Sanctuary Residents
Stevie (brown halter) and Samson (blue halter)
Stevie and Sampson are half brothers that came from a breeder that wanted them gone because they didn’t ‘look’ the way they wanted. We brought them home and they have been the super snuggly ever since! They’re still figuring out what’s what since they were weaned from their mother early, before they were even 4 months old! They love it when people come to say “Hi” and enjoy being around people.
They are miniature donkeys who will likely stay under 3 feet tall since their parents were that size.
Piggie Smalls and Chris P. Bacon
Piggie Smalls (left) and Chris P. Bacon (right) are our OGs. They came from a farmer who was overwhelmed with the number of pot bellies they had (60+), as they kept multiplying. Luckily, we were able to take 2. They are sweet, shy and laid back although they are still warming up to people. They love to take mud baths on hot days and are always ready for corn on the cob!
Potato
Potato, aka Tater-tot, is a jersey steer, and was destined to become somebody’s meal. We saved him from that destiny and brought him home in our Jeep to live with us instead.
He gave us a bit of a scare when he first got here as he became very ill. But with some TLC and lots of fluids and antibiotics, he bounced back. He is a little shy at first but warms up pretty quickly and everyone who meets him instantly falls in love. He is sweet, gentle but spunky and loves to do zoomies in his paddock.
Carole
Carole is about as sassy as they come! She has a very sweet side, but isn’t afraid to let you know when she wants something. She was meant to be used for breeding but there will be no babies for this gal. She loves hanging out in the long grass, relaxing and working on her tan. She enjoys spending time with her brothers but also enjoys a little “me” time.
Nigel
Nigel is a male Holstein steer. Like his brother Potato, he would have been used for meat since most male dairy calves do not have much use in the dairy industry. They are taken away from their mothers on day one so that people can have the milk from the mother, instead of the calf. Luckily we were able to get him and give him the life he deserves.
Nigel is a sensitive guy who can be cautious when meeting new people or going into new situations. But he quickly figures out that he is safe and will settle in. He loves napping, snuggling and grazing. He is very smart, inquisitive and will always let you know when he is hungry!
Albert
Albert is the most laid back and docile guy on the farm. He loves attention and pets. His most favourite thing in the world is apples!
He was sent to market but luckily for us (and him) no one bid on him and we were able to get him! He had foot rot but with foot soaks, antibiotics and antiseptic spray, he was good as new in a few weeks.
Violet
Violet joined us in June 2022 after she had a complication delivering lambs at her original farm. She carried triplets and had a lot of injury during their birth requiring significant repair. She was never going to be able to birth any more lambs but her owners wanted her to have somewhere safe to live out her life. We decided to take her in to give her that security. Since arriving she’s made fast friends with Albert and the two of them snuggle together every night.
Popcorn
Popcorn was going to be used for breeding, but instead found his way to us. He is very mischievous and likes to be the leader of the herd. He is also very sweet and loves when people come to visit him. He will quickly come over to check out new people and make sure they feel welcome! Before Carole moved in with Potato, Popcorn and her were besties.
Goat Kids (Bev and Stew)
The kids were 3 months old when they came to us. Originally a set of 5, they were going to be used for breeding and for meat. But we couldn’t let that be their fate……so here they are!
They are still nervous and shy but are slowly warming up and learning to trust people (with the help of snacks!). They love to play, climb, explore, and then snooze. They always stay together wherever they go throughout the yard.
Luna, Loki, and S’mores have since been adopted to be pets safely for life.
Michael and Michelle
This pair came to us from another farm when Michael started having difficulty getting along with the other male goose. Chinese geese mate for life, so Michelle came along with him.
These guys are definitely the loudest creatures in the barn and notify the neighbourhood when someone is around. Michael likes to peck gently at people and will even crawl into your lap. Michelle will stand back and keep a jealous eye on her hubby.
George
George came to us from another sanctuary where he was fighting with the other cats. He has made friends with the cats in our barn and has fit right in. Any visitor or volunteer will be greeted by George as he seems to consider himself less of a barn cat and more of a lap cat. He loves people and getting attention. He caught a mouse his first week with us but has since decided he’d rather be fed by us and watch the mice instead.
Tinker
Tinker was rescued by a family in Owen Sound as a stray but seemed to resent being a house cat. We decided to take him in as a barn cat. Tinker is very affectionate and, like George, seems to like people a great deal. Unlike George, Tinker seems to still have his innate hunter instincts intact.
Katherine and Lorna
These two beautiful sisters came to us from another farm shortly after they were weaned from their mother. They’re still kittens and love to climb and play. They’re curious and cuddly but like to get into trouble! They love being held and pet by people who come through the barn.
Leonard and Sheldon
This pair of feral cats came to us from a kill shelter in Quebec. Rather than let them be euthanized we offered the option of living out their lives as barn cats. They seem to have taken to the environment without any difficulty. They aren’t really interested in people at all but roam the barn and surrounding properties knowing they have a safe place to lay down every night.
Fun fact: both of them have extra thumbs on their hands!!
Dwight
Dwight was sent to us from Mississauga after his family realized he was never going to be an egg layer. This solo rooster is the (assistant to the) regional manager of our barn. Dwight is protective of all the animals and hovers around to make sure no one is doing anything they shouldn’t. He loves to perch on ledges and railing and look down over the animals to keep an eye on them.
Henrietta
Henrietta is about as sweet as they come! She was found as a stray and when her finders couldn’t locate her home, they asked us to take her in. She is very friendly, social and chatty. She loves exploring the yard and hangingo ut with Laverne and Shirley. She decided to make her nest in Popcorn’s stall.
Laverne and Shirley
We took these sisters from a home where they were backyard chickens. The family didn’t have a winterized coop for them so needed to find a new home for them. They were shy when they arrived but are already warming up to people. Laverne is more confident and looks out for her sister.
Eddie
Eddie is a husky/shepherd mix who was running lose and was hit by 2 cars, when he crossed the street to try to meet my dogs (we were out for our daily walk). He suffered a severed spinal cord, which caused paralysis. His owners were no longer able to care for him, so we adopted him. He had a long journey to recovery but he pulled through.
He is a typical husky and likes to speak his mind. He LOVES attention and needs everyone to only be petting him. He enjoys laying in the sun, playing in the snow, and going for walks in his cart.
Wally
Wally is a chihuahua mix who was picked up by the Los Angeles animal control when he was found alone on the streets of LA. He was paralyzed when he was found, so we aren’t too sure what happened to him. He was taken to a high kill shelter, where he sat for a month with no adoption interest. He was very scared and would try to bite anyone who touched him, out of fear. We happened to be in LA on vacation and heard about him through rescue friends. He had been placed on the “code red” list, which meant he was next to be euthanized. We immediately went to the shelter and adopted him.
Wally is very loving and cuddly with his trusted people. He is a true mama’s boy. He loves to nuzzle and burrow in blankets and when he barks, he sounds like a chicken!