#<- the wheelchairs in the story look like goat legs so they move by climbing

[solargeist]

There’s this character in Witch Hat Atelier, who has both his legs broken and was using a wheelchair, but his friends made him these magic crutches that help him levitate, walk, and fly with !

But I’m posting this because I just read this chapter and thought it’d be a cool design for Scar’s elytra !

[animalsoffarmsanctuary]

A Week at Farm Sanctuary: Winding Down the Summer Days With Rescued Farm Animal Friends

Students across the country are heading back to school, and here at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter, we’re feeling the early traces of fall arriving just around the bend! For our “humanimal” friends, this time of year can be one of new beginnings — a chance to recommit to aligning our actions with our values and making choices we can feel good about. Of course, our rescued residents also make the most of the new beginnings that your support makes possible!

Change is brewing at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter!

New “Kids” on the Block

This week brought big changes for two of our residents in particular: Darius and Halbert goats! As you may recall, we rescued these boys last year from a so-called “humane” farm-to-table operation in Cattaraugus County, NY. But there was nothing humane about the circumstances from whence they came: The boys were emaciated, riddled with parasites, and too frightened to even venture outdoors. After receiving care and kindness at Farm Sanctuary, however, they began to heal and learn to love again.

Sweet Darius. These affectionate boys want nothing more than to love and be loved. They playfully wag their tails and lick our faces, just like dogs!

Darius and Halbert were doing so well that we decided to place them in a loving home through our Farm Animal Adoption Network! We are so grateful for the compassionate families who open their homes and hearts to rescued farm animals — helping us to rescue and rehabilitate even more individuals in need.

Sometimes, though, circumstances happen that are beyond our control. A few months ago, Darius injured his leg, and his adoptive family contacted us to connect him with the very best care available. We brought Darius to the Nemo Farm Animal Hospital at Cornell University (along with his best friend Halbert for company, of course!), and he convalesced with his buddy at our onsite Melrose Small Animal Hospital. Thankfully, Darius has healed nicely — and with his adopter’s blessing, Darius and Halbert will stay at Farm Sanctuary in order to give Darius easy access to any follow-up care that he needs.

This week, Darius was doing so well that we moved the boys from the hospital to a pasture of their very own! In their new spot, they spend their days climbing, running, and grazing — free to just be themselves.

Halbert leads the way on their exciting new adventure!

Best friends forever.

Darius and Halbert savor a taste of Farm Sanctuary life!

Hello, Darius!

Welcome home, boys! We love sharing our lives with you.

Visiting With the Main Flock

From the new “kids” to our more seasoned residents, everyone at Farm Sanctuary has a place!

Cynthia goat comes to say hello! Rescued from a backyard butcher in New York’s Hudson Valley, this sweet, sassy girl has unfortunately seen her share of troubles. But these days, she teaches us how beautiful our lives can be when we put compassion first.

For a while, Cynthia’s shyer friend Panza (who came to us from the same rescue) preferred goats over humans, though she is beginning to solicit attention from her “humanimal” friends as well! 

Three cheers for the leader of the herd, Skye goat! Skye keeps all of the “kids” in check.

Here comes his friend Adriano, benevolent leader of the sheep! These boys make sure everyone gets along as they enjoy all that Farm Sanctuary life has to offer.

Looks like not-so-little Erin is following in Adriano’s footsteps! This sweet, curious boy is growing up so much each day — and we’re delighted to watch him come into his own as the incredible being he is.

Of course, he still spends plenty of time with his mom, Julie, as they navigate their happy new lives together. Farm Sanctuary life is a family affair — and along with Florence, left (Adriano’s mom!), and Lloyd, right, each individual is part of a loving family that supports them all as integral members of this compassionate community.

William, David, Francis, and Bob Barker flock together on pasture! These guys came to Farm Sanctuary at different times, under different circumstances — and yet here, they each have something unique to offer and are valued as they are. Their friendship inspires us to find and celebrate common ground with each other, no matter where our paths may lead.

Newcomer Nate also feels right at home! He and his twin brother Bob came to Farm Sanctuary as lambs, and have recently returned to our New York Shelter. Here, these goofy, gregarious boys have been making friends as they celebrate the beautiful support system that helps us all thrive.

Ash is also maturing into an incredible young lad! Rescued from neglect last year, this sweet boy has come a long way from the terrified individual we met back then. He is brave and independent, but also very affectionate, loving nothing more than lavishing attention from his human admirers! 

Ash snuggles with a young human friend on a recent sanctuary tour.

Ash's mom Connie helped her son learn to love and trust after she, too, felt comfortable enough to do the same.

Connie stands proudly in front of her home.

Pasture time is a lot like recess! Some, like Sookie and Gabby, like to run, play, and explore to their heart’s content.

Others, like Madeline, enjoy a more peaceful stroll.

And still others, like Daniel, prefer their quiet time to simply reflect and savor the beauty all around us.

Amy relaxes with friends.

Meanwhile, friendly Francis invites us to join in the fun.

And young Scott comes over to see what all the excitement is about!

Pamela stands tall and proud! Here, we celebrate individuals like her as they are, and are thankful that they feel comfortable enough to live life on their own terms.

Kaley gazes peacefully out toward the horizon.

Born at Farm Sanctuary, sweet Vera Jo has always known the love and kindness that she deserves.

Dore was also born here, though she’s still not a big fan of the “humanimal” after all these years. That’s okay, though — we’re thrilled that here, each resident is free to make his or her own choices.

Audrey is another of our shyer residents — but safe among her flockmates, she finds the security to be herself.

Go Max enjoys a stroll on pasture.

Joel shows off his handsome profile.

Safe at Farm Sanctuary, animals like Anne are free to shine.

Welcoming Our Visitors! 

With just one week until September, we’ll soon scale down our New York Shelter’s tour schedule to just Saturdays and Sundays each week through the end of October. During our last week of a full Wednesday-through-Sunday schedule this year, we celebrated the joy that comes with introducing our amazing rescued residents to new (and returning) human friends!

Jack sheep meets a new friend.

Tour Guide Chelsea Jamieson introduces guests to Zuzu goat.

Meanwhile, a young guest snuggles with Zuzu’s roommate Tatiana.

Za seems a little startled to have company during mealtime!

Min and Goodwin are also “too cool for school,” preferring to play amongst themselves.

You’ve “goat” to love these boys! Benedict and Chucky are also fan favorites, both on tours and through our explore.org livestream cameras.

“My daily joy is to scroll back and watch the workers ... feed the chickens/turkeys and get Benedict and Chucky ready for the day,” says explore.org user Loyce Baldridge. “Today was especially uplifting to watch Benny joyfully running to catch up with Chucky and getting to the grass. Also, getting a little 'extra' love from his Angel caregiver sending him on his way! MADE MY DAY! I too am in a wheelchair!” Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Loyce!

From his home at Farm Sanctuary to our viewers at home, Chucky is “heading” your way! This sweet boy rubs his head on the turkey barn camera, as if saying hello to his virtual buddies!

A young friend meets Merlin steer.

This gentle giant is a friend to all, demonstrating that farm animals just like him are each someone, not something.

Merlin is a great example for calves like Stanton! Along with his adoptive moms Jackie and Nancy, Stanton loves living in our special-needs herd and learning how to be a calf.

Stanton grazes with moms Nancy (left) and Jackie (center).

Stanton frolics through the pasture, kicking up his heels with delight!

Like most little boys, he can be a little bit silly!

Stanton loves a good chin scratch!

But don’t let that cute face fool you — Stanton gives us the “stink eye” as he gets ready to challenge us!

For more Farm Sanctuary updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also tune in live on Explore.org to see what some of our rescued cattle, pig, sheep, goat, turkey, chicken, and alpaca residents are up to in real time! Want to meet our incredible residents in person? Learn how to visit here. Want to help? Your support makes our rescue, education, and advocacy efforts possible. You can also help by sharing our residents’ stories to spread the word that farm animals like them are each someone, not something. A compassionate world begins with you!

Special thanks to photo intern Christa for some of the beautiful photos you see today! Learn more about our internship program here.

[zedb1939]

Adorable

There’s this character in Witch Hat Atelier, who has both his legs broken and was using a wheelchair, but his friends made him these magic crutches that help him levitate, walk, and fly with !

But I’m posting this because I just read this chapter and thought it’d be a cool design for Scar’s elytra !