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Roll Up Your Sleeves

The contributions of volunteers are essential to the sanctuary's success. There is always work to be done, such as poop-scooping the pasture, weeding the vegetable garden, and cleaning stalls, as well as ongoing repairs and improvements. Pick up a pitchfork to help create a fresh bed for the pigs, horses, or ponies, and you might find yourself doing it under the watchful eye of one of the many resident barn cats rescued from a bleak existence in the city. Two feral colonies now have the run of an open loft in one of the two largest barns -- their own private roof deck for savoring the sunshine when they're not snuggling in the cozy cat room or patrolling the grounds. Some of them have become accustomed to the constant activity and amuse themselves by supervising all the hard work from just beyond arm's reach.

A Feast for the Eyes --and the Animals

Squashes, melons and berries grow large, plump and plentiful in the sanctuary's garden. Long rows of raised beds also hold carrots, cabbages, and a variety of leafy greens, all of which will be harvested for the animals. If you look closely, you'll notice that the chickens have gotten a head start on the bounty by nibbling at the edges of the kale. The garden provides fresh variety at the ready during the summer and early autumn, but with this large, hungry group, donations of produce are always needed and welcome, especially during the winter months.

Alice the hen with her young family

The Big Picture

The fence that surrounds the property's 34 acres encloses grassland, scrub, woodlands, and the occasional impressive stretch of shallow swamp. This diverse ecosystem supports not only the large and domestic, but the small and wild frogs, songbirds, pools of water teeming with microscopic life, mosses, ferns and ooh! skunk cabbage, too. In the far reaches of the pasture, on the edge of the 17 acres of woodland, horses Pilgrim and Ginger enjoy grazing. Both were rescued from meat auctions, and immediately became inseparable friends. Closer in, small barns that resemble summer cottages are reserved for pigs with special needs and for shy newcomers who need time to adjust to their surroundings. A few steps away is the Education Center, where visiting school groups gather to learn about the sanctuary's residents, and where volunteers can relax and enjoy a potluck meal break.

Meal Time!

For many, the highlight of a visit to the sanctuary is feeding time. When the dinner bell rings, dozens of pigs appear out of nowhere. A chorus of excited squeals rises from the adjoining barns, where all were fast asleep just moments before. Others run at a breakneck clip from distant points in the pasture. This is beyond doubt a high point of the day for all pigs concerned. As they converge on the feeding area and boxes of goodies are emptied onto the ground for them, squeals are replaced by snorts and the satisfied smacking of lips. Only a pig could devour a whole banana with stem and skin still intact, and make it seem like the most delectable treat in the world. Other favorite treats include roasted peanuts in the shell, yams, watermelon and freshly-popped corn, while greens, carrots and apples are dietary staples. Bon appetit!

Do We Have to Go?

When the time comes to leave, there's always one more animal to pet, one more inspiring story to hear, or one more minute to say a second or third good-bye to a special resident who's stolen your heart. Glancing back before closing the sanctuary gate, the scene might remind you of a children's fairytale book, Except that this story is real. And filled with happy beginnings.