Meet the Animals of Critterville
Every resident at Critterville arrives with their own story and unique set of considerations for their care. Goats, donkeys, chickens, cats, dogs, and rabbits all have different needs, different routines, and different things that make them feel safe and at home. So that's exactly how we care for them: individually.
Below, you'll get to know some of the animals who call Critterville home. Read their stories, and if one of them finds a place in your heart, you can become their sponsor - giving directly to their individual care and staying connected to their story.
Horses & Minis
Mini Donkeys
Goats
Sheep
Cows
Pigs
Birds
Dogs & Cats
Horses & Minis
Marshall
Marshall (Birth year: 2014) is a gelding who was once a successful racehorse called “Takeoff”. In a race a few years ago, he cracked his skull in the starting gate, yet ran the race anyway. He came in, obviously last due to the injury, and was vanned off in an ambulance, then retired because he wasn’t valuable anymore. After his retirement, he was taken to a scam “sanctuary” that neglected him for years, until he was finally saved from the property and taken into true sanctuary at Critterville. He was underweight and had huge, swollen knees from his racing days that were exacerbated by the neglect at the fake “sanctuary”. Now, he receives top-notch health care and treatment, and he will never be used for anything again. He is very friendly, enjoys socializing with people and other horses, and is a total sweetheart.
Kassidy
Kassidy “Kassi” (Birth year: 2012) is a mare who was also once a racehorse called “Special Dividend”. She was retired for unknown reasons and taken to the same scam “sanctuary” who neglected her for at least 7 years. She also came to us emaciated, covered in ticks, and with a large scrape on her forehead, amongst other issues. Now she lives happily in a huge pasture with her herd, enjoying life. She is sassy and bossy, but has a heart of gold. She also loves people and is a social butterfly.
Audrey
Audrey (Estimated birth year: 2005) is a mare who was also rescued from this “sanctuary”. Her background before being taken there is unknown, but she has pin-firing scars, so we assume she was used for some kind of riding, though we don’t have much information about her previous life. She was emaciated, at only a 2 on the body score scale, with a large indent on her nose from a tight halter, and she had a very tight cribbing collar around her neck. Her cribbing habit came from years of neglect that left her anxious and bored. She loves her “boyfriend,” Cloud, and now lives with him, but can still interact with the rest of the herd. She is less outwardly social than they are, but she still enjoys spending time with people and getting pets. She can now usually be found grazing in her pasture, free from anxiety and harm.
Florence
Florence “Granny Flo” (Birth year: 1999) is a mare also rescued from this “sanctuary”. Her background before being taken there is also unknown, but she also has pin-firing scars and an extremely swayed back, so we know she was extensively ridden at some point. She was the most emaciated of the group (worse due to her age) at only a 1 on the body score scale; she was also covered in ticks and had other issues. She is a pretty mellow girl who won’t typically seek out human attention, but she enjoys peaceful time with people when they approach her gently. She now lives a contented retired life where she can just relax and spend time with her friends.
Cloud
Cloud (Birth year: 2007) is a gelding who arrived with his best friend, 24-year-old Willie. They were owned and loved by a woman for many years, but she became unable to provide and care for them. They were living in a small, dirty, cold barn in a residential area. It had always been the 2 of them; best friends. Tragically, 6 days after we welcomed them both to the sanctuary, Willie died unexpectedly from a burst blood vessel in his chest. We were all devastated, Cloud included. Cloud luckily then bonded with Audrey and became very close with her after Willie’s death. He is now doing very well, is very social and friendly, and is clearly happy with his new life and new girl. He loves people, following us around, and licking people’s hands (it’s his way of making friends). He is beautiful, sweet, and loving, and is now living his best life in his beautiful big field.
Willow
Willow (Birth year: 2008) is a miniature mare who was saved from slaughter in 2018, along with her 2 sons. She was sent through auction, and no one bid on her, landing her on her way to be slaughtered. She was around 6 months pregnant at the time of her rescue, and gave birth to her youngest son, Lawson, in April 2019. She is a caring and attentive mother who loves her family more than anything. She likes people but can be wary of strangers, and appreciates a calm approach. She will never be separated from her boys again and will live out her life with them in sanctuary.
Phoenix
Phoenix (Birth year: 2012) is a miniature gelding who was saved from slaughter. He is Willow’s oldest son. Originally born to Willow at a breeder, their fate changed at some point, and they were sold to someone else. That person, after Willow’s second son/ Phoenix’s little brother was born, sent them all to auction. Phoenix was not bid on along with his mom and was also on his way to slaughter. Luckily, they were saved, and he will be with his family forever. He is pretty skittish and not a huge fan of human contact, but he always appreciates a good treat from a gentle person who won’t push his boundaries.
Charlie
Charlie (Estimated birth year: 2015) is a miniature gelding who was saved from an auction. He is Willow’s middle son. When all 3 were sent to auction by their previous owner, only Charlie was bid on. While his mother and brother were sent to be slaughtered, Charlie was purchased by a man who wanted him as a cute children’s pet. Upon being brought to the man’s property, Charlie was inconsolable. He was panicking, crying, pacing. He couldn’t be without his family. When we discovered the 2 minis we were saving from slaughter had a missing piece to their family, we tracked him down, and the man (unable to manage Charlie’s upset) agreed to return him. They were reunited and taken to permanent sanctuary where they’ll never be separated again. Charlie is still anxious, though he has worked through so much of his trauma, so he tends to be shy. But like his brother, he appreciates a gentle person who won’t force him to make any contact and is happy to love him from a bit of a distance.
Lawson
Lawson (Birth year: 2019) is a miniature gelding who was saved from slaughter before he was even born. When his mom was destined for slaughter, she was pregnant with him. When she and her older sons were saved and brought to the sanctuary, we discovered she had been keeping a little secret: a baby Lawson! He was born into sanctuary in 2019, and remains the only baby ever born at Critterville. He had a few health problems that he was born with, but with medical care, they were corrected/ managed. He now lives happily with his mom (who has never once left his side since he was born) and his big brothers, who, though they tease him sometimes, always take care of him, groom him, and love on him. He is friendly since he was born into the arms of loving humans, but still sometimes prefers his alone time with his herd.
Lucy
Lucy (Estimated birth year: 2011) is a miniature mare who was saved from slaughter. When she wasn’t bid on at auction, she was sent to the kill pen. Luckily, we were able to save her from there the exact day before her shipping date. She met her best friend Muffin there, and they’ve been inseparable since. Lucy is loving, friendly, and amazing with people. She enjoys a good treat, a good scratch, and a good person to spend time with.
Muffin
Muffin (Estimated birth year: 2012) is a miniature mare who was saved from slaughter. She was, like Lucy, saved from being shipped to slaughter the day before it was supposed to happen. Upon coming home to sanctuary, it became apparent that Muffin had been severely mistreated, and she was absolutely traumatized. She would kick, bite, and avoid us at all costs to the point we had to use a lasso to catch her in the early stages of her rehabilitation. While she never became “friendly”, she has healed from her trauma and lives a peaceful, independent life. She appreciates someone who will just let her be and understand she’s not a people person, and that’s okay. She prefers Lucy and her herd over anyone else.
Caraway
Caraway (Estimated birth year: 2006) is a gelding who came to Critterville after his previous family fell on hard times and could no longer take care of him. As an older, not rideable horse, Caraway’s future was uncertain. He needed immediate placement. He came to the sanctuary for a peaceful retirement and joined Cloud and Audrey. Caraway is calm, gentle, and kindhearted. He loves the simple things, like grazing, peppermint treats, and spending time with friends. He is an all-around sweet and loving boy who enjoys his new life so much.
Mini Donkeys
Luna
Luna (Estimated birth year: 2016) is a miniature donkey jenny. As stated above, she was saved from a slaughter auction after her owner died and his son sold his father’s animals. Separated from her family and everything she’d ever known, Luna was at risk of slaughter in a terrifying, unfamiliar place. Though initially terrified and traumatized, Luna learned over her first year in sanctuary that not all humans are bad, and that she’s safe with us. Now, you’d never know that anything bad ever happened to her. She is so friendly, so affectionate, and such a people lover. She enjoys snuggling, getting pets and treats, and being with her favorite humans and her herd. Affectionately referred to as a “pocket donkey”, she will happily seek out attention and follow people around.
Paisley
Paisley (Birth year: 2017) is a miniature donkey jenny. Born at a donkey breeder, she was soon determined to be “too leggy” and not exactly what the breeder wanted. The breeder decided to rehome her as she couldn’t be sold for much of a profit. We knew she’d make a perfect best friend for Luna, and we brought her home to Critterville. She and Luna have been bonded for years. Paisley is also a huge people person who seeks out affection and will ask for attention from everyone. She is a friendly, sweet (but sometimes sassy) girl.
Goats
Callie
Callie and Clover (Birth year: 2017) are twin does who came from a hobby farmer in NJ. We found them through a Craigslist ad and welcomed them home, making them the first farmed animals I ever cared for and the start of my love for them. Both are incredibly sweet and people-oriented, always eager for snacks and attention. Clover tends to be the more bossy of the two, while Callie is gentler and more easygoing. They were raised alongside their brother, Finnegan “Finn” (birth year: 2017), a wether who passed away on March 24, 2026. Finn was the classic big brother: playful and teasing, yet always protective of his sisters. He was silly, affectionate, loved treats, and he is missed every day
Clover
Callie and Clover (Birth year: 2017) are twin does who came from a hobby farmer in NJ. We found them through a Craigslist ad and welcomed them home, making them the first farmed animals I ever cared for and the start of my love for them. Both are incredibly sweet and people-oriented, always eager for snacks and attention. Clover tends to be the more bossy of the two, while Callie is gentler and more easygoing. They were raised alongside their brother, Finnegan “Finn” (birth year: 2017), a wether who passed away on March 24, 2026. Finn was the classic big brother: playful and teasing, yet always protective of his sisters. He was silly, affectionate, loved treats, and he is missed every day
Maisie
Maisie (Birth year: 2019) is a doe. Born on a farm in NJ, her mother was very young, and she and her twin brother were 2 weeks premature. They were both tiny and frail. Their mother, overwhelmed by her new babies at such a young age, rejected them both. The farmer didn’t want to bottle-feed them, so he surrendered them. They came to us at 3 days old, weighing only a couple of pounds each. After 8 weeks of special care and bottle feeding, they grew into strong, healthy babies. Tragically, we lost Maisie’s twin brother, Alfie, when he was only 4 years old. Maisie has bonded with the OGs and lives happily with her adopted family. She is a friendly girl, but tends to be very naughty and poke people with her horns. Deep down, underneath the sass, she’s a lover.
Ivy
Ivy (Estimated birth year: 2015) is a doe. She lived at a property in CT for most of her life with hundreds of other goats. Every single goat was severely neglected. When police entered the scene, they found over 50 deceased goats in varying stages of death, hidden in holes in the ground or covered by trash bags. There is evidence that Ivy had multiple babies, and we do not believe they survived. It was a horrific scene, but there were also many survivors who needed desperate help. All the surviving goats were taken off the property, where a long court case then ensued, leaving all the survivors living at a human prison for 2 years while awaiting permission to find forever homes. Finally, they were able to come to sanctuary after waiting so long. We welcomed bonded best friends Dahlia and Ivy to Critterville, ready to start a long journey of healing. Unfortunately, all the goats from this case had CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis), a lifelong contagious disease that causes severe arthritis/ joint issues, heart and lung problems, chronic wasting, and more. Ivy’s best friend Dahlia was severely symptomatic, with swollen, sore knees, an inability to gain weight, and breathing problems. Tragically, after 2.5 years with us, we had to say goodbye to Dahlia. Ivy is luckily almost asymptomatic and does not suffer from the condition the way Dahlia did. Lost and lonely after Dahlia’s death, we coincidentally welcomed another goat with CAE who could be a match for Ivy, and they have become absolutely inseparable. Fawn has absolutely healed Ivy, body and soul. Ivy is shy and reserved, and will usually walk away from humans trying to approach, as she has experienced so much trauma. She is gentle, with a sassy side, and more than anything, she loves apples and carrots.
Fawn
Fawn (Estimated birth year: 2023) is a doe who was found roaming the streets as a stray. She was then caught by Animal Control and taken to the animal shelter, where they had no idea how to care for her. They also discovered the person she had escaped from had cruelty charges, so she couldn't be placed back there. The shelter asked us to take her urgently. We welcomed her home, only to be met with some surprises. She was injured, with a ruptured tendon in her back leg, and she had 2 open abscesses on her face and neck. We kept her in quarantine while we ran health tests, and we found out she had CAE and that the abscesses were actually from an animal attack, likely a fox or dog that had grabbed her neck. After quarantine, she became the perfect best friend for our Ivy, and their bond grows stronger every day. Fawn is quirky, curious, and energetic. She loves to play and encourages Ivy to do so, too. She is shy but appreciates a gentle person who approaches her slowly. That's when her real personality comes out. Carrots are the key to her heart.
Gus
Gus (Birth year: 2025) is a Boer goat wether who was rescued after being taken from a live market, used as a commodity, and then dumped in a warehouse. We immediately went to get him and start providing him with all the care he needed. His health issues healed, and he learned how to be a free, happy goat. Gus is as sweet as they come, and loves people, playing, and crunchy leaves as a treat! He also loves to chat and receive attention.
Bowie
Bowie (Estimated birth year: 2020) is a wether who came to us after living alone for his whole life. Since goats are very social, Bowie became bored and destructive. Initially saved from slaughter as a baby by a kind man, Bowie found himself safe, but with someone who didn’t know how to care for goats. He did his best, but knew that Bowie needed a better situation to live his best life. We welcomed Bowie and vowed to find him a herd of his own (which we did) and provide him with everything he’d ever need. Bowie is energetic, rowdy, friendly, and full of life. He loves to say hi and be right up at the fence, but be careful, he knows how to use his horns!
Jagger, Randall & Morris
Jagger, Randall, and Morris (Estimated birth year: 2016) are 3 wethers who came to us after spending years living at the Highway Department. Originally belonging to a farm in Upstate New York, these boys found themselves without proper resources or housing, and a man who cared for them knew they wouldn’t do well over the winter there. He decided to move them to his job at the Highway Department to provide them with better care. He built them a nice area, but they were still living in the middle of an industrial area at the Highway Department, and he knew they needed a better home. They became Bowie’s herd and his first official friends. Morris and Randall are as sweet and gentle as can be, and they love to be pet. Jagger is more shy and standoffish, usually guarding his brothers and keeping watch. They appreciate kind, gentle people.
Sheep
Onyx & Topaz
Onyx and Topaz (Birth year: 2020) are wethers. They were born on a farm in NJ, in a field full of moms and babies. There was no shelter, no protection, and no accommodations for these mothers or newborns. Onyx and Topaz were born, and as vulnerable newborns, they couldn't do anything when vultures swooped down and attacked them. 4 lambs total were attacked, but Onyx and Topaz were the only survivors, as the others’ injuries were too severe. Onyx had his tail torn off, and Topaz had a punctured hoof. The farmer surrendered them due to their injuries, but refused to surrender their moms despite our efforts, so they became bottle babies. They lived in the house, had their injuries treated, and became stronger every day. They are friendly and like people, but can be a little naughty (Onyx is a big headbutter), so definitely say hi through the fence.
Cows
Arlo
Arlo (Birth year: 2020) is a steer who holds the title of our largest resident. Standing at around 6 feet tall and close to 2000 pounds, you’d never know he experienced sickness and hardship. However, when we saved him, he was so frail and tiny. Born male on a NJ dairy farm, Arlo and his best friend Fergus were immediately deemed useless, separated from their moms, and chained to hutches outside with no room to move. Fergus, a cute dark brown baby boy, became the dairy farmer’s grandchild’s favorite calf. The dairy farmer agreed to let us take him and Arlo for this reason. Both boys were only 2 weeks old, emaciated, and had been drinking only 1 bottle a day. They had internal parasites, tight hay-twine wrapped around their necks, and were terrified of people. With bottle-feeding, patience, and love, they became healthy, friendly, big boys. Tragically, we lost Fergus to a health complication at only 6 years old. Arlo loves people, but he is a rowdy guy who doesn't realize how big he is, so we have to be careful not to let him get too excited, or he might break through the fence. Definitely keep a slight distance from this big boy, but he loves visitors, being talked to, and having all the attention on him.
Pigs
Minnie
Minnie (Birth year: 2012) is a Potbelly pig. She spent the first 5.5 years of her life as a beloved pet pig, living part-time in her previous family’s home. Unfortunately, in an all-too-common situation, her family moved and couldn’t take her with them. They found us and asked if we could take her, and she became Critterville’s first-ever pig in 2018. We all immediately fell in love with her and her awesome personality. Minnie is a senior now, and she is just as spunky and sassy as the day we met her, even with severe arthritis that makes moving around hard. Minnie is strong, opinionated, and not afraid to speak her mind. She enjoys simple things, like eating grass, a nice blanket, and strawberry treats. She doesn’t like people in her space, and she will let you know if she's mad, so listen to her and respect her boundaries. For the right person, with the right approach (and probably a cookie), she will be a total lovebug.
Stuart
Stuart (Birth year: 2018) is a mixed miniature pig. He was bred by a “micro pig” breeder who wanted to create tiny pigs for people to buy as pets. There is no such thing as a micro pig, or a teacup pig, and a mini pig is any pig under 300 pounds. The breeder was scamming people into getting these piglets, that would naturally get bigger, and making them starve them to be tiny. Stuart was purchased by a man who thought he would only grow to 30-50 pounds, because that's what the breeder said. Then Stuart started to grow, and the man wanted to get rid of him. A woman saw the ad on Facebook, looking to rehome him, and went to pick him up. However, when he arrived at her house, her dog started freaking out and tried to attack Stuart. She realized she couldn’t keep him and reached out for sanctuary help. We went to pick him up in a snowstorm and brought him (finally) to his forever home, after he’d had 4 total homes in just 4 months of life. He was only 10 pounds, very underweight (as the breeder's instructions had advised against feeding him anything fattening, so he wouldn’t grow), and had a skin infection. But from the beginning, he was sassy, funny, and so smart, and he still is. Stuart can do tricks and even understands some commands in both English and Spanish, demonstrating how intelligent pigs are. He likes people and is friendly, but can get overwhelmed quickly, so make sure to listen to his cues as he will show you how he feels.
Lily
Lily (Estimated birth year: 2017) is a farm pig. We don’t know what her early life was like, but by the time she was around 1 year old, she was living at the same deplorable “sanctuary” as 4 of our horses were. She lived totally alone, despite pigs being social creatures, and was depressed. She spent years in a small, dirty pen, just there by herself with no stimulation, despite pigs being so smart and needing enrichment. Now, in sanctuary with her pig family, Lily is the top dog, always bossing the boys around. She is sweet, loving, sassy, and loves nothing more than a belly rub and an apple. She also loves to talk, and if you start a conversation with her, she will likely answer you in grunts.
Oslo
Oslo “Ozzie” (Estimated birth year: 2021) is a farm pig. Saved from slaughter at a few months old, his future was looking bright. But then the woman who had saved him had to flee a domestic violence situation, and she couldn’t take a huge pig with her. She wanted to find a safe, sanctuary home for him, and we went right away to pick him up. At the time, he came with a bonded friend: a turkey named Seymour (who has sadly passed away since). Ozzie is the biggest baby with the biggest heart. He is friendly, silly, affectionate, funny. He is now deeply bonded with his “baby brother” Enzo, whom he can often be found snuggling, eating, or lounging with. Ozzie loves people (especially if they have snacks) and will greet everyone excitedly with happy grunts.
Enzo
Enzo (Estimated birth year: 2023) is a farm pig. Born on a nearby farm, he was sadly accidentally injured as a baby by his mother. After healing from his injury, a woman wanting a cute pet pig for her friend brought him home with her. When her friend didn’t want him, the woman was forced to keep him herself. She owned a car wash and set him up in a small pen in the back. But Enzo didn’t stay a “tiny pet pig”; he kept growing, getting too big for his shelter, bending the pen's fencing, and escaping multiple times. The woman then went to prison, leaving a 10-month-old Enzo alone and bored in the pen, being cared for by the car wash employees. He was too big for the pen and shelter, leaving him sunburnt with no shade in the middle of summer. After many complaints about his presence at the car wash and concern for his well-being, police persuaded the woman to hand him over to us. He is the sweetest boy and a total lovebug, who will flop over for belly rubs in an instant. He is affectionate, a people-lover, and an all-around social butterfly.
Birds
Ziggy, Bingo, Fizz, Bop-It & Kazoo
Ziggy, Bingo, Fizz, Bop-It, and Kazoo (Estimated birth year: 2012) are a gaggle of geese who belonged to an elderly man for years. What started as a flock of 20+ birds dwindled to 6 geese (including Pluto, who doesn’t live with the others) after predators and disease killed many of the birds. They had no protection, no enclosure, and were roaming freely in the woods. Because they weren’t socialized or really “kept” at all, they are pretty much feral geese. When the man became physically unable to even leave his house and feed them, his family reached out for help for the remaining geese. None of the geese don’t like people and will only come close to humans if food is involved. They will often hiss at humans and tell us to get away, which we should always respect. Ziggy, the patriarch of the gaggle, is a big, stoic guy who actually tends to be one of the least aggressive of the group. Bingo and Fizz, naughty best friends, are often the most mischievous and are often found misbehaving. Bop-It and Kazoo, the ladies, are pretty gentle, though they still would prefer to do their own thing without humans around. But overall, they tolerate us and won’t be too mean. The geese do not wish to be approached or touched by humans, and they will hiss to express that, so listen to what they say and understand they don’t concern themselves with humans, and that’s okay.
Pluto & Pip
Pluto (Estimated birth year: 2012) is a goose who lives with Pip (Birth year: 2023), a tiny duck. Pluto came to us with the rest of the geese, but, being a different breed, she was picked on and beaten up by them. At their previous home, they wouldn’t let her eat, and she developed angel wing because of it. Pip the duck was found on the side of the road (after likely being dumped) with his duck friend, Puddle, who ended up having severe health issues despite Pip being healthy. We knew that Pluto needed to live separately from the rest of the geese to be safe and happy, and Pip’s duck buddy ended up being too disabled to continue living with him, so we paired Pluto and Pip together, and our “odd couple” was born! This cute, slightly mismatched couple have opposite personalities, and they balance each other out. Pluto is bold, loud, intense, and usually aggressive. Pip is friendly, sweet, and enjoys being picked up. Pluto is certainly not to be messed with; she doesn’t like to be approached and will be very protective of Pip when a human gets too close to them, so proceed with caution.
Paco & Laila
Paco and Laila (Birth year: 2025) are ducks who were purchased as young babies and, in the ever-so-common twist of fate, found themselves suddenly unwanted and being given away. A kind family realized they urgently needed a new home and, despite not having other birds or any bird experience, they wanted to try. They brought Paco and Laila home, and the pair lived happily in their yard for a few months, safe and well-fed, but as colder weather approached, they realized they couldn’t keep them warm enough and that the ducks needed somewhere else to go. Both ducks were luckily healthy, aside from a mild case of bumblefoot, and settled in quickly to their new sanctuary enclosure near our other birds. They are a bit shy and cautious at first, but they are both very sweet, gentle, and accepting of humans.
Chip & Dale
Chip and Dale (Birth year: 2018) are ducks who were living at a pot pie restaurant as babies. A woman went to this restaurant to pick up pot pies for her mother, who loved them, and she noticed a shed in the parking lot. To her surprise, the shed was filled with chicks and ducklings. An employee explained to her that they were being raised to be eaten and used in dishes at the restaurant. Feeling guilty seeing “meat” face to face, she asked the man if she could have 2 of the birds. He said she could only have ducklings, grabbed 2 random ones, and handed them to her. She brought them home and kept them in her house, then her yard, until they got too big and she realized she couldn’t provide a full life for them. They then came to us, where they’ve lived for 7 years into their old age. Both boys are sweet, gentle, and are happy to just swim and eat all day. Neither particularly likes to be touched, but they are tolerant of humans and enjoy gentle interaction. Snacks (specifically mealworms) are always a bonus.
Sprout, Cricket & Wrigley
Chip and Dale (Birth year: 2018) are ducks who were living at a pot pie restaurant as babies. A woman went to this restaurant to pick up pot pies for her mother, who loved them, and she noticed a shed in the parking lot. To her surprise, the shed was filled with chicks and ducklings. An employee explained to her that they were being raised to be eaten and used in dishes at the restaurant. Feeling guilty seeing “meat” face to face, she asked the man if she could have 2 of the birds. He said she could only have ducklings, grabbed 2 random ones, and handed them to her. She brought them home and kept them in her house, then her yard, until they got too big and she realized she couldn’t provide a full life for them. They then came to us, where they’ve lived for 7 years into their old age. Both boys are sweet, gentle, and are happy to just swim and eat all day. Neither particularly likes to be touched, but they are tolerant of humans and enjoy gentle interaction. Snacks (specifically mealworms) are always a bonus.
The Main Flock
The Main Flock includes Belle (Estimated birth year: 2018), Tessie, Pinwheel, Marigold (Birth year: 2020), Ariel (Birth year: 2025), Frida (Birth year: 2025), and resident rooster, Raphael (Birth year: 2019). Belle is a beautiful hen who has been with us since 2020, after being rescued from a local farm that was discarding her. Tessie, Pinwheel, and Marigold came to us altogether in 2020 as chicks. Someone in the area had ordered 10 chicks online, but the company shipped 20. We rescued the ‘extra’ 10 chicks, and 5 years later, we have unfortunately lost 7 of them to different illnesses, but our little group of 3 are happy as can be. Shy Ariel was picked up as a stray, found roaming the streets, and taken to the animal shelter. When no one claimed her, the shelter asked for our help, and we welcomed her into the family. Sweet little Frida was also found as a stray and brought to us by a volunteer. Rooster Raphael came to us after his human mom passed away, leaving him without her. His flock of hens was also rehomed separately from him, and he was completely alone. We took him in, and he became the boss of the chickens and a faithful protector to the girls in the main flock. None of the main flock members are particularly affectionate, but they do like attention, and they love snacks.
Shiloh & Sweeney
Shiloh and Sweeney (Birth year: 2023) are a pair of turkeys who were rescued after being raised for Thanksgiving. A man purchased them with the intent to raise and eat them for Thanksgiving dinner, but after spending a couple of months with them, he was struck by their personalities and kind demeanors. He couldn’t go through with slaughtering them. He posted them for rehoming on Craigslist, and when the ad was sent to us, we sprang into action to pick them up. Sweeney is a heartthrob who loves to show off, but would prefer to be admired from a distance. Shiloh is as gentle and sweet as they come, and he is happy to be loved on. Though they have different personalities, they are both so remarkable and special.
Polka Dot & Sweet Dee
Polka Dot “Dot/ Dottie” (Estimated birth year: 2024) and Sweet Dee “Dee” (Estimated birth year: 2021) are our special needs chicken flock. These girls came to us from a fellow rescuer who didn’t have space to house them separately after her flock bullied them. We took them in and set them up in a safe space of their own. Dot is blind, and Dee has a neurological condition that causes a head tilt and some other abnormalities. They are both extremely sweet, spunky, and happy to socialize. Dot specifically will do anything for attention, especially standing on people’s shoes. They appreciate visitors who are calm and slow, so they don’t startle them.
Sandy & Sonic
Sandy and Sonic (Birth year: 2024) are Cornish Cross hens who came to us at 5 weeks old after being kept with non- “meat” breed chickens, causing them to be obese, bald, and dirty. When we were asked to take them and provide the specialized care they needed, we welcomed them and immediately began getting them healthy again. They lost the weight, got cleaned up, and absolutely thrived. Then, in a freak accident, Sonic broke her leg. She was rushed to the vet, where it was casted, but after 6 weeks, when the cast came off, it had healed incorrectly. Her leg was stuck behind her and twisted. She was unable to walk and would instead scoot around. Right after the cast came off, Sonic was scooting around, and she caught her chest on something and tore it open. She was gravely injured, and euthanasia was recommended. However, Sonic’s disposition and willingness to fight never wavered. We vowed to fight with her, and after 3 months of intensive care, her wound healed completely, and she regained her ability to walk. She is certainly one of our best recovery stories and remains a hero to us all. Sandy stayed by her side through it all, and now they are thriving as a happy, healthy pair. Both are sassy, social, and friendly, and love visits (especially with treats).
Leo, Ember & Astrid
Leonardo “Leo”, Ember, and Astrid (Estimated birth year: 2024) are gamefowl chickens who came from an illegal cockfighting farm that was busted. Kept in cramped, dirty, inhumane conditions, these birds had never experienced a life of freedom. Little rooster Leo would have been used for fighting, and his best friends, Ember and Astrid, would likely not have even survived. Luckily, they were saved and will get to live out their lives in safety and peace. They are very sweet, but also shy and skittish due to their past, so they’d prefer to be loved from a distance.
Gwen, Dora & Kira
Gwen, Dora, and Kira “Kiki”(Birth year: 2025) are a group of Cornish Cross chickens who were saved from the ritual of Kaporos at just a few weeks old. Kaporos is a pre-Yom Kippur ritual that involves “transferring sins” from human to chicken; part of the ritual includes the people swinging the young birds around their heads and then slitting their throats. This ritual annually takes the lives of thousands of birds in New York City alone. Gwen and Dora were rescued from a crate containing deceased birds, which they had been crammed into, while Kiki was in a separate crate. They were all slightly wounded and in need of lots of care. All are sweet, friendly, and cheerful, always hoping someone is bringing them a snack.
Schmidt
Schmidt (Birth year: 2023) is a turkey rescued from extreme neglect. He came into the care of a woman as a juvenile, and she proceeded to horrifically neglect him and care for him improperly. She overfed him to the point he was 25 pounds overweight and couldn’t stand up or walk. Then, when he lost his ability to stand, she left him there. He developed a large swelling of air on his face/ head due to pressure on his lungs, his right leg and both feet became atrophied and nerve-damaged, and he developed deep pressure sores all over. He was in terrible condition, with lots of pain, and his body had been damaged beyond repair (in some ways). When we went to pick him up after he had been dumped in a foster home, we found him splayed out in a wet, dark shed, suffering in silence. We immediately got him medical care, hydrated him, and set him up to be more comfortable. Over the next months, he lost the weight with a special diet, received physical and laser therapy, and other care measures to keep him comfortable. We made him a custom wheelchair and a special bed for nighttime. Though his health journey has continued to be a struggle, he is happy and more comfortable, and we will continue to fight for him. He is gentle, kind, soulful, and also happy to be petted and interacted with. He loves mealworms, raw eggs, pets on his back, and kisses on his head.
Stanley & Sunshine
Stanley and Sunshine “Sunny” (Birth year: 2023) are a pair of turkey siblings who were accidentally hatched when their mom hid her nest. Being a meat breed of turkey, they require special care, so when we were asked to take them to ensure their health and safety, we agreed. They also came with their brother Stitch, who unfortunately passed away. Stanley is an energetic guy who loves to run and jump. He is friendly, but would prefer not to be petted; he’d rather just be close to you. Sunny is social, chatty, and friendly; she loves walking around, showing off, and talking to people. Both adore food, attention, and wake up every day excited for what it’ll bring.
Freddie
Freddie (Birth year: 2020) is a guinea cock who was originally saved after being orphaned and left alone outside. A kind woman raised him and cared for him, and she got him a friend when he was a little older. Then, he and his friend started fighting and being territorial. The woman didn’t have the space or resources to provide each of them with their own space, so she reached out to us. We welcomed Freddie and Terrie and gave them separate areas so they could both thrive without any fighting. After some time with us, they decided they were over the fighting and became best friends from then on. Tragically, we lost Terrie unexpectedly after 3 years with him. Freddie then bonded with ducks Chip and Dale, who are still his closest friends, though he hangs out with all the birds. He has a huge personality; he’s silly, hilarious, and chaotic. He loves mealworms and will approach people to request some, as well as consistently get under everyone’s feet. He is funny, friendly, and loves to be the center of attention.
Fazbear
Fazbear “Faz” (Estimated birth year: 2025) is a guinea cock who was brought to a veterinary hospital to be euthanized after breaking both of his legs. Instead, the medical team there decided to give him a chance and began working to heal him. He made a miraculous recovery, and besides some scars and a slight limp, you’d never know what he went through. After nursing him back to health, his medical team knew he needed a sanctuary home where he could live his best life. Fazbear is tough, curious, and gentle. He loves to explore, make new friends, and enjoy all the snacks he possibly can.
The House Chickens
The House Chickens include Judy, Joan, Greta, Tallulah, Rita, and Mae (Estimated birth year: 2023-2024), who were saved from an illegal slaughterhouse in our area. Being kept with many other chickens in filthy, muddy, and inhumane conditions, as well as dogs and puppies, the operation was busted, and the animals were confiscated. All were unfortunately debeaked (the act of having their beaks cut to avoid aggression and cannibalism at slaughterhouses and large farms), and arrived dirty and very thin. After settling in and regaining their health, they began to show their personalities. Rita, Mae, and Tallulah are very friendly, funny, and playful. Judy, Joan, and Greta are more reserved and shy. All of them like human visitors as long as they don’t try to grab them, and they always appreciate a good treat.
Puddle
Puddle (Birth year: 2023) is a special needs Pekin duck who has limited mobility. Puddle came to us with her friend Pip in 2023 and struggled with leg issues from day one. She had surgeries, infections, procedures, and her mobility has greatly declined over the years. However, she is still feisty, energetic, sassy, and determined. She is a huge fan of swimming, eating, and biting people. She does not like human interaction, so avoid bothering her unless you have to!
Ladybug
Ladybug (Estimated birth year: 2024) is a Coturnix quail who was rescued after being found on the side of the road in need of medical care. She had severely infected feet and was missing a large portion of her feathers. After being cared for by wildlife rehabbers for months, it became clear that the damage to her feet had caused permanent mobility issues. She needed a forever home that could accommodate her special needs and keep her safe. Feisty little Ladybug enjoys sanctuary life, where she receives special care and is spoiled rotten.
Dogs & Cats
Billy & Bonnie
Billy and Bonnie (Birth year: 2018) are dog siblings who came to us as puppies. They are major mutts, but primarily Great Pyrenees, Labrador Retriever, and Pitbull. They were born to a backyard breeder, who then dumped them at a kill shelter in the south. They were transferred from that shelter to one closer to us, where we then adopted them. Bonnie was born with congenital hip dysplasia, requiring her to have a double hip replacement/ reconstruction at only 7 months old. She has recovered amazingly and is doing great 8 years later. Bonnie is a loving, affectionate, sweet girl who loves attention, treats, and belly rubs. Billy is also a sweetheart, but he is much more anxious and cautious than his sister. Both are big-hearted, kind, and energetic. Billy takes a while to warm up to new people, but Bonnie loves everyone immediately. Approach Billy slowly and carefully to win him over. They both love toys, food, and gentle interaction with people.
Halo
Halo (Birth year: 2024) is a Great Pyrenees who came to us at 5 months old from Tennessee after being saved from neglect. She, her 3 sisters, and her parents were locked away in a small side yard by their previous owners, where they were fully ignored. Halo and her family received no interaction, socialization, grooming, or other care. Halo and her sisters were all extremely shy and skittish from a lack of socialization during that crucial period of their lives. Halo slowly started coming out of her shell and learning the ropes around the sanctuary. She is a natural Livestock Guardian Dog, often surveying and checking over all the animals, breaking up fights, and letting us know if something is wrong. She is still shy and cautious, and it can take months to win her over. However, she is kind, gentle, caring, and loves all of “her” animals. She loves her siblings, toys, being naughty, chewing things that are not toys, going in water and mud, surveying her surroundings, and playing in the snow. She appreciates calmness and gentleness when being approached by humans, but once she loves you, she loves you hard and forever.
Oberon
Oberon “Obie” (Birth year: 2026) is a Great Pyrenees who came to us as a puppy from a property in Alabama. He and his 8 siblings were born there to a young mother, and their life was hard from the beginning. Their father was hit by a car, there were multiple chained dogs on the property, and all of the puppies were suffering from at least 3 types of parasites. 4 of the 9 puppies passed away before rescuers got to them, but Obie and his siblings were survivors and made it safely to their forever homes. Obie is the most joyful, precious, fluffy dog ever, and he absolutely adores people. He is always happy to be petted, played with, and talked to.
Toby & Cleo
Toby and Cleo (Birth year: 2017) are cat siblings who came to us at 2 months old after being born in an accidental litter on a farm. Adler (Birth year: 2023) joined us as a young feral cat who was living outside and fending for himself until he was trapped and taken to a local shelter. Terrified and skittish, he behaved like a fully feral cat, but over time, he became less fearful and more personable. He joined Toby and Cleo as part of the friendly cats. All 3 are sweet and loving, but will make their boundaries clear with people. They love some gentle petting and, of course, treats.
Maggie
Maggie (Estimated birth year: 2018) was found by Animal Control with her leg stuck in a fence on the side of a road. Trying to free herself, she had caused catastrophic damage to her leg and even degloving it. Animal Control brought her to the shelter, where she received medical care and had her leg amputated. Then she came to us to live out her life safely and happily as a tripod. All 3 are still feral and do not like being touched, but they love it when people talk to them or bring them food. If approached, they are typically not aggressive, but will run away and sometimes hide.
Simon & Freya
Simon and Freya (Estimated birth year: 2013) are cat siblings who lived completely feral and alone on the streets for 10 years. When the person who had been feeding them and the rest of their colony couldn’t provide food for them anymore, the whole colony began to struggle. They were trapped and brought to us so they could live safely and get the care they needed.