The Happy Herd Farm Santuary

On our first snowy Sunday, a couple of weeks ago, we visited The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary just south of Aldergrove. As we and they are all residents of this booming metropolis, we had seen their van around and at some point in the past, looked them up and discovered that we and they shared an ethic namely, to avoid animal exploitation and cruelty to the extent that it is practicable. Of course, I avoid eating said animals and blog about it, while they go all in and protect those who come to them who have been mistreated or exploited and allow them to live out their years in relative comfort and love. That is a wonderful and noble cause but you can imagine that it is a huge undertaking!

When we visited, I had not thought about writing a blog post so despite the great stories that we heard about the animals and their pathways to this forever home, this post will be short of details. Many of the actual facts in this post come right from their website which you should not fail to visit. One story that I do recall is about 2 pigs rescued by a Surrey RCMP officer and brought to the farm in the back of his police cruiser. The officer was afraid to leave the animals until morning lest they be further mistreated as the people who had them, had purchased them at auction with the intent of to slaughtering them at home. WTF?

This is Desi Moo Moo who was the first rescued resident of the farm. He was later joined by 2 more cows and a lot of other animals. He was pretty calm and enjoyed having his muzzle rubbed. Most of the animals here seem to have overcome the trauma of their pasts, but not all.

Some were on the shy side and it took slow movements to get close enough to meet them and other newer residents, we just left alone. Hopefully, they will get more tolerant of people with time. I have!

The goats are the most curious not to mention mischievous. I counted 45 animals on their website. The photos are much better than mine also. Can you imagine the work and cost of looking after all these animals? 

The co-founders, Dianne and Stephen, have had rescued animals here since 2012 and they established a charity in 2018. They have on average 7 volunteers a day (I hope to be one from time to time). The farm buildings that are added from time to time, are assembled, painted and even muraled by volunteers. They have an 8-person board of directors, who share in the decision-making and direction of the farm.

It was heartwarming to learn that much of the food donated to feed the animals comes from local grocery and feed stores.

You too can contribute as much of the expense is carried by donations. A farm where animals are not cruelly exploited does not actually make money. You can make a monthly donation, even a small one, that will make a difference and make you feel good about yourself. Next thing you know, you will be making the decision to go vegan, for the animals and for the planet! 

The mural above represents the animals who have come to the farm and finished out their natural lives in relative peace.

I hope to make more of a pest of myself at The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary in the future.