Our way of life

As a couple in our mid 70's, we have focused on caring for animals in need for several decades.  We have made a commitment to our thirty rescue animals.  

Because of our compassion for animals, we eat a plant-based diet.   And we do not breed any of our rescue animals or use them for milk or eggs.  If the chickens lay eggs, we break them and feed them back to the chickens.  If they are laying, they need the minerals in the shells. 

One of the most challenging aspects of maintaining our sanctuary in a natural setting is striking a balance of safety and freedom.  For example, we do not have our five-pound Chihuahua in the same space as our 200-pound Dane Mastiff cross.  We enjoy watching the squirrels and listening to the Barred Owl calls and although we prefer that the owl not eat the squirrels, we do not interfere.  We do interfere with the Barred Owl attacking our Chihuahua, Bambi.  Bambi never goes outside unaccompanied.  

We often are able to rely on existing possessions or thrift shop acquisitions rather than purchase something new.  I still have the bed frame and headboard I used as a ten-year old.  It is now a guest bed for family visitors.  My grandchildren sat and spilled food in the highchair that I used in the 1940s.  We use many items of furniture, books, cookware and other things that have lasted (and been saved) for decades. 

During our 36 years on the farm, we have never used herbicides or pesticides.  We do what we can to encourage a natural environment.  

Because there are things on which we have to spend money, like heat for the animals in the winter, we do not spend money on expenditures that might be typical for people our age.   For example, we do not travel or entertain or drive late model vehicles or wear the latest fashions.  We tackle almost all the farm and home repairs and projects ourselves, with the exception of propane connections and complex plumbing.  

If our website viewers feel anything when they look at our animals and their stories, we hope it is compassion.