopting Lily, their first pot-bellied pig, they didn’t stop. Whenever an animal in need appeared, they were there to help. Today, the farm is home to seven pot-bellied pigs, two goats, four dogs, two roosters and several chickens. Every week, they cook more than 40 pounds of vegetables grown on the farm to feed the pigs.
In addition to their daily care for the animals, Cathy coordinates the Toys for Tots program, an initiative of Marine Corps veterans who collects and distributes toys to children in need. “Your community won’t grow if you don’t get involved,” she says.
Together, Greg and Cathy also raised funds to build a memorial for Joe Paul, who was awarded the Medal of Honor and died in the Vietnam War at just 19 years old. Greg spearheaded the research, contacted the family and, after months of waiting, managed to organize the memorial in five years. It includes the soldier’s clothes, medals and a plaque in front of the town courthouse. There's even a highway named after Joe Paul.
At the end of the day, Cathy and Greg sit together on the porch, talking over their day and watching the moon come up. Around the house, the animals sleep.
Morning at the farm means feeding the animals. “We go down to feed them, clean and well, and come back dirty and dusty,” Cathy says.
Greg and Cathy take a rest after feeding the pot-bellied pigs. "To be honest, we do everything together," Cathy says.
Since being diagnosed with lung cancer, Greg has undergone a difficult chemotherapy process and surgery. “It definitely slowed me down,” he says.
Scott, the goat, was quite agitated when the veterinarians arrived to trim his hooves. Greg watches as the robust animal is taken care of.
Cathy learned to sew at the age of four with her grandmother, and since then, she has explored various manual artistic projects.
Greg served in the Marines for two years. “I think everybody needs to serve the country,” Greg says.
Greg prepares food for their rescued dogs while the older dog in the house waits patiently.
Greg and Cathy end their day on their porch, chatting and watching the light fade.