The Hens...

This is a difficult post to write....I have been putting it off long enough.

About 3 weeks ago I was writing how the hens enjoyed their first day in the sun. Over the next several days they were so excited to go out & peck around with their new found freedom.

On Wednesday almost 3 weeks ago I was home & let them out as usual. I went to check on them about 11am & they were pecking & scratching 50 feet or so away from the barn.

At 3pm I went over again & they were no where to be seen. I spend hours walking the property calling (they would usually come running to my stupid chicken call !) & looking for any sign (good or bad) of their whereabouts....nothing.

I did up signs/picture & put them in every mailbox within a km of here as well as in our local food store. I had a feeling I would look out & they would just be there again. Obviously my "feeling" was wrong. They have still not returned.

It is so strange they all disappeared together. The only thing I can think is they wandered into the forest (quite a walk for them) & got lost .Unfortunately there are predators in the forest too.

I feel so guilty we did not pen them up. I honestly thought (& was told) they would stay close to the barn on their own. These are our first chickens & my ignorance cost them their lives....I am so sorry girls. I hope you enjoyed your life free from a cage for the short time you had here. I so miss your songs in the morning , we loved having you here.

We hope to rescue more battery hens soon & will do things very differently.

a young animal advocate....

This past week I received an email from a girl about placing 4 chicks. I called the phone number & asked for her by name ( I will call her "A")....this young voice (12 yrs old) came on the phone & explained to me how her class had 4 chicks they had raised that were to be turned back over to the "producer" on Monday. She wanted them to live & was trying to find a forever home for them. I told her I would gladly take them & we would make arrangements this weekend to get them here....she was so excited (as was I !)

I came home from work yesterday to a phone message from this young girls mother."A" was too upset to talk. Apparently a mother of one of the classmates was the one who arranged the chicks to be in the classroom in the first place. They were to be returned to the producer after they had grown. The other mother got wind that they were trying to find a home at a sanctuary for the chicks & quickly got them back to the producer before we could arrange things! My God, we would have paid the few dollars the producer thinks they are worth to save them. What is wrong with people?? What a horrible example for her own child in the classroom!

Poor "A" was very upset (as was her Mother). What a thoughtful, compassion young lady "A" is. I told her she will make an awesome animal advocate/activist one day! She is going to join us at the Toronto Vegetarian Association parade in Toronto on June 5th & help me hand out "Snooters" pamphlets!

A failed rescue ;( but a found friend !

New site in "Links of Interest"

Take a minute & check out the new site in "links of interest" to the right. A lot of excellent info!

His work is done - Goodbye, Edgar.

His work is done - Goodbye, Edgar.

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*** this post is about a special pig from Australia....please click on the "his work is done(small case)" & read his story. RIP dear Edgar Allan Pig

Flossy in a You Tube video!!

Check out this video on "rescue" animals....our Flossy is in it! (approx the 1:41min mark). You will recognize the pic as it is the one we use on our bookmarks & as our "home" page picture for Snooters web site!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8miJcfFBf_0

Spring & the hens!!!

Anyone who lives in southern Ontario knows we have had some amazingly warm temperatures for March & now April. Those of us who experience winter REALLY appreciate spring!!

The 4 hens we rescued last November lived their lives confined to a cage the size of a piece of computer paper....no fresh air, no sunshine, only knowing contempt from their caregivers."Stop laying eggs & off to the slaughter house"...

Well, these gals have blossomed!!! They went from being bald (from stress) to beautiful feathers....from being terrified of people to running for attention from any human who enters the barn. They sing their lovely "song" morning, noon & night to anyone who will listen.

Yesterday I opened the big barn door for the first time & they moved as a "pack" to investigate....looking up at the sun & blue sky ...then looking at me for a signal if it was okay to go out. I told them it was okay & off they went...pecking, scratching, spreading their wings in delight!

Enough to bring tears to your eyes. Anyone who says chickens are dumb , I say you have never met a chicken...they are very intuitive to all their surroundings.

The pictures above are them right out of the factory farm & then now, enjoying the life they should lead!

Thanks Christen for bringing them into our lives!

Snooters Volunteer Day !

Saturday June 19th @ 10am-6pm .... come out & join us at Snooters Farm Animal Sanctuary. Pitch in with some chores, have a great vegan lunch & meet some awesome animal loving people....not to mention all the Snooters animals !!!

RSVP by June 10th. I will then send out directions to our home.

I hope to see you here!

Peak-a_Boo Puppet Show ...CANCELLED

The Peak-a-Boo Puppet show has been CANCELLED ! Hopefully to be rescheduled in the future! Thank you for your interest!

If you still eat meat, you may want to read this....

To the right of this page is a section called "Snooters Links of Interest". I suggest reading the "Cull Dairy Cows/Butch Clare" article.

People ask me why I don't eat dairy....just look at these poor cows & hear their story. Frankly, if it upsets you...TOO BAD....it is the least you can do for these animals . Educate yourself & don't just "look away" !!!

CeeCee & DeeDee

CeeCee & DeeDee are very lucky pigs! They have found a wonderful forever home to be able to live as pigs should, sunning, rooting & playing!

Their story begins with them being breeding sows & almost ended with them being someones dinner.

After a tense few days , lots of work & emails they found their home in eastern Ontario on a farm with other animals & someone who adores pigs!

If only all rescues could have this happy ending....

UPDATE....CEECEE and DEEDEE in their new forever home at my friend Allison's in eastern Ontario! The girls have settled in nicely & are enjoying their new lives of playing, rooting & sunning! Thanks for giving them a great home Allison!

Has Spring actually Sprung !

What a beautiful sunny day here in Ontario....temps are warm (for March!), snow is melting & the animals are out & about enjoying it!

The indoor piggies (& dogs) are all finding their own piece of sun to lay in. The peafowl are out on the porch enjoying the day too!

I woke up to a strange noise outside this morning & saw a flock of wild turkeys walking about on the frozen pond. The peafowl were watching the intruders with interest.

Why is it the sun makes everyone feel so much better? Do us folk in the colder climates just appreciate it more or do the southern people always feel this good!! LOL

Forrest was already outside his house laying in the straw when I went over to feed this am...a big smile on his face (or I thought so anyway!)

Harley & Dolly (horses) are very perky with Dolly running & kicking out with glee!

Poppy & Flossy are laying in their houses with their heads hanging out facing the sun, eyes closed & looking VERY pleased with the experience.

Gracie is out on "her" porch with a slight sunburn from yesterday....a pink belly never hurt anyone!

We should be able to allow the hens out shortly if the warm weather continues....I know they will love feeling the warmth of the sun for the first time.

Hope everyone took advantage of this gorgeous day....the gang here all did!

Please read & participate....

THIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL DEMO. YOU CAN DO IT FROM YOUR HOUSE, WORK, WHEREVER YOU MAY BE.

Phone 416-861-4999
E-mail: bonnie.brooks@hbc.com; christina.levine@hbc.com; customer.service@hbc.com

It will take you less than one minute! Each call statistically speaks for over 100 people. And you will feel good knowing that you did something for the animals.

Please contact the Bay during business hours (9am to 5pm) on Friday February 26th and let them know that you want them stop selling fur.

Be polite
Be direct
Be concise.

Phone numbers: http://www.hbc.com/storelocator/default.asp?langid=EN&src=hbc
(this is for Ontario, but you can find the Bay near you by searching according to your province)
Ask to speak to the store manager.

CALL THE HEAD OFFICE AS WELL: 416-861-4999 ask to speak with Bonnie Brooks (She is the CEO of the Bay)

(Note: it is easier to get through to the right person if you don't lecture the operator/receptionist who answers the phone; just ask to speak with Bonnie Brooks without saying anything about fur. Don't be afraid to give your name, you are not doing anything wrong! And if you get a voicemail: leave a message)

e-mail: bonnie.brooks@hbc.com; christina.levine@hbc.com; customer.service@hbc.com

This activism alert is part of two "days of action" that we will be doing every month during the winter. On Friday, February 26th we are asking everyone to email and call the Bay and on Saturday, February 27th we are organizing a day of physical protest (please see the event here:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=500722875573

The Bay in Toronto has continued its fur sale and has reduced prices from 40 - 60% off: they are having a difficult time selling these coats. The Bay in Burlington is in the same position.

Tell the bay in your own words how you feel about them selling fur.

What do I say?

"Could I please get a complaint logged?... I would like the Bay to know that I do not support their sale of animal fur, and as a customer of the Bay, I would like them to stop selling all animal furs in their stores."

But I'm shy?

This is understandable. No need to speak for hours or to make a speech, just tell them how you feel in your own words

Thanks to wonderful compassionate people like you, we will win!

A note of Thanks...

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I thought this was the best place to post a big "thank you" to all who donated to "Snooters Farm Animal Sanctuary" at the RR refuge fundraiser on Tuesday night. We are a small sanctuary that does all we can with our limited funds, space & time. We simply adore our animal family & strive to do the best we can for them...forever! It warms our hearts to see others feel the same as we do about farm animals. We all loved Ashli & will miss her physical presence but I feel we all have an amazing helper in her spirit. I hope we can meet all of you one day & show off our gang here at "Snooters". Thank you again!!

Pudge from Georgia

A little background on this story... I received (via our web site) an email from "Elizabeth" asking for help in placing "Pudge" a young farm pig found wandering the streets of Athens , Georgia. Pudge was quite beat up looking, it was thought perhaps she fell from a truck on the way to either a "finishing farm" or slaughter house.

I opened up the link she sent me & this beautiful, but pathetic pig was staring back at me. Some one had put those barbaric rings in her snoot (to stop rooting!).The snoot of a pig is their most sensitive spot!

I immediately posted on our "pig network" list & Lydia was all over it!! She was going to foster her & then a full time home was found at a Florida sanctuary. The rings would be removed & she would be spayed & vet checked. Perfect!

The problem was Lydia could not get a hold of the shelter in time! Some "young boys" came to claim her...saying she was theirs (no proof was given). They paid the "large" fine ( the shelters words , not mine) of $80 & off they went.

For 2 days we have been trying to get anyone to give these boys our numbers so we could offer to buy her but no one will.

I went on their shelter "forum" explaining my disapproval for this entire process & was met with...."she is only a pig", "bred for meat"...blah, blah, blah ! I politely sent them some sites on farming & was told I didn't know what I was talking about....meat farms are great, compassionate places! One person even said "perhaps in Canada it is still not humane but in Georgia they are fine" (quotes are not exact as I am no longer on this forum).

Then in one last desperate move I offered money to anyone who could put me in touch with the "owners"....yikes, I am surprised secret service didn't show up at my door! The thread on the forum was quickly frozen & I was "warned". I just "signed out" permanently.

Anyway, the ending is not hopeful & this saddens me....

I did "meet" 2 lovely ladies (who are not affiliated with the Athens shelter) but does try to network for the animals posted on the site.

I hope the very best for "Pudge" but fear the worst.

Pigs in Peril Find Forever Homes at Snooters Sanctuary

Pigs in Peril Find Forever Homes at Snooters Sanctuary

The world lost a great animal advocate...

Ashli Taylor was a charming young woman who I met only twice . Ashli had a smile that just lit up the room. She was very well voiced on animal rights issues & stood by her convictions. A vegan for 18 years & proud of it !

Ashli was the one who first brought to my attention the "fill your freezer" live pig on the Kijij list. Along with her & many others , within 24 hours we had a home, money raised, transport & a name "Noelle" (it was Christmas time). The day I called & found out Noelle had been sold to someone else & was all ready at the butcher shop, Ashli was the first person I contacted...in tears.

She called the "lady" who did this & spoke to her in a way I could not have...she got her points across without swearing or name calling (something I could not have done at the time), she was a young woman who was mature beyond her years. As I continued to rant about what had happened during the next few days Ashli just simply said "Susan, don't give these people anymore of your time...just let go & move on...they don't deserve it"....here was a girl young enough to be my daughter giving me this amazing advise. This is something I will always hear when other things occur in my life. Thanks for that Ashli.

Whatever your beliefs are I choose to think of her in heaven taking care of all the animals at Rainbow Bridge....especially Noelle who was so close to being rescued.

Thanks Ashli for all you have accomplished in your young life...your family should (and I am sure are) very proud of you !

Nothing to report....

I like to post something at least once a week but to be honest I have nothing to report!! This happens to be a good thing in my mind ! Everyone is happy, healthy & comfortable, even with these very cold temps we have been having here in Ontario.

Today the sun is shining again & the shadows reflecting off the beautiful white snow is quite the sight!

Yesterday, even though the temp was only -8c at the best Gracie was sunning herself outside her house...she even had a bit of a pink/sunburned belly at supper time! The peafowl find the most sheltered, sunny spots to spend the day & warm up for the cold night, right now they are on the porch outside the window but will move with the sun! Ally is outside doing her "business" but also rooting away in the snow. Little Puggles is at my feet saying "pick me up please"...and I will after posting this.

So in ending all is well with the world...at least "this world"!!

L.B (little bunny)

We lost another family member here at Snooters today....L.B. our bunny passed away suddenly this afternoon. She was fine yesterday & came out for breakfast this morning but by dinner time had died in her stall. We have no idea how old she was. ;(

L.B. came to live with us about 7 years ago. I was working the night shift in Toronto & about 2am came back to the station to see this little creature sitting beside my car in the parking lot. I walked up to this little one fully expecting her to bolt away but instead she hopped right up to me! I put her in the washroom for the rest of the night & home we came the following morning! L.B. has lived with us ever since. She was a sweet little girl & I will miss her excitement over the ginger cookie she got everyday at breakfast! RIP little one....

Pig Lovers Visit

Yesterday was a cold but sunny day here at Snooters. We had some old friends & new friends come to visit us here. It is always so nice to get together with people who are true animal lovers!

The "new" friends came to us via our web site. They have shown interest in coming out to volunteer in the spring!

They met all the gang, some more behaved than others (the pigs , not the people!) Poppy decided to bite mittens...she is always hoping there is a hidden treat in them!

Some very much appreciated donations of blankets, apples & Home Depot gift cards!!!

The "old" friends are fellow pig people! Marianne & Ben have a sanctuary north of us , Kim & Roy have 5 pigs & Kim is the networking extraordinaire & Kristi is our dear friend, wealth of pig knowledge & who we have gotten several of our factory farm rescues from...affectionately known as our "pig pusher" !

It is always nice to see everyone !

Seal Hunt/Sea Shepherd

http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/news-100114-1.html