Simply the best

It's been a month since I've posted a blog entry, a time frame I told myself I would never let happen. But I've come to the realization that there is no "slow" season at PSGR. The last month has been filled with lots of adoptions, new volunteers, a website overhaul, marketing & fundraising plans, social media mania, networking, work party planning and of course the day to day care of the ever changing herd at PSGR. All while we work full time jobs away from the rescue. Regardless of whatever it is we're doing, every day is a good day when you're working to care for and save goats. No matter how busy we get with everything else, the heart of what we do is save lives. Amongst all the busyness of the past few weeks, we've had quite a few new arrivals. Today, I brought 4 new babies to the rescue. It was a long 11 hour day. As I said goodnight to all the animals and turned off the barn lights I realized that days like these, new arrival days, they are quite possibly the best days.

For me, there is an excitement whenever we get new arrivals at the rescue. No matter where they come from, be it the slaughterhouse, breeder cull kids or private party surrenders, there is the promise of a better day for them. No matter what their past, we get to provide them with the best possible future. That feeling, it's pretty amazing. It's heartwarming, gratifying and maybe even a little magical. The joy and the satisfaction it brings, there is nothing quite like it.

Tara, our newest slaughterhouse rescue has fit right in like she's been with us forever. The Toggenburg girls, Kit and Kat, who arrived a few weeks ago shy and unsure, followed me around today to see what might be in my pockets. They have even joined the top of the picnic table napping rotation. The babies all took turns being snuggled up in my coat, taking comfort after a day full of change. Just like every new arrival, their realities are changing. But that is a good thing. Their new reality will be void of uncertainty. It will be full of what we wish for every goat, for every animal, love and comfort. We get to do that. We get to make that difference for them. Every time we get new arrivals, it brings new hope, new life and those days are simply the best.

We Believe!

NW Washington is electric right now. The city of Seattle is literally lit up in blue and green and sporting the number 12. A city, a community, saying "I'm in." Why? Because we believe.

We believe in a team that many critics thought wouldn't amount to much. A team that is largely made up of third, fourth and fifth round draft picks and undrafted free agents. Players, many didn't believe in. Players, many didn't think had what it took to be stars in the NFL. Players, many didn't think were good enough.

At PSGR our barn is filled with goats that people didn't think were good enough. Goats that for whatever reason, were thought to be worth nothing more than to be sent to slaughter. But that's not what we see. To us, they are amazing. Each their own personality, each bringing something different to the herd. Each worthy of love, security and care. Worthy of someone believing that they are good enough. To be given the chance to simply be themselves.

It may seem crazy, to some, to see goats in jerseys and cheerleading outfits supporting a local football team. But to me, it represents a spirit. A spirit of overcoming and perseverance. A spirit of seeing worth and value where others see none. A spirit of believing.

So from a barn full of goats who were cast aside, now getting a second chance at life to a team who many critics never believed in, now on their way to a second straight Super Bowl, we believe!

Go Hawks!

The Gift

"There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It's why you were born" -Oprah Winfrey It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. For me, personally, 2014 will be the year that I truly discovered what I am here to do. To help save animals. A discovery I feel lucky to have made.

The other day, in a stall of the barn sitting with a couple of the goats, I had a moment. As tears filled my eyes, lost in a moment of thinking about the loss we have experienced, the sadness of what wasn't meant to be this year, I was reminded in that same exact moment of all the good we've seen and done. The lives we saved, the progress we made. Lost in my moment I was brought back by a cry from the next stall over. It was Rocket. Who seeing me sitting down, took it as an invitation to come hang out with me but there was a gate in his way. He made me smile, he always does. I turned to see Luna laying next to me. Luna, a goat who has taken up more and more space in my heart in the time she's been with us. Likely a retired dairy Saanen, sent to auction, pregnant, purchased by a slaughterhouse, rescued by us and now being completely spoiled.

It reminded me of all the goats and sheep, young and old, who came through the rescue this year; how entertaining, loving and innocent they are. How hard it was to see them go but how heartwarming it is to see how happy they make their new families. The spring that brought countless breeder cull babies bouncing around the barn, bright eyed and full of energy. The summer that was so hot none of us, 2 or 4 legged, wanted to even move. (We are wimpy about heat in the NW) How the goats were sunbathing in pools in October and just a month later how the whole place froze over and the goat kids experienced their first snow.

I remembered the goats who we didn't think would survive after what they had been through only to see them recover, thrive and find their lifelong homes. The goats who were so shy and apprehensive upon arrival who now love attention and seek out a scratch on the cheek. The numerous photo shoots with amazingly tolerant goats that had us all laughing. The rescues where going to rescue 5 or 6 goats turned into 18 goats coming back.

I was inspired by this place and Barbara's work and it's led me to help bring a fundraising and social media presence to the rescue. We were humbled by the support both monetarily and simply by words of thanks and encouragement. The love of goats is truly a powerful connection.

That moment the other day was a time to reflect, accept and move ahead. Because just as so many lives depended on us this year, so many more will next year. I got up and went about what needed to be done. Rocket and Luna reminded me that the good outweighs the sad and I have been given a gift. And the best thing I can do is share that gift and help prepare PSGR for whatever 2015 has in store.

I also wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this blog these past 6 months. I have truly loved being able to share the stories of PSGR with you and can't wait to share our adventures of 2015. Happy New Year!

Gratitude

PSGR is life changing, literally, for the animals we rescue. Even if they don't realize it, the rescue means everything to them and their second chance at life. PSGR means a lot to the people that cross paths with it as well. It's near impossible for this place, these animals, not have some impact on everyone who walks through our gate. Especially the core group of us who choose to spend the time that we do here. I often say that my work with PSGR is my therapy. It is my happy place. Yes, I am helping animals but just as much, they are helping me. They demonstrate unconditional love, trust, resilience, courage, forgiveness and so much more, every single day. Discovering this place and the work that Barbara does, I feel as though I have finally found what I am here on this earth to help do. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to be a part of what Barbara has created. I've discovered my true passion and will forever be grateful.

Baby Finn and I last winter

Baby Finn and I last winter

For the past 4 years volunteer Emily has spent her Saturday's at PSGR: "I've always thought that bumper sticker that says "Who rescued who?" was a bit cheesy, but after I started working at PSGR I realized that as cheesy as it was, it was also true. I love the goats for who they are, and I have really enjoyed learning the skills to take proper care of them. But what I didn't expect was how much they would help in my process of recovering from the abuse I experienced as a child. They really are therapy animals for me. Goats by their nature are sweet and silly and usually quite gentle, and they are an anchor for me. A reminder that there are beings in this world that it is safe to connect with; that mothers can and do protect their children; that tiny babies really are precious and worth protecting - worth rescuing from the muck and mire of a slaughterhouse. It's been nearly four years since my first volunteer day, and not a week has gone by that I haven't been grateful for their presence in my life." -Emily

Emily

Bonnie has been involved with the rescue for over 10 years now: "It has been about ten years since I have met Barbara and the PSGR volunteers. When I retired I knew I wanted to do something useful and needed. Farm animal rescue was perfect. Many people are not aware of the need to help these creatures, or the farming practices that contribute to the need for rescues. Barbara has been rescuing long before I gave it a thought. Many animals have come and gone over the years. Many lives rescued and given another chance for a good life. Goats, chickens, calfs, alpacas, sheep, lambs, dogs, llamas.....

The work is rewarding - to see a very ill animal recover, to see a happy family picking up their new family member, to hear back from them and see pictures of how well they are all doing. So much to be thankful for all around. Thankful the rescue is there for the animals; thankful for the dedication and hard work Barbara and the volunteers contribute to our little corner of the world; the thankful adoptive families, and the thanks from the people who contribute resources and money to the rescue. That surprised me the most, people thanking me for doing the work. It has meant a lot to me to help explain the mission of the rescue, to educate people about the reality of what has to happen to put meat on the table, to see the animals get well, to see peace come into their lives. Most of all I am thankful to be a part of it.

There was the time Barbara and I sat with a troubled pregnant goat, it was the middle of the night; oh, it was so cold and snowing, no light or heat in the barn. Misery. Mama goat decides that sooner or later her baby is going to come. She did not not have an easy time of it, Barbara knew what to do and pulled the baby into a new world while I talked and sang and tried to comfort mama. When it was over, that big, tired, thankful goat gave me big licks all over my face. So gross, but she was telling us 'thank you'. I was thankful this did not happen too often." -Bonnie

Bonnie

We all have experiences from our time here that will stay with us forever. More memories and moments I am thankful for are made every time I walk through that gate.

No post about gratitude would be complete without thanking the person at the heart of all of this, Barbara. She has dedicated her life to saving these animals and making their lives not only safe and healthy and happy, but possible. She has created a place that has not only saved thousands of goats and sheep and various other animals but she has also created a place of meaning and purpose for many animal loving people. Thank you Barbara, you are much loved by your PSGR family, 2 and 4 legged!

The Road to Picture Perfect

As the wonderful women who come out to take photos for us will tell you, goats are not the easiest of photo subjects. They would rather nibble on the camera straps. Stand next to the photographer for some attention instead of in front of the camera for a picture. They're always moving, eating or looking the other way. It takes hundreds of pictures (not to mention a lot of goat herding, hand waving, can shaking and funny voice making) to get a handful of good ones. A few weeks ago PSGR friends Lilly and Emily came out with some Halloween props and their amazing photographer mom Jerrinne. When Rocket saw the props he decided to stay put and observe from the dog house.

Soon he could not resist partaking in the fun

He was drawn to Bingo's hat, obsessed is more like it

Others were simply perplexed by Bingo in his hat

Peach was quick to figure out that a tip of her head would knock her hat off

A few others found the props to be tasty new treats

Emily helped get the headbands on the goats while Lilly tried a new vantage point to help get the goats attention

Finally it worked!

Many thanks to Jerrinne, Lilly and Emily. Their spirit, photography skills and some cooperative goats made for some great Halloween fun and some picture perfect photos!

Maisey makes a darling little witch

Athena, the most photogenic girl on the farm

Olivia has passed the sheep participation on to Klondike

Sweet Mona

Our blue eyed boy Finn

"Boo" Happy Halloween from Jet and everyone at PSGR!

Friendship

"Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together"-Woodrow T Wilson

"Friends find the sweetest sense of happiness comes from simply being together" -Unknown

"A day spent with friends is always a day well spent" -Unknown

"Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest, it's about who came and never left your side" -Anonymous

"Friends are the sunshine of life" -John Hay

"Are we going to be friends forever?" asked Piglet "Even longer" Pooh answered -A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

"Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends" -Hafiz

Little Mia in one of her favorite places, in the ring sling, snuggled against me. Her friendship is missed everyday.

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" -A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

Oh the places you'll go

"Today is your day, you're off to great places, you're off and away"-Dr. Seuss

They come and they go, some stay longer than others, not one leaves here without leaving footprints on a place in my heart. After they go we love hearing from their new family about how well they are doing.

From plans to get a dairy cow, to plans to get pedigreed Nigerian dwarf does, to adopting 3 bottle raised wethers from the rescue. How did this happen for Isaac and Amber? Rocky.

Isaac and Amber attended an open house we had this past Spring with some friends who had adopted goats from us in the past. Rocky was a standout in our group of bottle raised kids this past year. Such a love. A total lap goat. And as you can see, it was love at first meeting for these two. Even though Isaac was formerly not convinced goats should ever be a part of his life.

"When we got home, I emailed Barbara and told her we'd like to adopt Rocky and another goat that my wife liked. Somehow in one day we had gone from getting pedigreed dairy goats in another year to getting a couple rescued wethers in another month" -Issac

Two goats, Rocky and Spyder, turned into three when they couldn't resist the charm of Bode, the last Nubian kid on the farm. The three boys left us for their new home a few months ago and couldn't be doing better.

"They were so excited when they saw the pasture because it hadn't seen any goats for a few years and was four feet tall in blackberries! They went to work right away turning leaves into poop and haven't stopped since" -Isaac

My favorite part of this story is the lounge chair in the pasture big enough for all the goats to be lap goats. Every night they snuggle and get brushed before bed. Pretty sure a dairy cow wouldn't be quite the same snuggler. And as you can clearly see, any doubts Isaac had about goats are long gone.

Seeing all of our rescues adopted is rewarding but there is something special about seeing slaughterhouse rescues getting a second chance at life.

Mickey was discovered at a local slaughterhouse during a rescue. A few days old, workers were (unsuccessfully) trying to bottle raise him, he was rescued and raised at a foster home. A yearling now, this summer we paired him with Mack a gigantic 6 year old Nubian. Mack was recently returned to the rescue and lost his companion unexpectedly. The two became fast friends. When a wonderful family called looking for companions for the goat they had adopted from us 9 years ago, we thought Mickey and Mack would be a good fit. And just like our previous story, two turned into three and Kit (a Nigerian dwarf, former breeder show goat who was rescued from the slaughterhouse back in July) found her forever home too.

Dixie, Mack, Mickey and Kit

A few days after they arrived home they got to hang out with their new family at their annual Labor Day BBQ. They are settling in well with their new friend Dixie. When Dixie wanted to let her place be known to Mack, pushing him around, Mickey came to his defense, pushing Dixie around. I smiled at the thought of one year old Mickey coming to the defense of Mack, one of the biggest goats I've ever met.

Behind every rescue there are compassionate people dedicated to the rescue and healing of these animals. But it doesn't end with us. The circle would not be complete without the families that seek out rescues, that give these animals a second chance at the life they deserve. For that, we are so very grateful.

"You're off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting so get on your way" -Dr. Seuss

The victory walk for Roman the llama....from the slaughterhouse, to the rescue to a new lifelong home

Little Reminders

Inspiration, motivation, a reminder...sometimes I don't know what I need but I need something. Something to reroute me back to the simple, basic, most important things in life. More and more these days it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of the world. The rat race pace, the pressure, the instant gratification of things. To loose sight of what really matters. I sometimes feel a longing for an escape from reality. The 4 legged friends I spend a lot of time with these days know nothing of the pressures and stresses of our world. Their world is the few acres on which they graze. Those of us who bring them food, scratch their cheeks and fill their water buckets. The sun that shines to take a nap in. The big tree that sprinkles leaves to eat when a breeze blows. Their basic needs are met. They don't want or need for anything more than what they have.

Observing this, it brings me clarity.

Yes, I'd love to loose 10 pounds. Make 10k more. To not feel so much pressure to be at a place in my life that I'm not. To live in a world where terrorism didn't exist. Where everyone felt safe walking in their neighborhoods. But these wonderful creatures I get to share my life with remind me that despite the reality of the world spinning around me, I have everything in my life that I need. That what is really, truly important is right in front of me every single day. Their world is an escape from the reality of mine. They are little reminders of the most important things in life.

Just Peachy

What a difference a month makes! Last month a slaughterhouse rescue of 17 goats included little Peach. A young Lamancha doe who was skin and bones when we pulled her out of a packed kill pen. She was so stressed and in shock when she arrived. It took about a week before she truly started to settle in at the rescue. To realize she was safe. To take comfort in knowing that no harm would come to her now.

Hours after being rescued

When I first met Peach it was clear she had been traumatized over what she had been through at the slaughterhouse. Not only emotionally but physically. She was so thin and lifeless. The first few weeks she was at the rescue she had run of the farm and we let her into the hay room to feast. Once she regained her energy she loved climbing the haystack, searching for the best hay she could find. She was so thin that one day she slipped between a stack bales and got wedged underneath. She was so frail that she could barely even call for help.

So thin and fragile her first few days

Now, a few weeks later, she probably wouldn't even fit between the bales. She has a hay belly! She's steadily gaining weight and obviously feeling better as she's embracing her Lamancha doe personality and pushing the young new arrivals around trying to establish herself as the Queen of her group. She is still thin, she still receives supplemental feeding but she has come so far since her rescue.

To think that this little one who takes such pleasure in the simplest of things in her new life; an abundance of food, space to browse, love and affection, almost didn't get a chance at a life filled with such things, is heartbreaking. But seeing her thrive, seeing the progress that she has made, for me, this is what our work is all about.

Looking so much better these days!

Photo bomb (far left) courtesy of Dori, resident rescue dog

In Memory of Mia

Tonight our sweet little Mia crossed the rainbow bridge. She had a wonderful life in the short time she was with us. The farm will not be the same without her presence.

My sweet, sweet girl, you will forever be in my heart and memories. I'm thankful I was there to spend your last day with you. You will be missed....always

Life Lessons

10 Life Lessons from the PSGR herd: 1: Dream Big Finn has dreams of following in Russell Wilson's footsteps

1: Dream Big Finn has dreams of following in Russell Wilson's footsteps

2: Be the Black Sheep

3: Embrace your uniqueness Even if you're pocket sized

4: Do your homework

5: Add variety to your diet

6: Be brave, conquer new things

7: Friends are the family you choose for yourself

8: Rest is essential, no matter where you choose to do so

9: Stand your ground

10: Enjoy the simple things in life.....like sun on your face and friends by your side

Olivia - the BIG sheep

There is a constant influx of animals at the rescue. In the midst of all the coming and going there are a few permanent residents and one who always makes herself known, Olivia.

Olivia was hand raised and when her owner needed money, she was sold to a local slaughterhouse. Spotted by Barbara during a rescue (it would be impossible to miss a sheep of her size) she was rescued and joined the herd at PSGR.

Olivia in desperate need of a haircut when she arrived

A Suffolk sheep, she is the largest sheep I have ever seen. She recently let her two favorite little girls have a tea party on her back. They needed step stools she is so tall. She has a commanding presence. Despite her "could be intimidating" size, she is the most gentle soul. She greets every visitor by simply standing beside them expecting to have her head scratched. If you stop you will often receive a gentle nudge letting you know she hasn't had enough. She always wants to be in the know of whatever is happening around the farm but nothing gets her too excited. Except treats, it's the only time she talks and it's almost startling it's so loud and it's the only time she runs, now that is a sight to see!

She was clearly raised with a gentle and loving hand as we have never met a sheep with such a tender personality. She was then sold to slaughter. But because of Barbara and PSGR she was saved. The rescue has provided her a safe home to live out her life where she is simply adored.

Olivia now enjoys a yearly haircut

Feeding the Soul

Esme and Little Dove, 2 does from Friday's rescue

Rescue work isn't for the faint of heart. The conditions we rescue these animals from at the slaughterhouse are hard to think about and the condition some are in upon arrival can be shocking. I try not to think about the neglect and fear they have experienced and try and focus on the easier, happier road they now have ahead.

Friday we rescued 16 goats from a local slaughterhouse. Countless times we ask why these sweet, beautiful animals end up where they do. A number of beautiful does, a few with udders full of milk, a couple of cute young does and a darling young Nubian buck (who won't be a buck much longer!) Most were overall healthy, having been seemingly well cared for at one time. And the most beautiful fawn colored young little Lamancha. For me, it was love at first sight. But she is skin and bones, she was packed in to a kill pen at the slaughterhouse. She was terrified and stressed. She cried throughout the first night. The next day she cried anytime we left her. Today she's settling in, she's rooming with Faye, eating and enjoyed a little sun bathing.

We are these animals only hope for survival. It all takes a lot of work. Work that can be long, expensive and exhausting. At the end of a long day at the rescue I'm dirty, I'm exhausted and usually have bruises and scratches that I have no idea how I've gotten. So why do I do it?

The Animals: Goats are joyous, funny and intelligent creatures. One of the most enjoyable parts of my time at the rescue is just sitting amongst them and getting to know their unique personalities. To watch them relax and become comfortable in their surroundings and realize that after whatever ordeal they have been through, they are now safe.

The Little Ones: Every year in addition to rescuing kids and lambs born at the slaughterhouse, we take in and bottle raise a number of breeder cull kids. (Typically wether quality boys) Who by coming to us have been spared knowing what life at an auction or slaughterhouse is like. One of my very favorite things is watching their bouncy excitement when they graduate from the "nursery" in the barn and get to experience pasture (and bigger play structures) for the first time.

By providing the animals the care & love they desperately need and crave, we are rewarded with their friendship.

The people: I've met some really wonderful people by volunteering at the rescue. People who I would never have met if it wasn't for the connection of goats. Social circles that never would have crossed. From Barbara and the other volunteers that work with the rescue to the countless people who have come to adopt goats or visit the farm. We all have a connection to the goats and have therefore been opened up to a connection with each other.

I may not have thousands of dollars to help fund the rescue, I wish I did. But I have time and a lot of love to give. I choose to spend my time and open my heart to these animals, to Barbara, to the rescue. It's my happy place. My therapy. It keeps me grounded. I'm helping animals with my own hands, it's a good feeling.

Today I walked out to the field where the main herd was grazing, among them most of our new arrivals from this weekends rescue. I just stood there and watched them. They were relaxed, grazing, enjoying the sun, coming by for a scratch on the cheek. It was the most relaxed and peaceful I have felt in weeks. I imagine the same was true for them. Without us, most probably wouldn't be alive today.

So the simple answer to why I do it? Because it is the absolute best feeling. The animals, the work we do, the fresh air, the dirt. Farm life is simply - a soul feeding life. Rescue work isn't for everyone. But for those of us it is for, we're a very lucky group of people.

New friends. Lola (rescued June 2014) and Mona (rescued this past Friday)

Faye

If there was ever a goat that could be the "poster child" of what our rescue work entails, Faye would be it.

The day after Christmas last year we received a call from a local slaughterhouse that a baby goat had just been born, so volunteers rushed over and picked up mom and baby. They were a mess, caked in mud. Faye was thin, loosing her hair and in overall neglected shape. The baby on the other hand, luckily, was in perfect health aside from being covered in mud. And quite a baby he turned out to be but we'll get to that later.

Upon arrival at the rescue

Over the next few weeks we pampered Faye, giving her white shaving bedding and all the food she could possibly eat. Every time I went out to the rescue I would clean out my fridge of anything I thought Faye would eat and stopped at the store for more. She pretty much ate anything and everything those first few weeks.

She received vaccinations and treatments, everything to get her on the right track. Not long after arrival she had a thick green discharge coming from her nose. A vet visit determined she had likely had an abscessed tooth that fell out leaving an open cavity to her sinuses. Luckily, the issue cleared up on its own and didn't seem to be slowing her down. What did slow her down was she often favored one of her feet, reluctant to put weight on it. Another vet visit confirmed a bone infection in her back foot from standing in the thick, deep mud of the slaughterhouse pens. Not only did it make walking painful but the infection likely contributed to her difficulty gaining weight. The infected part of her foot was amputated. It was/is a recovery in progress.

She's getting around better these days and is getting used to putting weight on a foot that is now half gone. She's finally starting to shed the mangy coat she had when she arrived. Being brushed is her new favorite indulgence. The effort to get more weight on her continues and she still gets the contents of my fridge each week. However she's become more picky, in other words, spoiled. She likes making beds out of her hay, it's luxury bedding apparently. We tried giving her straw, she wasn't impressed.

Faye is one of the most laid back goats I've ever met. She's sweet and docile, even after all she's been through. I can't begin to imagine what she's seen in her lifetime and what she has experienced. We like to think she's living the good life now. We hope to continue her recovery and to see her adopted.

No story about Faye would be complete without mention of her baby, Finn. It's hard to describe what a character that little guy turned out to be. Full of personality and spunk and an absolutely gorgeous golden color with blue eyes. He provided us so much entertainment and love and continues to do so at his new home with the volunteers who rescued him that day and their herd of goats.

The rescue and recovery of Faye and knowing Finn was saved as well..... it's rescues like these that strengthen our resolve for the work we do.