Snooters

A Warm Welcome to 2012!!

2012-01-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!
2011 was a year of ups & downs....emotionally, financially & otherwise. Friends made...friends lost. New animal family members & beloved ones gone (R.I.P. Riley & Jackie).
We are blessed to have wonderful friends, family & supporters who get you over these bumps in the road! We both have jobs & the bills get paid. Our health is good (of course we are vegans...LOL!)
Looking forward to a great 2012! We will be having a couple of public Volunteer Days & Open Houses (just waiting to book my holidays in order to pick some dates). I will post the dates here, on our web site & on our Facebook page when I know.
So far this winter we have enjoyed good weather....everyone has stayed safe & warm. Gearing up for this years animal rights activities.....Fur protest, Seal protest & the one close to my heart....the Shrine Circus Protest (all freaking summer long!) We look forward to the launch of Mercy for Animals Canada, 10,000 Tastes/10 billion Reasons event, "Rescue Me" event, Tarve & of course the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair! I am sure there are lots more on the horizon!
Thank you for your support of Snooters! Look forward to either meeting or reconnecting with you all in the new year!

PS...pictures of Snowball the peacock, Ashli/Norman, Tommy & Flossy!

Exciting News in Toronto

2011-10-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

There is some really exciting news here in the animal rights community! Mercy for Animals (USA) is starting up a Mercy for Animals Canada! This will mean big changes to the industries. People will get to see what goes on behind those closed doors in the factory farms & slaughterhouses. Nathan Runkle , the founder of Mercy for Animals USA has been in Toronto this past week meeting, greeting & planning with our own Joseph & Shannon (& their team). Twyla from CETFA will be heading up investigations! Nathan ,Shannon & Joseph came out to Snooters for a visit last weekend & it was such an honour to show him around & have him meet all our gang! Nathan also kindly did a mini talk about MFA to our volunteer group.

We had a very successful volunteer day last weekend with two U of T groups helping out in preparation for winter. So many chores done ! Thanks everyone!

We are about 1 week away from the steers (Norman & Ashli) & the sheep boys (Timmy & Tommy) going into their new barn...it has been a long road but we are so close now!

Sanctuary Visits 2012

2011-09-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Visits to the Sanctuary....
Starting in 2012 we are NOT going to be offering individual visits to the sanctuary. We are finding it too difficult to co-ordinate our time between chores, the animals, our paying jobs, family & our animal rights passions. Instead we will be offering x3 OPEN HOUSES per year & hopefully x2 VOLUNTEER DAYS per year. I hope this works out...we will revisit the topic after a year to see! The beginning of 2012 I will post dates for these functions so if you wish to attend you will have lots of time to plan ahead!
Thank you for your understanding & support of Snooters!

Summer of 2011

2011-08-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

I looked at the blog & realized I have not posted anything for 2 months! My how time flies!! The summer is coming to an end, but much was accomplished these past few months. The buildings are complete....just need some final touches & the sheep (Timmy/Tommy) & steers (Ashli/Norman) can move in!!!
The first weekend in August, Anouk Bikkers & I headed down to the Farm Sanctuary Hoedown in NY....150 people (vegans) , camping, enjoying the lectures, food & the animals....a very fun time!!
The following week we were invited to be involved with an amazing event "10,000 tastes, 10 billion reasons" & it was so much fun! We had a table at Yonge/Dundas Sq & met so many great people! Sold some shirts, mugs, posters etc to help with expenses. The evening portion was a lecture by Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary....it was inspirational (as always) listening to him talk about the past 25 years since FS started up. Thank you Shannon & Joseph for including us!
We have had lots of visitors this summer & just had a small volunteer day (organized by a Toronto A/R group TARVE) which went very well. Lots of work done, time with the gang & lunch....a good time had by all !
September brings the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair in Toronto. We are sharing a table with "We animals" & "Ghosts in our Machine". (aka Jo-anne McArthur & Liz Marshall)...quite an honour, I am very excited! I hope many of you will come down to this wonderful experience....drop by our table & say "hi" !
The animals are all doing well...enjoying some of these cooler temps! We had 8 peafowl chicks born in July...2 have since passed away but the others seem to be doing well. A joy to see new life on the farm!
I will post more once we have T & T/Ashli&Norman into their new area....I am excited to see how they will enjoy it!

News, news & more news....

2011-06-28T05:38:00.000-07:00

Lets see where do I start?? Back in May we had started construction on a new house for the calf's(steers) & sheep. Our neighbour decided he did not like it & put in a complaint. This started the ball rolling & has led to so much red tape it is unbelievable! Seems if a structure houses animals it has to be 105 ft off the property line (any other structure only has to be 4 ft off the property line). The one in question is 40 ft off. Since the house was almost built we decided to keep it as a shed (legal) & build another house further back. So now x2 building permits! Then we find out we are on "protected wet land" so we have to get permission from the conservation authority to build anything....another $500 in permits & it is approved. So, as of 2 days ago we have all the permits & construction has begun! What was going to be an $9000 job has turned into a $25,000 job! Thank you Mr Thompson...idiot !
Fortunately the chicken coop went up without any problems! The girls moved in & love the freedom to explore their little fenced area. Sad news..the other night while we were out something (probably a raccoon) killed one of the girls. We will be getting electric fencing on their perimeter to avoid this happening again. Poor baby R.I.P.
The sheep boys are in a temporary area until their house is complete. They are loving it too! We had them sheared & they are so handsome! What sweet boys they are! Penny (potbellied pig) has been moved from the barn into Katie's old area....she loves the sunshine! Penny came from a horse farm were she had been trampled & has no use of her front right leg. She was kept in a very dark, damp part of their barn. She now has fresh straw, good meals, sun & love!
The Shrine Circus is in the Toronto region. So much time has been spent protesting against the use of animals in their acts. They have x2 beautiful Asian elephants, Shelly & Marie. They were kidnapped from Asia as babies & have been performing ever since...they are now 36 & 46 yrs old. One day I hope to not have to protest this & circuses will not use animals!
Back to Snooters.....all the gang are doing great! Gracie has been feeling well enough to soak her arthritic leg in the mud hole every night! Sunny (also arthritic) walks about challenging Johnny & Roy through the fence...this means he is feeling good! We have had a lot of rain lately so the mud holes are nice & full for all to enjoy!
We have been included in a great event taking place on August 10th at Yonge & Dundas Square in Toronto....lots of vegan food, lectures, products, music....come on out & join us! I will post the event closer to the date.
Have a great summer everyone!!

the Good and the Bad!

2011-05-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Lets start with the bad first!!! Well, we saved & had the sheep/steer barn built...a beautiful structure with 2 stalls (12x12 each). The barn was 90% done when our neighbour decided he did not like it. His house is some 400 ft away with a row of trees in between but he stopped construction. This is our fault, we read the bylaws as a structure only has to be 4 ft from the property line (this one is 32 feet) BUT apparently if it houses animals it has to be 105 ft from the property line! Because this building is almost complete & we had already paid instead of tearing it down we are making it into a shed (making it legal for the distance). Unfortunately we still have to build the animals shelter & this means lots of clearing in the forest & more fencing...to the tune of approx $12,000 more ! The building permits are in the works & hopefully construction can begin again soon.

The new chicken coop is started also & should be complete by weeks end. Everything is falling into place again... ;)

Now some good news....while at work last week I came upon a baby Canada goose laying in a busy store parking lot in Toronto. He was unable to walk. I brought him home, named him "Star" & he gained strength & learned to swim in the bathtub . He was running all over the house with only a very slight limp. We have 3 families of Canada Geese in our pond & today one family of 4 babies & the parents were eating on the lawn....the babies were about Star's size so I put him out there & he ran over to them. The entire bunch then walked over to the pond & swam to the other side!!! I will miss him but am very happy he has a goose family now! A city goose becoming a country goose!

Volunteer Day CANCELLED/POSTPONED

2011-05-01T09:40:00.001-07:00

I am so sorry to have to do this but we are canceling Volunteer Day On May 28th. We are having some family health issues & our neighbour is causing problems legally with our new calf/sheep barn. There is a possibility we may have to take down the new $8000 barn....this will be money lost. Frankly, funds are so limited we cannot afford supplies & food for volunteer day.

I hope this has not caused anyone any inconvenience. Thank you for understanding.

Spring has sprung...sort of....

2011-03-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

We had some nice warm temps at the beginning of March....the snow melting away, the geese arriving back to the pond & the peacocks fanning for the girls! Then BAM...snow & cold temps again! This week is suppose to warm up nicely....it is only March after all !

With the warm weather we had problems with the calfs house....a little streams seems to like to run right through the shelter. We had the contractors over & it looks like the best idea is to move the shelter to higher ground. They assure me this can be done in a day as not to upset the boys too much. After it is moved they are building an extension on to the house for the sheep-boys.

That brings me to our next bit of news.... the two sheep boys arrived from the university of Guelph via Cedar Row sanctuary last week....thank you to Siobhan & Florine for bringing them all the way here! We have named them Timothy & Thomas....Timmy & Tommy or T & T !!!

What sweet fellas they are....very social ! Right now they are living in 1/2 of the stall in the barn....Penny (potbellied pig) in the other half until their shelter is built. They will share the paddock with Norman & Ashli . I can hardly wait to see them running about in the fresh air!!

We have the plans done up for the new chicken coop too....very fancy. I hope the girls enjoy it!

Construction to begin soon!

Volunteer day is planned for May 28th so I am hoping this will all be done so the structures can be painted then.

A beautiful sunny day today....going out to enjoy it now!

Snooters Spring Volunteer Day 2011 !

2011-03-12T05:43:00.001-08:00

Saturday May 28th (10am-4pm) is Snooters Spring Volunteer Day !!

Join us for some chores, meet & greet, vegan lunch & lots of animal time !

Please RSVP as soon as possible as I want to keep the numbers to about 50 people attending.

snootersforeverhome@gmail.com

See you then!

***Event is FULL !!! If you wish to be put onto a waiting list please email me** Thank you for all the great support. We can only comfortably accommodate 50-60 people with chores, lunch etc. I hope you understand.

Pook is Home!

2011-02-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Pook is our new rescue dog.

Pook is an 11 year old Pug who was surrendered to a NY state rescue along with 9 other pugs. This was a backyard breeding operation. These pugs were not spay/neutered, had fleas, were malnourished , never vetted & some heartworm positive.

Pook was the last one to find a home. He had needed nasal surgery to open up his airways for better breathing & needed recoup time at the foster home in NY.

My daughter Angela & I drove to Buffalo yesterday to pick up the little man. We were met by this adorable older pug (Pook) with a grey head & tan body....you could not help but smile! He sat quietly in his crate for the 3 hour drive & has settled in so nicely here at home. He has been here less than 24 hours & you would think he spent his entire life with us!

Pook is sleeping on his new big fluffy bed as I write this. We are so happy to have him here !

Welcome Pook!!!!

If you can spare a few dollars this rescue organization is amazing. They are called "Buffalo Pug & small breed rescue"

http://www.buffalopugs.org/index.php

Interesting week!

2011-02-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a film crew out to Snooters for a show on Showcase. This show is suppose to be about the horrors of factory farming. That is why I agreed to do it. A crew of about 10 guys pulled up & I soon realized this show was much different then I had been led to believe. The host, Kenny, is a comedian (remember Kenny & Spenny?) The show is suppose to have serious topics with a "comedic flair" (the producers words). I thought "OH NO" this is going to be a joke. They were here for several hours, lots of film taken & long interviews with me. They brought in an animal communicator (in my opinion it did not go so well). I have a feeling I will be the "crazy pig lady" in this show. Live & learn....ask more questions & ask to be paid !!! Thank goodness I had 2 friends (Anouk & Sharon) here as moral support!

Today was totally different. Jo-Anne, Karol & Liz (a director/producer for documentaries) came over to take pictures of our parrot Gonzo for an upcoming documentary. It was so nice to be in the company of people who totally "get it" (animal rights that is!) . We had fun with the calfs, had lunch & good conversation. A lovely donation was left for the sanctuary for my time.

I am still waiting on our newest rescue....he is an 11 yr old pug named "Pook". He is in Buffalo & I just have to arrange to pick him up. He looks very sweet! Another puppy mill breeder ;( I will be excited to bring him home !!

Anti FUR Demos

2011-02-15T06:59:00.001-08:00

This past weekend was filled with anti fur demos across Canada. There were 3 in the Toronto area. I attended the one on Saturday outside Holt Renfrew at Bay & Bloor. It was a great turnout , between 60-70 people! Lots of great signs & literature handed out. My only hope is that people will listen! This year has seen such an influx of fur products. I can only hope this "trend" will pass quickly.

If you see someone wearing fur, try to educate them on the cruelty involved in their fashion statement.

If they walk away, so be it....at least YOU tried!

Home Sweet Home Penny!

2011-01-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Our newest rescue arrived today via Bob & Sherry from Ruby Ranch pig sanctuary. Penelope was the product of a broken home. She sustained a severe front leg injury after being trampled by a horse over a year ago.

We learned about her about a week ago & offered up a home. "Penny" is a (approx)3 year old potbellied pig. She arrived this afternoon & settled in nicely. I always feel so bad for them as she is leaving the only home she has ever known....good or bad. It will take some time for her to feel comfortable .

Penny is in one of the stalls in the barn for now but will move out to Katie's old house in the spring so she can have free access to the outdoors. She ate , took treats & is all buried in the blankets & straw as I type this. Penny will do just fine at Snooters.....we will care for & love her always!

Welcome Penny!!!

It is COLD here....

2011-01-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know it is January in Canada so I should not be surprised at the -20c temps BUT I still hate it !!!

I worry about the gang outside. They all have heated houses but I still worry about them all.

Today was one of those cold but bright blue sky days....took some pics & did enjoy the time spent outside with everyone.

On the "up" side winter is almost half over!

Now for my pet peeve (one of many!) I cannot believe how many of those stupid "Canada Goose Coats" I have been seeing. Young, old, male, female , if doesn't seem to matter. I really thought (foolishly) that people had evolved & were actually not wearing fur because of the cruelty. I guess not, as these ugly coats are everywhere. For those of you who are not familiar with them.....they are goose down filled coats with coyote trim on the hoods. The cost of wearing these ugly things is between $300 - $600 depending on the style. Sadly, they are very trendy.

I guess people just do not think about the geese being plucked alive & the coyotes in traps suffering sometimes for days before the trapper makes his way back to check. They DON'T but they SHOULD !! I always give a sneer & dirty look as they walk by....sometimes saying out loud how horrible it is to wear something so cruel. I think I might make up some pamphlets to hand out to these ignorant people.

Stepping off my soapbox now....

Please share...

2011-01-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Friends missing dog...

http://939bobfm.blogspot.com/2011/01/missing-bernese-mountain-dog-please.html

New Year...New Hopes....

2011-01-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

Let me first start off with a very Happy New Year to all !!! Wishing you all a happy, healthy 2011 !!!

I want to thank everyone who supports us physically, financially & most importantly emotionally.

This year has seen many changes to Snooters. We had our first ( & second) volunteer days.We have set up a web site & have been fundraising with much success! We have met some wonderful people who share our values....who we now call, with pride, "friends" !

We have lost a few of our animal family....the (first) rescue hens, our beloved old gal" Katie" (pig), our new hen "Tiny" & our very loved puppy mill rescue Chi/pug "Puggles".....losing loved ones is always hard & we treasure their memories forever. The animal rights community lost a very special member in February of 2010. Ashli Taylor (who our calf "Ashli" is named after) was killed in a truck accident. Ashli was a very special girl who I only met twice but immediately connected with. Ashli loved "Snooters" (although she never had the chance to visit)....I do feel she "visits" in a different way now .....I believe she watches over us .

In 2010 we saw the rescue of "Ashli & Norman", the calf's who came to us at 3 days old from the cruel dairy industry ...they are such wonderful additions to the sanctuary! We now have 3 more rescue battery cage hens who are doing so well. The first project of 2011 is to build them an awesome hen house (thanks to Ashley Archer who raised $1000 for the cause!) We will welcome 3 sheep from a research facility in Feb 2011...we look forward to meeting these gals & giving them their forever homes.

I attended many gatherings(as many as I can) for animal rights & continue to spread the word everyday to all who will lend an ear (& even to those who won't !!!)

All in all 2010 was a good year & we have high hopes for 2011 !!

Thank you everyone! We look forward to meeting new friends this year & connecting with "old" ones too!

Again, Happy New Year to ALL ....2 & 4 legged creatures!!!

XXXOOO

Dear little Puggles.....

2010-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am writing this a day early because I know what a mess I will be tomorrow.

Little Puggles (chi/pug) is very old (estimated to be about 14-16 yrs old). Puggles came to us in November of 2009 via a rescue we know. Puggles was brought in from the USA (Ohio) & came from a life of breeding in a puppy mill. When Puggles first arrived we determined she had very little sight, was not house trained and she would continuously walk in circles the size of a small cage .

Puggles LOVES to be cuddled & soon began sleeping in the bed with me....she would awake in the night & wiggle around in the bed until she found me....then I would get a little "lick/kiss" & off to sleep she would go. She always wants to be close.

I have never had a small dog before & she has been such a joy in our lives. I really don't know what I will do without her as we have been so close for the short time we had together.

Over the past few months she has been failing. We have had her at the vet several times but this is just a case of having a hard life & being old. She is now unable to walk, control her urine & yesterday stopped eating. It is time & we both know it. I so wanted to have her with us over Christmas but realized I was doing this more for me than her & she is suffering. So, tomorrow(Thursday) we will say good-bye.

As much as this is killing me, I would do it all again in a heartbeat...one year with this little dog has meant so much ....to her , but mostly to me.

R.I.P Puggles, I will see you again....

Winter is here....

2010-12-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

The ground is covered in snow,the temps are in the minus range, the pond frozen & the hydro meter is spinning in delight from all the heat being on in the animals houses!

I had forgotten how much longer the chores take in the winter! Oh well , only 4 months to go !!

Some sad news here at Snooters. The other day I went in the barn for morning chores & found one of the chicken ladies, "Tiny", sprawled out on the cold floor far from the heat lamp. She was unconscious , I thought dead, until I saw her head move slightly as I picked her up. She was cold & stiff but alive. I ran her over to the house , put her in my laundry basket with warm blankets and a hot pack & placed her in front of the fire. Within a couple of hours she was lifting her head to look around....I was so happy she was alive!!! I gave her some warm sweet water in a syringe & let her rest by the fire. She seemed to take a turn for the worse at supper time & became more & more lethargic. Perhaps she was sick from something else & this is why she collapsed away from the warmth in the barn??

I picked her up all warmly wrapped in a blanket & cuddled her telling her how beautiful she is.

At that moment she closed her eyes and took her last breath. At least she died warm & loved. RIP dear Tiny...

2011 Calendars on Sale

2010-11-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Our Snooters 2011 calendars are on sale now! They feature a different Snooters gang member & animal rights saying on each month.

$15 each or 2/$25 (shipping included)

See our web site merchandise page www.snootersforeverhome.com or email me at snootersforeverhome@gmail.com to order. Payment via Paypal or cheque (email me for our mailing addy).

I will need your mailing address too!

Thank you for your support!

Volunteer Day # 2

2010-10-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's weather could not have been better....warm, sunny, mild breeze!

We welcomed about 30 people to Snooters for our 2nd volunteer day. This one was getting the sanctuary ready for winter.

Everyone was hard at work doing pig house cleaning (dusty/dirty job!), gravel moving (heaving work!), scraping & painting fence posts (messy!), poop scooping (smelly!) , sealing cracks in the calfs house, cleaning out the horse lean-to (hard work!), scrubbing troughs, horse grooming (a favorite, it seems!).

The jobs were done quickly thanks to the hard workers & we all relaxed to a hot vegan lunch! It was so nice to meet new people & see "old" friends!

We cannot thank all of you enough for supporting us both physically, emotionally & financially!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts....

September/October news

2010-10-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy over the past several weeks. We are getting ready for winter here at Snooters. A volunteer day is planned for Saturday October 23rd 10am-5pm....come out & join us !
This past week has been filled with sadness in Toronto & surrounding area. First a livestock truck with a careless driver flipped over in Orangeville trapping 736 (yes, 736 !!) young pigs. Over half died or were euthanized on the scene. In less than a week another truck loaded with over 200 pigs took the Toronto 427 hwy ramp too fast & flipped killing 89 pigs....the "lucky" survivors were loaded into another truck & continued their journey to the slaughterhouse. The entire situation just makes me SO angry!
A friend arranged a candle light memorial on the Orangeville accident site & a handful of us attended to grieve for these poor little souls.
The following day was the nationwide anti horse slaughter protest. Bill C-544 is being tabled soon to stop the slaughter of horses for human consumption in Canada. It was a good turn out with media attention. At least 6 restaurants in Toronto serve horse meat on their menu! We focused on the "Beer Bistro" King St east & "La Palette" in Kensington market. Fingers crossed this bill is passed!
Our little Puggles (pug/chi puppy mill breeding dog) has not been well. We had her at the vet & with some special food & antibiotics she is holding her own. It is difficult because at her advanced age (estimated to be 14+ years) & poor health (from the puppy mill life) she is very fragile. We will continue to give her all the love & comfort she needs!

**UPDATE** Puggles is doing MUCH better...eating well & back to her "old" (literally !) self ;)

Veggie Food Fair , Baby peachicks & new signs!

2010-09-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

First off I totally forgot to mention we have 3 little peachicks here at Snooters! They are very cute & I love to watch them learning from their Moms & the others in the flock! One little one is very special as he is all white!! I am very excited to see what he looks like as an adult in the future!

This past weekend Snooters was at the Toronto Vegetarian Assc Food Fair here in Toronto. The TVA kindly donated a table for 5 Ontario sanctuaries to share. Our time was on Saturday from noon to 3pm. I met so many great like minded people & saw many friends who have visited the sanctuary in the past. We sold some mugs, picture note cards & some beautiful hand drawn/painted cards that Kristi made for us to sell. Also, a special mention to Anne who baked some yummy vegan cupcakes to sell with the proceeds being split between the sanctuaries.

It was such a great event with lots of products to buy & sample. Great food & wonderful speakers! This is an event I will not miss every September!

We had Ashli & Norman's donated name signs delivered yesterday....they look great & the boys approve! Thank you to Gary & Courtney!

Animal news...& misc stuff!

2010-09-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted anything for 6 weeks, where does the time go? Here it is September, summer gone & winter approaching.

All is well here on the farm. Ashli & Norman, the dairy bull calfs, are growing like weeds. They are off their bottles & on grain /hay now ! Such handsome boys they are!

We have 4 new rescue hens (from a battery cage operation). They are bald, with short cut beaks & scared to death of people when they first arrived. After just one week they are much better and actually come over to me when I go in their stall. We are planning to build them a coop & fenced in area before spring. We have named them "big Bertha", "Tiny" & "Laverne & Shirley".

We have welcomed lots of visitors in the past month to meet & learn about Snooters. Next weekend (Sept 10-12) is the Toronto Vegetarian Fair at Harbourfront in Toronto. The TVA has kindly offered us a table to share with other Ontario sanctuaries. We will be there on Saturday the 11th from 12-3pm...come by to say hello (& perhaps buy a mug or note cards to help support the animal care!)

Yesterday we had friends over. Kim came to help with hooves. She is the great "pig flipper" & Brian does the trimming as I hold legs & help anyway I can. The pigs hate it but it has to be done yearly. Thank goodness it is over until next year now! Thanks Kim!!

Kristi & Niall came over after & brought me the most precious gift....a portrait Niall did of our Trixie! Both Brian & I were teary when we saw it. We still miss her so much. It is a gift I will treasure always.

Feeding time so I better run...it is a good day when everyone eats well !!

Snooters News

2010-07-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

A few new things happening here at Snooters!

Our 11 yr old Lab/Rottie "Riley" had his knee (ACL) surgery done. It went very well & he is recouping nicely at home. Poor Riley has 5 weeks of staying in the house & only going out for pee/poops on leash....he is used to running about so this is not easy for him !

Last weekend we saw our first pee chicks born (other than poor little Peeper )....Mama peahen was marching around showing them off....2 very cute little ones!

The families of Canada Geese are getting bigger. One family (the first ones born) did their first fly around the pond today....honking in delight !

It has been very hot here for the past few weeks....the animals all lay low to stay cool. The pigs lounge in the mud wallows & cool forest. The calfs & horses lay under the trees & enjoy when I give them a spray of cool water.

We have a busy week of visitors coming up so everyone will get lots of attention!

Ashli & Norman move in...

2010-07-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today was move in day for Ashli & Norman the rescued bull calfs! Ashli arrived here about 9 weeks ago & Norman about 6 weeks, rescued from the dairy industry. On their way to slaughter at 2 days of age they now have their forever home here at Snooters!

The paddock fenced area & shelter were built last month & we were just waiting for them to recoup from their castration & horn debudding. All is done & in they moved this morning!

We walked them over to the new area & they ran, jumped and ran some more for about 15 mins! They seem to like it just fine! I tucked them in & closed the door about 830pm while they munched on some grain & fresh water. The area looks great from all the volunteers painting the fence & shelter last month...thank you!

I told them they never have to move again!!

R.I.P Peeper....

2010-06-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

A week ago today I found an abandoned peachick in the barn. He was not walking well & seemed small even for a newly hatched chick. I placed him back with Mom & she proceeded to attack him. An hour later I tried again with the same out come.

Little Peeper came into the house with me! He was so cute! We kept him warm with a heat pad , crate with blankets & straw . He drank warm water & was gaining strength ever minute. By the next morning he was running around keeping me in his sight every second ...I was now his mother! While doing chores I would wrap him up in a towel & place him down my top...a little awkward but it worked!

Peepers also loved to follow our little blind chi/pug cross ....they would march around the bedroom for hours & finally both lay down & fall asleep in the sun.

Peepers was learning to eat (Peachicks eat on their own by day 2). He would eat small amounts & I would supplement with vitamins etc in his water. He was doing so well I was really not worried at all !

By day four Peepers appeared weak...sleeping far more than normal. We increased the frequency of his feedings & added protein, pedalyte etc to his water. Everyday he was worse & we felt so helpless.

Last night I had him sleep with me (his crate beside the bed). I told him I loved him, gave him a kiss & put him to bed at 11pm....he "peeped" back at me.

I woke up at 2 am to feed him & he had died...

Peepers is buried in our animal memorial garden beside L.B. (the bunny).

Only one week with him & he stole my heart...I miss the little fella.

R.I.P. Peepers.... XXXOOO

First Ever Volunteer Day

2010-06-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our very first volunteer day here at Snooters.The weather called for thunder storms & 20mm of rain but it stayed beautiful with only a few sprinkles at the end of the day! I have to admit I was totally shocked at the great response to our Facebook event invite. We ended up with 68 people here helping out! 90 % of them I had never met in person.

A ton of work got done in a very short period of time....lots of painting & several tons (& I really mean tons) of gravel moved into Poppy/Flossy paddock. Pig houses cleaned, poop scooped, even weeds pulled & of course the horses bathed & groomed!

Everyone arrived about 10am to coffee/tea/juice & vegan pastries from the Danish Vegan Bakery (who so kindly delivered & discounted costs for us!) We all got started about 11am & everything was done by 2pm! A hot vegan lunch was served & everyone got to chill out, visit with each other & all the animals.

Everyone loved seeing the pigs in the mud wallows, the peafowl walking about, the house piggies on the porch , the horses all clean & shining but mostly the calf's ! Ashli & Norman were the best ambassadors....they LOVE to be petted! I think there are about a 1000 photos floating around of them in peoples cameras!

It is so nice to see people really connect with farm animals like this.

I really want to thank everyone who came out, both new & old friends!

Special thanks to Mary, Mark, Judy, Kim , Kristi, Niall, Bob & Sherry (who have their own pig sanctuary "Ruby Ranch" but came to help) Vanessa, my daughter Angela, granddaughter Alyssa, & son-in-law Dony who did a ton of work.

Thank you !!!! Next year anyone???!!

Norman is here...

2010-05-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Norman the Jersey bull calf arrived 2 days ago! Little Norman was very young & still unsteady on his legs. Taken from his Mom at birth he was still calling out for her when he arrived here. It was a very hot day & we cooled him down in the stall. He refused to eat or drink anything for the first 24 hours but is doing just fine now on his bottle!

Norman & Ashli met and seemed happy to see each other. As the days have gone by they are becoming more & more bonded....playing & grooming each other !

The calls for his Mom have stopped & he is settling in to his forever home quickly!

We hope to have their paddock & shelter built in the next few weeks so they can venture out to play 24/7.

What beautiful creatures these calfs are....smart, loving & very funny ! Hard to believe they are sold for mere dollars....how can any life be worth so little?? These are 2 of millions who are discarded daily for being born male in an industry who enslaves the females for their milk. They all suffer.

Ashli & Norman will live their lives free from worry. We will give them food, shelter & most of all LOVE !!

Ashli's video

2010-05-15T16:52:00.001-07:00

www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=441921400128&ref=mf

Welcome Ashli to the family!

2010-05-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

Last week we welcomed our first bovine to the Snooters family!

Ashli is named after a friend who dedicated her life to animal welfare. She was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident last February. I said our next rescue animal would carry her name.

Ashli is a little boy but in soap opera world "Ashli" is a great boys name! He certainly seems to like it!

Our little guy came from a rescue, which is not at all unusual....most every male calf born to a dairy enslaved Mom will be sent for veal slaughter...so sad but true. So many people do not eat veal because of the cruelty but forget about the dairy industry.

Little Ashli came here last Friday with his umbilical cord still attached (dried/but still attached), I was told he is probably 2-3 days old. We were suppose to get 2 calves but sometimes things change & no one can answer why. Hopefully we will get Ashli a friend very soon.

He is the sweetie little man . Friendly, gentle, funny & so curious about the world. For now he is living in the barn & being bottle fed but I hope to get him into a paddock soon. We will be having to fence off another section & build a "house/lean-to" for him before fall.

Welcome Ashli, we love you already !!!

PS... the tag in his ear will be removed SOON !

The Hens...

2010-04-26T04:44:00.001-07:00

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....

2010-04-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-04-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-21T20:07:00.001-07:00

His work is done - Goodbye, Edgar.

Posted using ShareThis

*** 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!!

2010-04-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-04-01T15:05:00.001-07:00

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 !

2010-03-22T17:24:00.004-07:00

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

2010-03-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

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....

2010-03-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

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 !

2010-03-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

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....

2010-02-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-02-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Remove

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

2010-02-16T05:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

Pigs in Peril Find Forever Homes at Snooters Sanctuary

The world lost a great animal advocate...

2010-02-11T06:27:00.000-08:00

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....

2010-02-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

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)

2010-01-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

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

R.I.P. our beautiful Katie

2010-01-15T05:04:00.000-08:00

We heard about Katie from some people (Sue & Jim) who volunteered at a cat rescue/sanctuary in Pickering. They said this pig had been dumped at the cat rescue & had to be place elsewhere. Brian & I went out to see her . There was this very obese, fat blind potbellied pig. She was aggressive, her urine looked like custard & a huge "tumor" looking thing hanging down between her legs. We looked at each other & thought we would give her a try.

She came to live here about 7 yrs ago, recovered from her UTI, lost 80lbs, gained a little sight back & that "tumor" was nothing more than a large fat sack (perhaps she had babies in her past life?).

The night she came here she was very frightened & therefore aggressive...we didn't have her house in place yet so we put in a large dog-a-loo for shelter...she would have no part of it! In the middle of the night it began to storm, and I mean storm!! Thunder, lightening, wind & torrential rain. It woke me up & I thought how this poor frightened new family member must be feeling. I put on my rain gear , grabbed an umbrella & went out to sit with her. Initially she was trying to attack me but I talked to her & she settled down....we both sat threw the storm together under the umbrella & became fast friends because of it.

Over 2 years she lost about 80 lbs & could actually see a little bit. In the summer she loved to go out in the big paddock area for her "walk-a-abouts", eating grass & sunning herself. Katie was 15 years old !

I will miss her so much. She had a good life here with us & in turn enriched our lives with her presence. All our animals are special but some hold an extra special part in our hearts...Katie was one of those to me. I love you Kate... XXXOO

A lovely poem written & sent to us by Janice Gillett of "Hearts on Noses" pig sanctuary in BC

One more day

Spring is just around the corner , you can’t leave today

Winter is almost over, and summer is on the way

I wanted you to feel the sun, for just one more day

I had been making plans for us, it is what I do

A new blanket, add some straw and fix a fence or two

I just saw you yesterday and had been talking to you

I wasn’t ready , we hadn’t finished what we were going to do

That’s your house , your dish and your nest and I am missing you.

I wish that you were here right now , for just one more day

We had things to do..

Elephants at the Toronto Zoo

2010-01-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Please read & forward...important info!!

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/750009--tusk-tusk-toronto-is-on-worst-zoo-list

News from the Sea Shepherd

2010-01-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

posted by Jo-Anne McArthur aboard the SS Bob Barker..

January 7th, 2010
Update from the Antarctic

click to enlarge

I've had to keep everything confidential until now because I've been on Sea Shepherd's secret vessel, the M/Y Bob Barker, which is a 50-yr old Norwegian whaling ship of all things. It was purchased in Africa and refitted by SS volunteers, which was our port for over a month while the boat was fixed up and brought back to life. Yep, Bob Barker bought Sea Shepherd a ship!

Donated all the money ($5,000,000) for the ship and fix-up as well, and all of associated expenses. Amazing. He is AMAZING.

The regular SS ship, the Steve Irwin, departed from Australia as usual for the Antarctic campaign to stop the Japanese whaling fleet. After years of being harassed by SS, they decided to ramp up their security etc. The Irwin left Australia w/ a tail, one of the Japanese ships. The fleet also added two "security" ships to their fleet, whose goal is to shut us down, basically, and keep an eye on us so that the Irwin's coordinates could be sent back to the factory ship, the Nisshin Maru, and they could continue to evade the Irwin.

SS added the Ady Gil to their campaign this year (the "Earthrace", a small sexy boat, named after Ady Gil who donated it to SS) and made a big media stink about it.

The Bob Barker left Mauritius on December 17th, still undetected and a surprise for the Japanese whalers.

Finally in Antarctic territory, the Irwin got a call from, of all things, a cruise ship, which had sighted the fleet. The expedition leader is apparently a fan of SS and knew the Irwin and the Ady Gil were searching for the whaling fleet. The coordinates of the Nisshin Maru were then sent to us, and of we went to find 'em.

Find 'em we did, and we've been in a bit of a battle ever since. Our cover was finally exposed so we're only now able to write about it, and it's all over the media: SS' third vessel!

The Nisshin caught on quickly that we were an SS ship, and sent their harpoon and security ships to tail us. By this morning (2am), we were surrounded by 4 harpoon ships that would take turns maneuvering closely around us and forcing us to reduce speed while the Nisshin Maru moved away. They sped towards bad weather, which slowed us considerably. We deployed one of our small boats and roughed it in horrible weather before turning back to the Barker. All this before 9am!

Things were looking hairy, but the Ady Gil appeared and buzzed around the Nisshin like an annoying bug, delaying their progress north and throwing stinky and organic cocktails which would possibly taint the meat on board, or coming on board. This was all w/in sight and we were thrilled to have company on our mission, finally! After a few hrs the Ady Gil came by our boat to say goodbye. The 6 crewmembers were all on deck, waving, and we all hooted and cheered at each other. Within moments, a harpoon ship changed course and went straight for the Ady Gil, turning on their water cannons, LRADs (long rang acoustic devices) and charging the boat before they could move out of the way. Incredibly, they actually rammed the Ady Gil, which ripped off the entire bow of the boat.

We called immediate Mayday. The Ady Gil continued to float, and we were able to deploy our small boats and go to their rescue. Had they been rammed a few meters towards the center of the boat, the 6 crewmembers would have perished (from being crushed, or from hypothermia).

The day has been a long one of rescues, media, and a billion things. We've been picking up the scraps of the Ady Gil all day, and we're now towing its remnants while we decide next steps.

We are hoping that the ship that rammed us will be brought up charges for attempted murder. All remains to be seen.

"Sea Shepherd" is one of the top 30 Google searches around the world right now. We're doing tons of interviews.

Perhaps the Ady Gil was our sacrificial lamb, and this will bring huge exposure to the whaling issue, and to the whaler’s behavior. Perhaps this will help finally end illegal whaling in the Antarctic.

Today.... It’s really incredible that no one was killed.

We have the 6 crewmembers on board the Bob Barker now, who'll remain with us for the duration of our campaign as we continue to follow the Nisshin Maru. We target that ship specifically because that's where they process the whales. If we disable or at least block that ship, we stop the whaling.

I shot the entire day in detail, including the ramming of the Ady Gil. SS is in the process of sending these pics worldwide. I'll post some soon as well. Keep watch at open link and in this week's news.

More soon.

For the animals,
Jo-Anne

Grocery shopping, seen in a different light...

2009-12-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today I went grocery shopping for Christmas. I went to the Loblaws SuperCenter (one of our bigger Canadian chains). Of course it was busy, but that is expected this time of the year.

I went up & down every isle picking out the things that were on my list (which I left at home!)

I found myself going down the meat isle, basically because it was one of the isles!

I guess being 4 days before Christmas everything was stocked to over flowing.

I have been vegetarian for 12 years & vegan for 1 1/2 yrs & this is the first time I really "saw" what was there.....hundreds of large frozen headless turkeys, overflowing freezers with pig rumps (hams) & god knows what else I chose not to notice....I actually got choked up....and hurried on my way out of this place. I know my meat eating friends will be thinking "oh God Susan" but this is really how I felt. I want everyone to just think & see what I saw in that isle & perhaps reflect a little to the suffering that goes into that Christmas feast.

I remember my first Thanksgiving after going vegetarian. I was so concerned about what I would eat & how the meal would not be the same as the past. Well, I have to tell you my plate was full, I enjoyed every bite & never missed that slab of flesh on my plate...our minds are just so programed from children that our meal must include meat...obviously not so. I have never felt better both physically & mentally since giving up animal products!

Merry Christmas & a happy , healthy 2010 to all !!! and I mean ALL ...

***Think for a moment....Is the "eating more important than the knowing...or should the knowing be more important than the eating"... I personally choose the "knowing"....

Noelle's story...

2009-12-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday December 7th I received an email from a girl on my rescue list. She had seen an ad on "Kijiji" (an online buying/selling site) selling a live 300lb pig to "fill your freezer".

Within 24 hrs we had bought her, arranged a truck/trailer, pick up time & a sanctuary home for the pig we nicknamed "Noelle". After the excitement of knowing this was going to have a happy ending the ultimate crash of emotions happened.

Today, December 8th I phoned the lady who was selling her to arrange the time on Saturday for pick up & she bluntly told me she was "gone"....sold to a higher bidder & already at the butcher for slaughter. I was so stunned & overcome with emotion the right words did not come...I do remember saying "karma is a bitch Donna, remember that" to her ....but wanted to say much more.

How can people be so cruel....she knew this pig could have a happy , safe home but sold her for a few extra dollars (which I would have gladly paid) to be slaughtered for a Christmas meal.

Our entire rescue network is reeling with sadness over this poor pig we never met but loved all the same.

I am only glad she is free from this world of cruelty now.

Toronto Zoo & another Elephant death...

2009-12-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Toronto Zoo a Dangerous Place for Elephants?

Another neighbour just died, in her prime. Tara, a 41 year old African Elephant, died on the last day of November, at the Toronto Zoo, near where I live. Okay, not a next door neighbour, but I feel as though I knew her as I sketched and photographed her and simply watched her, many times. She is the third elephant to die there in the last 14 months!

The Toronto Zoo has told the media that elephants only live about 40 to 45 years. This from the same industry that claims part of its raison d'être is to educate the public about wild animals. Then zoos should tell the truth. In Kenya . elephants have been known to give birth in their 50s. Elephants in the wild live well into their 60s or longer, and an Asian elephant has lived to age 86.

Tessa, Tequila, Tantor, Toronto, and TW are other elephants who died well before their time at the Toronto Zoo. In fact, friends of mine who track captive elephants predicted Tanya's passing when Tessa, at age 39, died six months ago. And they have, sadly, predicted more of my elephant neighbours dying in the next little while, as all have reached not maturity, as the Toronto Zoo would have us believe, but are middle aged, and therefore about as old as captive elephants can expect to survive.

For some species, zoo life can be free of hunger, predation and other problems faced in the wild, and as a result, there are a few animals, a dwarf crocodile at Toronto Zoo, for example, whose captive life exceeds what would probably be expected for a wild counterpart. But not many species, most emphatically not including elephants.

While the local media was reporting Tara's untimely death, it failed to report that India, where the Asian elephant is a native species, had just decided that no elephants should ever be kept in captivity. It is morally irresponsible.

And while zoos and refuges can breed and release a relatively small range of endangered species, that does not apply to elephants. The world's zoo elephants are not put into the wild, nor would that serve any conservation purpose even if they could be. Breeding is something wild elephants do very well when protected in the wild.

The money spent (or, in Toronto, that will be spent if the idea of increasing the indoor elephant holding area's size goes ahead) by zoos would go so much further in conserving elephants if donated to efforts to reduce elephant poaching and fight the demand for ivory that thousands of animals could survive wild and free where they belong, for every pathetic specimen in zoos and circuses.

There are viable elephant sanctuaries where elephants could be sent to live a semblance of natural life in social groupings, and maybe have a chance at truly surviving to full maturity.

A blog by Barry Kent MacKay.

The Ladies are Home...

2009-11-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

The hens arrived late last evening during the pouring rain. A nice couple, Taunya & Mike, made the long journey to pick up the ladies & bring them to their new home. The girls settled in quickly,picking , scratching & making their cute clucking noises as they explored their new digs!

I can hardly wait until my day off work this week to spend more time with them!

Notice how beautiful they look now with their lovely feathers!!

The girls are arriving today!

2009-11-29T09:50:00.001-08:00

The rescue hens from Cobble Hill are arriving today! They have been at Cobble Hill now for about 2 months & are ready for their new lives here!

We have their stall all set up with lots of straw, nesting areas, perch's, feed & water containers. I have never had hens before so this will be a learning experience!

Here is a photo of when they arrived at Cobble Hill in September from their factory farm hell.

I will take some "after" pictures in the next couple of days & post them here.

Valentine's B-Day!!

2009-11-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

Today is our first pig, Valentine's 12th birthday!!! I can't believe it has been 12 years since our little (165 lbs !!) baby was born!

Little did we know what getting her would bring into our lives...a blessing for me , perhaps not so much for my husband! LOL... Either way it sure has changed our lives.

I am happy to say Valentine is a healthy, active pig who has taken to living outside with such gusto! She spent the first years in the house but when we had the large outdoor heated house built we thought we would try her out there....she loves it !!!

I am sure all the other critters will wish her a very Happy Birthday & "thank you" for being born because now we all have a forever home...

Jumbo is free...

2009-11-23T16:45:00.001-08:00

Victory! It has taken over three decades of campaigning, determination and wishful thinking, but after 32 years of being cruelly confined inside the back of a truck, Jumbo, the aging female African circus elephant is free. SAFE began its campaign to free Jumbo and other circus animals over 25 years ago and has constantly challenged touring national and international circuses with exotic animals. The release of Jumbo from the Loritz Circus spells the end of a sad era which once saw baboons, lions, tigers, monkeys, a camel and Jumbo the elephant touring under big tops throughout New Zealand. "SAFE is absolutely thrilled that Jumbo is now on her way to becoming a free elephant. SAFE has been working with the SPCA and Franklin Zoo in an effort to secure Jumbo, so is delighted that her transition from the circus to an elephant sanctuary has begun," says SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek. "Jumbo has been a sad case of animal exploitation for over 30 years and SAFE has been committed to getting her out of the circus. It has been no small effort and with the aid of the SPCA Jumbo is now on her way to a more deserving life," says Mr Kriek. SAFE has been leading the campaign to make New Zealand circus-animal free. In 1999, SAFE staged a high-profile rescue and relocation of two circus chimpanzees to an African primate sanctuary and reached an agreement with the circus to never have exotic animals again. SAFE and the SPCA mounted a massive campaign against the Great International Moscow circus in 1992 that resulted in it being the last international circus to ever visit New Zealand. SAFE says the release of Jumbo from the circus could not be a better Christmas gift. "Jumbo has been deprived the company of her own kind for almost her entire life. Finally Jumbo has an opportunity to be relocated to an elephant sanctuary so she can socialise with other elephants, and SAFE will do anything in its power to ensure she retires in the best home possible for ex-circus elephants. It's the greatest and quite possibly the largest Christmas gift imaginable," says Mr Kriek.

Protest /Banning Dog & Cat fur importing into Canada

2009-11-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

Event: Ban Dog and Cat Fur in Canada! Every year over 2 million dogs and cats are killed for their fur in China Usually raised on breeding farms but also kept tethered outside of family dwellings, these animals endure cramping, severe weather conditions and are often deprived of food and water. Family pets are also stolen. The Canadian government has been importing Chinese furs for years, most of which arrive in this country unlabeled. There are no labeling laws for fur in Canada! Cat and dog fur is easily dyed to resemble other species. It is mostly used as trim for coats, gloves, boots and even trinkets and cat toys! If you wear fur or fur trimmed clothing, it could very well be a cat or dog! Tell your friends! Say NO to fur and stop supporting this horrific trade! Please join us to educate the public and collect signatures to urge our government to ban the import of cat and dog fur once and for all!

PROTEST: Ban Dog and Cat Fur in Canada

WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 1 - 3 pm

Start Time: Saturday, November 21 at 1:00pm

End Time: Saturday, November 21 at 3:00pm

Where: North East corner of Queen and Spadina, Toronto

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=176608371589&mid=168e8acG2a371d6aG7f4ea70G7

Christmas is coming...

2009-11-11T04:52:00.001-08:00

Christmas is fast approaching ...where does the year go?? I just wanted to share the cute Christmas cards we had made up this year. Each one features a different "Snooters" animal in their Christmas hats! The card is blank inside just waiting for your own personal message & has the "Snooters" logo & site address on the back.

Show your friends & family how you care about & support rescue animals!

A pkg of 10 (with envelopes) is $12.99 (plus shipping).

Visit the web site to see other products that would be great for Christmas/holiday gifts!

www.snootersforeverhome.com

Hearts on Noses needs your help....

2009-11-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

My friend & fellow sanctuary operator is in need of help.

Janice runs "Hearts on Noses" completely on her own. Recently Janice was forced to sell her property in Mapleridge, BC & has bought a lovely piece of property 20 mins away in Mission BC. The help required is to move all her animals safely to their new home. The move is taking place this weekend (Nov 14) & will continue for several weeks. All the animals houses need to be moved as well. If you know anyone in BC who could possibly spare a few hours, a day or 2 & use of their car/truck/trailer please email them!!

Here is Janice's email heartsonnoses@shaw.ca

www.heartsonnoses.com

A day with friends...

2009-11-08T04:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a beautiful autumn day here in Ontario...warm & sunny! My dear friend Kristi & I made the trip to visit another very dear friend, Marianne, at her sanctuary .

Marianne & I met about 5 years ago through a pig rescue & have been friends ever since!

Marianne & Ben have a lovely piece of property & about 25 pigs (pots & big pigs), 2 horses, many dogs(!), cats, ducks, parrots....I hope I didn't leave anyone out!

We talked (& talked....& talked...!!), went for a nice walk to visit the pigs in the fields.

The apple tree still had some apples on the branches so Marianne & Kristi shook most of the apples down & the pigs had a big feast!! It was so funny to watch them running from all over to join in the unexpected afternoon snack!

All in all a great day with friends!

Puggles arrives...

2009-11-01T03:33:00.000-08:00

We picked up little "Puggles" yesterday from the dog rescue. She is a 10 year old pug/chihuahua cross who was used in a puppy mill down in Ohio for her entire life. Now unable to produce puppies she was discarded.

When she arrived at the rescue in June she could not even stand. This was due to a lifetime of living in a small cage, leaving her back legs with no muscle control. Fortunately after some rehab at the rescue she can walk , not well, but at least gets around!

Puggles is blind in one eye & I don't think she sees well from the other either. She was never housebroken (didn't need to be in a cage) so that is a work in progress.

The poor little thing just walks in circles but seems to love life just the same. She loves to snuggle & eats like a piggy!! Oh & howls to get up at 5:30am....doesn't understand this daylight saving thing...LOL!

We will make sure she has a good life here with us for her remaining years!

Welcome to Snooters , Puggles!

Teacup Pigs All the Rage, But Animal Welfare Group Urges People to do Homework Before Taking One Home

2009-10-30T12:29:00.001-07:00

Teacup Pigs All the Rage, But Animal Welfare Group Urges People to do Homework Before Taking One Home

Click on the smaller font to view the article!

Posted using ShareThis

Our Web Store is now open...

2009-10-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our web site is now fully up & running!! Please take a few moments to read about our gang, sign the guestbook, become a member & shop in our "store".

100% of the proceeds go to helping the animals!

Check back often as new products & info will be added on a regular basis!

Thanks from all of us here at "Snooters" !!!

www.snootersforeverhome.com

We lost a friend at Hoofers Haven...

2009-10-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

When I first got Valentine (our very first pig) I met via the internet a lovely lady who ran the only potbellied pig sanctuary in Canada. Her name is IIona & along with her husband Ellis, they run Hoofers Haven in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Like all of us they sacrifice much of their own money to keep all the pigs happy & healthy.

A few years ago Ellis was diagnosed with cancer & after several surgeries and treatment Ellis was recently given the "all clear" from cancer!!! Tragically Ellis died very suddenly of a heart attack last week.

This leaves IIona on her own to care for & fund the sanctuary. This is a time in her life she should be retired & relaxing, but instead must work full time to make ends meet. They have not taken in any animals for several years (due to their age & health) but still have an aging herd to care for.

PLEASE if you can spare a few dollars for a donation to Hoofers Haven it would be so very much appreciated!

Paypal to

hoofershaven@hotmail.com

IIona Osbourne

Hoofers Haven

641 Barrie Dr

Thunder Bay, On

P7C 5N5

New Electrical !!!

2009-10-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

We saved up & are finally able to get an electrician out to bury the cables & get plugs right to all the big pig houses & water troughs!

For years now we have run extension cords from the barn to the houses for their infrared overhead heaters plus cords to the 3 water trough heaters....quite the tangled mess trying to get them all on separate circuits so they don't "trip" when the weather is cold & the heat on high.

Well, this year we will not have to worry about that....each house will have its own GFI plug ! Funny how things like this excite me now...LOL!

One more thing off the list of things to do here! Yeah!

** picture of what we have to look forward to....but with NO extension cords !**

IGNORE the above post..the electrician just called & cancelled....I guess it is extension cords again this year...why can't anyone just do what they say they are going to do!!....very disappointing ;(

Yeah!! PPS... we found an electrician & the work is done!! No more extension cords to be seen! Thank goodness we have had good weather so late into November...everything worked out great in the end!

World Farm Animal Day

2009-10-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day yesterday spreading the word about farm animals & veganism! It was a nice , sunny day with lots of traffic (both cars & foot) at the intersection we were set up at. Lots of pamphlets handed out, and people spoken to about the cause !

What a nice bunch of people doing the demo! If this is any indication of the young people in our world ,I think we (& the animals) will be okay one day!

Take a look under "links of interest" for all the photos. This was organized by Jamie who did a great job!

Our new girls....

2009-10-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by a lady who does "battery cage" hen rescues asking if we could take in some hens. We decided to take 4 girls into our Snooters home. The rescue took place the end of September but the hens will stay at her place until rehabbed...probably the end of November. They were a rough looking bunch with no feathers & terrified of people (no wonder!). This rescue farm has foster home teens come to care for the chickens...it helps both the teens & the hens to appreciate each other....excellent idea I think!

The picture attached is of some of the hens in their little coats to keep them warm (they have no feathers!).Apparently small feathers are coming in already! I am excited to get the girls next month & have named them "Paula, Joan, Georgia & Ringo" !!!!

My dear friend Kristi has come up with a great logo for our sanctuary....I just love it!! We will get some shirts, hats etc done up for fundraising....take a look & see what you think!

Storybook Farm Primate Sanctuary....Peace Day

2009-09-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful warm , sunny September day for a visit to "Storybook Farms".

Storybook Farm is a sanctuary to primates who have been rescued from roadside zoos, private homes & research facilities. Yesterday was "Peace Day", a celebration & hope for peace for all primates...part of the Jane Goodall Institute.

Kristi, Marianne, Vanessa & I had a nice day & enjoyed seeing the primates & hearing their stories.

We came home to visit with our guys who always enjoy the attention & company! Vanessa had not been here before & loved seeing our big guys who nicely blew mud in their direction ...no manners!

We enjoyed dinner together & said our good-byes! A good day...

Our Trip to Farm Sanctuary and The Tusk & Bristle

2009-09-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Our long awaited trip to New York to visit our friend Carol at "The Tusk and Bristle" and then onto "Farm Sanctuary" has come & gone in a flash....but what a great time we had!!
Sherry, Kim & myself started out very early Friday morning & headed down to Carols (about a 5 hour drive). We visited with her many pigs of all types, breeds & sizes for several hours. The big hit was her new "babies"...a warthog named "Suzie" & a bearded pig named "Ellie" who are both about 4 months old. What friendly fascinating little girls they are! Another friend, Dawn, came with her Kune Kune pigs and we were able to cuddle with those babies as well. Mary came out to dinner with us after our fun filled "pig" day! With much regret we said out good byes for another year and headed down to Farm Sanctuary (2.5 hr drive).

We arrived in the dark & rain to Farm Sanctuary but where like kids on Christmas eve! The B & B cabins were lovely & the bed welcoming after our long day! At sunrise I was up & looking out at the fields full of animals grazing in the misty rain...a beautiful sight!! We met 2 people who came to help volunteer with chores for the day. Steve, is from New Jersey & Eliza from Georgia.

We had just met but you would think we had been friends for years! Animal people seem to be like that...easy to be friends with.

We had a great tour of the farm & met with lots of wonderful animals. The sheep & goats were so friendly & would line up for their pats & hugs! The cows are so big, but such gentle souls.The chickens, roosters, geese & the big friendly turkey showing us his beautiful tail feathers! Then of course the PIGS!! What fun petting & watching all of them just "be pigs"....sleep, root, graze....simple things, but something most pigs cannot dream to do.

We all went out to dinner in Watkins Glen.We talked & laughed about everything! Good vegan food , good wine & good company!

The next day was beautiful & sunny but our day to return home. After a last walk around to say goodbye we started on our journey home to see our own family of animals!

**All the pictures I took from both places are in the "Links of Interest" to the right of the page...please take a few minutes to "meet" everyone we did!**

A magical place that I will definitely be returning to....

any new comers...

2009-09-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hi, I just wanted to tell any newcomers to our blog to scroll down & start at the bottom so you can meet all our gang here at Snooters !!!

Mighty Momma Mouse

2009-08-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

We are doing some major clean outs & repairs of the big pigs houses the last few days...getting ready for winter. Our friend Ben (contractor) came out to help us !

Yesterday was Forrest & Earls house & what a mess to clean out! During the "clean out" this little mouse ran out the door ....I thought "oh no, I hope she doesn't have babies in here"....sure enough I found about 10 little new born babies in the straw. I carefully picked them up & took them out of the pig area & placed them under some hay & put a piece of wood over them like a lean-to.

I was hoping their Momma would find them, but I had my doubts because they were now a little ways from the original spot.

Sure enough this morning they were all gone (& the wood piece was not moved) so I don't think anything else got to them.

She must have been watching us & went to them when we left...I think that is a very smart mouse & a good Momma!!

visitors at the farm....

2009-08-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had some visitors come stay here at Snooters. These are friends of mine from public school....we have known each other for over 45 yrs...yikes!!

For the past several summers they come out to visit, eat, drink wine & see the animals...always a pleasant combo!

This weekend was very hot and sunny, so we enjoyed a nice day. The pigs entertained everyone with their mud wallow diving & blowing bubbles in the water! Always good ambassadors! It was Gracie's 4th birthday so Brian gave her 1/2 a beer (she loves beer!)

We had an entirely vegan dinner & everyone enjoyed it (or said so anyway!) Visiting here has had an effect on them by seeing & learning about the pigs. No one eats pork anymore so that is a very positive step!

In honor of our "Trix"....

2009-08-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

We had planned this dinner out with friends prior to our Trixie's passing. It was to be a "thank you" dinner for our dear friends who have gone above & beyond with their help for Trixie & her mobility issues. This dinner turned out to be a celebration of her life instead !

It is just so nice to be out with people who totally & completely understand your love & devotion for your animals! No having to explain WHY pigs are so special or WHY you don't eat meat or WHY you can't always get away.....they just know !

These are people who have come into our lives because of the pigs...we would never have had the pleasure of their friendship had it not been for our common "pig obsession " & situations throwing us together. These are people who we know can be called at a moments notice to help in a crisis & who, I hope, also know we would drop everything to help them out as well. It is comforting to know friendships like this exist.

We had a lovely dinner & a special toast to our girl, Trixie ! How many pigs have a dinner in their honor (& are not the main course ;( ...sorry, I just had to add that !)

Thanks Kim, Roy, Marianne & Ben for everything!

awww that feels nice.....

2009-08-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was trimming some grass & happened to notice that "Roy" had a little tag along friend on his back....one of those large black birds !

Roy was standing VERY still out in the paddock with this bird walking up & down his back! I could see his mohawk going up & pretty well knew what was coming next....sure enough "bam" down he went on his side into "belly rub"position! Unfortunately the bird does not understand this silly pig behaviour & flew away!

So there is Roy laying on the ground with no belly rubbing bird to be seen....he quickly gets up looking almost embarrassed & walks away...LOL!

the sound of silence...

2009-07-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up to yet another rainy day ! The paddocks are so muddy...I hope it can dry up soon. The rain was so hard I waited to go out to feed until it let up a little. Of course by this time they were "hungry hippos" & very vocal about this delay!

I quickly fed first the cats, bunny, then horses...the big pigs noses to the gate & loudly saying "feed us first!"

After everyone was fed I sat down to listen to the silence....well , sort of silence...there is that hum of munching with the occasional satisfied "grunt"...quite the enjoyable sound I must say ;)

oh Earl.....

2009-07-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

Just another morning doing the feeding.

Flossy is in heat so tends to go off her food for a couple of days. She ate about 1/2 & then walked away. Her herd mate , Poppy, is a little on the chubby side so we do not let her finish the food.

Instead Brian picked it up & took it over to Forrest (who is on the thinner side). Forrest was enjoying this "extra" treat when his bully brother, Earl, came over to ruin the fun!

Earl pushes poor Forrest out of the way & starts to eat up the leftovers. Brian sees this & is coming over to "rescue" Forrest when Earl picks up the bowl (food & all) and RUNS into the forest area...not spilling a morsel . Brian yelling "Earl, drop the bowl !!" of course he does not obey this command & finishes the food before Brian could locate him & the bowl in the forest! Little (BIG) brat!...but smart !

they just don't understand....

2009-07-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

We have been using the same Vet for many years. He does small animals as well as farm animals which is very helpful to us. He has come to our house 5 times over the years to help our dogs go to Rainbow bridge...we always get a lovely "Sympathy" card with a donation sent in the animals name to Guelph University/animal science department.

Today I received the bill for Trixie's euthanasia ($277 for him being here all of 15 mins) but that is not the point....NO card saying sorry for your loss, NO donation in her name...only "PIG" euthanasia. He knows what our pigs mean to us & saw our overwhelming grief at the loss of Trixie but she is only a "PIG"...not worthy of sympathy like a dog or cat.

I called to pay the bill over the phone & so wanted to say something but knew I would be perceived as being the "crazy pig lady"...mostly we can't make an enemy of this vet as they are few & far between, the ones that will even treat pigs.

It just saddens me to know that so many other people do not find the specialness (is that a word?!) in these amazing animals!

Trixie deserved a sympathy card & donation in her name...damn it , I will send one myself. Why am I crying again....

another day in the life of...

2009-07-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

We had a storm here last night which knocked out the power for 6 hours...thank goodness for the generator to keep the sump pumps going! A couple of tree limbs down but no major damage.

Today was a sunny but cool, breezy day (my kind of weather!). All the pigs seemed to enjoy it too....as well as the horses who like the breeze keeping the flys away!

I watched the peafowl "playing" today...it was pretty funny as I am sure they were playing "tag"! One would run around a bush with the other in hot pursuit & then would stop & go the other direction stopping to "peek" around the bush looking for the other. This went on for about 10 mins...very funny to watch! It is past mating time so I really think it was a game!I believe birds are far more intelligent then we give them credit for! You just have to listen to those black birds "talk" to each other...even the peafowl will look "up" when they do a certain warning "call" & sure enough the hawk is flying over shortly after!

The geese are just starting to teach their young to fly....they were practicing on the front lawn today. They would run, flap, get a little "air" & then try again! There is one little guy/gal I call "Tiny Tim" who is 1/2 the size of the others but still tries everything they do!

Katie (potbellied pig) is our old gal (15 yrs)she amazes me everyday when she goes out for her walk-a-bout after supper. She is basically blind & deaf but finds her way out & back without a problem. Today she even found the pile of fresh hay I put out at the very back of the area! Such an amazing pig who I adore!

Final resting place....

2009-07-07T05:49:00.001-07:00

It has been 2 weeks since we put our Trixie to rest. I cannot tell you how much she is missed here. Walking past her empty stall is agonizing.

All of our animal friends are laid to rest at a nice spot down the lane way by the apple tree. We post their name signs on the tree.

Last year we purchased a swing seat & go down there to sit, relax & "visit" with the gang....very peaceful !

It never gets easier losing a dear friend...

cutting the grass ....laughing at the pigs!

2009-07-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a nice day (or turned out to be) a little cool but breezy & sunny!

I was doing the grass trimming around the paddocks & for some reason this gets Poppy & Flossy going wild!

They run , spin & flop into the mud wallows over & over !! Next time I will have my camera with me....but today I just watched & laughed. By the time I finished trimming & came to get my camera they were sound asleep in their houses....all covered in mud!

So if I couldn't get some shots of Poppy & Flossy I headed into Forrest & Earls area....they get excited when I go in there & "oof...oof" at the top of their lungs when they see me!

They went into the mud pit area (which resembles the surface of the moon !) & flopped into one of the wallows...the mud there has a lot of clay so they come out grey(but happy!) at the end.

All in all an enjoyable "working" day for all of us !

Avian facial & pedicure....

2009-07-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today we took our Gonzo (yellow fronted Amazon parrot) to the specialty Vet for his 6 mth beak trim & nail trim. We have been going to the same place twice a year now for 17 years...you would think Gonzo would have grown accustom to this trip by now!! But NO it is a fight to get him in his carrier & the squawking while at the Vet is ridiculous!

He is home now & looks wonderful ....for another 6 mths!

Yesterday we power washed his cage outside while he watched through the window...all in all a stressful 2 days for the poor fella!

The sun has come out & according to the forecast will be staying with us for several days...yeah! Everything is so wet from all this rain.

** picture is pre-facial !! **

rain, sun, rain, sun....

2009-06-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been so strange weather wise. Every morning is sunny & then out of nowhere it POURS & POURS....then the sun comes out for a half hour & the rain starts all over again! Hard to get anything done & there is always lots to do !

I fed the piggies during one of these "sunny" times only it was shorter lived than normal & down came the rain while they where eating....some very wet but full bellies!

This evening after yet another downpour I saw this beautiful rainbow outside! I swear the end of the rainbow was right in our horse paddock. By the time I got out there someone had stolen the pot of gold....damn....could really have used that gold about now !!! LOL

the tee-pee....

2009-06-29T17:41:00.001-07:00

Our neighbours are Scottish but somehow have tracked their ancestry back to native Indian culture....strange, I know!

A couple of summers ago they began to have Pow-wows on their property along with a sweat lodge. During the summer almost every weekend we hear the soft sound of drums & chanting late into the night and at sunrise. Very soothing...I love it ! They even host native weddings ! Very cool! My 3 yr old granddaughter always asks where the "pee-pee" is ...LOL!

the human family...

2009-06-26T18:09:00.001-07:00

Thought I should say a little about my human family before they give me the gears about the animals getting all the "press"...LOL !

Brian, my husband of almost 20 yrs who is the co-caregiver here at "Snooters". Without his help it would be very difficult, if not impossible to run our place smoothly. Fortunately he loves the animals as much as I do !

Angela my oldest daughter is married to Dony & has a daughter (my Granddaughter !!) Alyssa, who is 3 1/2 yrs old. They also share their home with 2 Bulldogs...Rosie & Scooby.

Sarah is my youngest & lives out in BC with her "baby" Maisy, a 8 mth old Shar-pei!

the pond family....

2009-06-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

We are lucky enough to have 2 rather large ponds on our property. One further away & one right behind our house. I love to sit & watch the pond creatures go about their daily tasks!

We have a blue heron who fishes here almost every morning, a hawk who comes by for one of the large gold fish in the pond , many paint turtles & some weasel looking fella who drops in for a visit once in awhile, the Canada geese family & a duck family.

This morning I noticed this large turtle making its way across our lawn heading towards the pond ...I went out & it was the same old gal we took to the other pond last week! She is very old (about 2 feet in diameter) and covered in moss....she definitely wanted in the "house"pond. She is a snapper so I really didn't want her out here with the ducks , geese & our dogs swimming but there was no stopping her (without loosing a finger or two!)Hopefully the fish will keep her well fed & she leaves the others alone.

It has been very hot the last few days....fortunately the pigs have shade to keep them cool. We fill their wallows with cool water daily (doesn't stay cool long) but it is still hard on them...and us! I just can't take this heat anymore, it is so draining! I will be complaining about winter too when it comes..LOL!

Run like the wind, Baby Girl.....

2009-06-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Just 2 days ago I posted about hoping to not add to the "Rainbow bridge gang" anytime soon and here I am typing out this post about our dear girl "Trixie".

Trixie was born with only 3 legs and it has been a struggle to keep her happy & healthy.

With the help of our vet Trixie made the journey to Rainbow bridge yesterday (June 21 2009).

I cannot begin to express how much we will miss her...she has been such a huge part of our lives since she came here at 5 weeks of age. I would never have imagined she would live to be 3 yrs old!

I will miss going into the barn with the usual "morning baby girl" & her answering with a soft "grunt"....her daily sponge baths with her nub of a tail wagging a mile a minute....the apple treats only she got mid afternoon....and the goodnight kiss on her snout , "goodnight, I love you baby girl"....."grunt" she would say....that is what I will miss the most of all.

She was very special & our lives have been enriched by her living here.

Good night baby girl....I will see you again.....

the Rainbow bridge gang...

2009-06-20T08:15:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine pointed out that I was missing a picture & bio on our "Pete" who passed away in 2006. Made me think I should write a little about the ones who filled our lives & hearts but are now gone.

"Pete" was a large hampshire pig who came here at the age of 10yrs. His previous owner had him from a baby but when she lost her farm he had to be placed. Pete came here in the spring of 2005. We were hoping he would get along with Forrest & Earl , share their house & space but it was not to be! I think the "youngsters" annoyed him & with his large , sharp tusks he let them know this, causing many nasty wounds!

We ended up building him his own house & paddock area plus he shared the forest when the boys were not in there.

Pete (like most big pigs his age) suffered from arthritis & had trouble getting to his feet most mornings. One day he got stuck in a mud hole during 30c weather & by the time I found him (I assumed he was in the cool forest as he usually would do) he had heat stroke. Somehow I managed to cool him down with cold , wet towels & got him back to his house. By the next day he was unable to even stand, had lost control of his bladder/bowels & would not eat. After much soul searching we knew it was time to call the vet. Pete went to rainbow bridge in July 2006 at the age of 11 yrs old. He is buried by the apple tree on our property. We only had Pete here for a little over a year but it hit us hard as we hoped we would have a good long time together.

Butch ( I talked about briefly in a previous post) came with his brother Sunny, shortly after we moved here. He was the tough guy of the 2 ! When he started not wanting food we knew something was wrong. Tests done in Guelph confirmed cancer (probably of the gallbladder & beyond) & the prognosis was grim....we opted to have him euthanized. Butch has his spot by the apple tree as well.

Last summer our Sheperd cross 10 yr dog Buddy stopped eating...lost a great amount of weight in a short period of time. The blood work from the vet showed leukemia. The vet came out to our house so Buddy could pass to Rainbow Bridge in our arms.

Hopefully I will not have to add to this list anytime soon....

2009-06-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today was a nice day outside...warm & sunny! I filled the wallows with fresh, cool water & boy, do they love that (especially Flossy!) I will have to take some pictures of her "diving" in & flopping about like a fish out of water! When she is finished she looks like she is made of chocolate!

I could not get Trixie up today (& Brian is working)...I hate that she lays there all day. I have to say it doesn't seem to bother her...she never struggles, just grunts with contentment as I feed her apples & push straw around her while she is laying there, she even pees/poops into a bucket for me! Brian gets her up and feeds her before he goes to work at 5am so at least she is not hungry...although pigs are always hungry! He will be home soon to help her up & give her a bath & snack. It is hard because I feel guilty...I wish I could just "will" her to her feet....

Gracie had a good supper & then ventured out to the small forest area to lay in the cool dirt. I just went out to say "goodnight" & to put bug spray on her ....I hope she makes her way back to her house tonight as it is suppose to rain. It is a good sign when she goes out there as her leg must be feeling okay! :)

Our feathered friends...

2009-06-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

"Gonzo" our yellow fronted amazon parrot was purchased from a pet store in 1992 ....boy, have I come a long way since then....no pet store purchases! He just turned 17 yrs old...WOW...but of course he could live to more then 60 yrs old. He is an interesting fella...used to talk up a storm but now only speaks when "he" feels like it (which is fine). He LOVES my daughter Sarah who lives in BC....when she visit he squeals with delight..LOL! Gonzo is with us forever but I do not think parrots should be pets..not fair to them at all!

Our other feathered friends are actually not "ours" ...they live here & entertain us daily! About 5 yrs ago 2 very large birds showed up on our back porch....duh, I didn't even know what they were until I looked it up on the internet! We named them "Bert & Ethel". The next year they had babies & we were so thrilled ! To date there are now 17 peafowl wandering our property! They take care of themselves, roost high in the trees at night, find their food & have survived many winters now! We are trying to stop this reproducing though! This year we fed them a special birth control feed (the eggs will not develop...in theory !) We will find out very soon!

Now for "the dogs"....

2009-06-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

"Riley" (black Lab/Rottie cross) was brought to us as a puppy in 2000....his owners did not want him anymore & he was left outside alone by a busy street. He has grown up to be a great dog...very affectionate & very smart!

"Shelly" is our newest addition(2008).When Riley's companion "Buddy" passed away last year at the age of 10 yrs from cancer he seemed very lonely. We looked around at various rescues & found "Shelly"(Black Lab/boarder collie cross). She came with some issues ( who doesn't !) but has fit into the family just great! They have each other now to hang out with!

"Jackie" is our Shar-pei. We have had Shar-pei's in the past & through a rescue (2001) found "Jackie". She is special needs as she is blind from birth! Believe it or not she does very well finding her way around. She is Daddy's little girl!

The horses , bunny & cats....

2009-06-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Although not rescues our 2 horses will live here forever with us. My "Harley" had 4 homes before the age of 6 yrs old. I have had him since he was 7 yrs & he is now 22 yrs old!! A great horse!He is a quarter horse gelding. I used to board him elsewhere as we did not have stalls & proper fencing in when we first moved here. Being a herd animal they need a companion so we bought "Dolly"...a now 12 yr old Quarter Horse mare. They make a great team! Brian & I just need to find more time to go out & ride them!

I was at work in Toronto one night shift & saw this little creature sitting beside my car. As I approached I saw it was a rabbit! Thinking he/she would just bold away I walked towards her...well, she just hopped right up to me! Darn rabbit knew I couldn't just leave her there.

L.B. (little bunny) came home with me the next morning & resides in a 12x12 stall in the barn!

We had a bit of a mouse problem in our barn so we decided we needed a barn cat (I like mice, so it took me a long time to agree). I called a girl who does cat rescue & told her we want 2 cats who would live in the barn. Along comes "Wilson" & "Scooter" who were to be euthanized the next morning at the shelter. They are great cats! People cannot believe they are barns cats because they are both just so friendly!....and good mousers ;(

the last but certainly not least of the piggies....

2009-06-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

We received Poppy from a factory farm at about the same time as Trixie. Poppy had a leg injury and again, was destined to death because of it. She is a fire cracker in a pigs body! Poppy is very smart & along with this comes being a brat...she is that right "in your face" type animal. She can drive us nuts at times but we love her just the same!

Next is Flossy. Her rescuer was at a pig farm & took note of this rather odd looking pig who was low on the pecking order & just stood by looking sad. She has one blue eye , one brown eye, short legs , a long body & these huge floppy ears ! She just could not leave her there (she was due to be shipped to slaughter very shortly). Enters Flossy to our herd ! She is a dear thing with a shy personality. Flossy & Poppy bunk together. I was just out there feeding & she took a long wonderful mud bath after breakfast ...looking very pleased with herself!

and they get bigger con't.....

2009-06-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

Well, for some reason my last blog update was cut off and pictures of Forrest & Earl are missing!

Probably something I did!

Anyway, here is the rest of the story of how our Gracie came to be here (her pics are in the last post). As I was saying I have made some great friends through pig rescue & Kristi is one of them.

Gracie was from a factory farm, born smaller & rejected by her mom & litter mates .She ended up with a cut on her leg that needed tending. In factory farms it is all about the bottom line and things like stitches & antibiotics cost money.This was going to be Gracie's death sentence until Kristi took her home. Gracie came here as a 6 week old piglet. She lived in the house all winter until her house outside was built the next spring.....it was a long winter!! Big pigs do not make good indoor pets..LOL!!!

Unfortunately Gracie came here with a strep suis infection which can cause arthritis . We did treat the infection but she still has problems with her right rear leg. She is on medication for this & we will keep her comfortable as long as possible.

Gracie is quite the character & not always friendly. But every night as we check on everyone she lifts her snoot for a kiss...& won't take no for an answer ...no matter how dirty she is....we happily comply! ** Gracie's pictures are in the previous post below **

**The pictures with this post are Forrest & Earl as youngsters & now handsome grown fellows!

Yesterday as I was doing the evening feed I saw the Doe & fawn on our back laneway...she was just strolling along with the little one bouncing all around her....the cutest thing you ever saw! I hope they stay on our land (or both our neighbours on each side) as we all do not allow hunting of any kind. ;)

and they get bigger...

2009-06-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

In 2004 we had the arrival of our first "big" pigs...Forrest & Earl. They came from a backyard breeder who sold to mostly private people for pig roasts.

I remember going to pick them up & this lady carrying them out to our car upside down by the legs...screaming ! Their Mother was in an adjoining paddock just staring at us...I told her they would be okay...I hope she understood.

We had Forrest & Earl in dog crates for the short ride home & I remember one of them (I think it was Forrest) looking up at me with these eyes, wondering what was going to happen. I promised him he & his brother would have a good, long, happy life with us. I can still see those eyes looking at me now.

They are very big boys now...probably 700 lbs & very handsome. Earl is the "tough" guy while Forrest is the gentle soul. They have a private house & their paddock area includes some forest that they are slowly destroying!

and they keep coming....

2009-06-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

I received a call in 2004 from a lady who had visited a livestock auction (never a good idea!). There at the auction were these 2 potbellied pigs (male & female) . She bid on them against a fellow who was going to slaughter them for food & brought them home to her small hobby farm. Within a week the female had given birth to 9 piglets!! This lady was overwhelmed and was trying to place all of these new additions. I told her I would take 2 & my friend Cheryl also took 2 little girls. At the very end there was one small female left...I just couldn't have her left there so she came home to us as well.

Enter...Johnny, Roy & Belle to the "herd" ! Johnny & Roy bunk together beside Katie & Sunny . Little Belle started as a house pig but when we had the larger pig barn built we moved her out with Valentine & Easter. She lived outside for 2 years until Easter began to be less than nice to her. We brought her back into the house to live with us (& Ally). Belle is as cute as a button, well behaved & we enjoy her in the house!

Johnny & Roy love living outside, they get paddock/pond time from breakfast to late afternoon & spend it rooting up everything in sight!

Last but not least is Easter (aka the beast!) Easter came from a pregnant female at a shelter. My now dear friend Marianne (this is how we met in 2005) adopted Easters parents & soon after "Patty" gave birth to several piglets. We took Easter(close to Easter time) thus the name! He is a pig with ADD ! He never stops....he has these lovely but wild eyes & tall lanky legs....quite a character!

The big move...

2009-06-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

We moved to our 20+ acres in 2001. Within a few months we had added 4 potbellied pigs to our "herd". Butch & Sunny came from Oakville where they had been running loose for 3 weeks before being caught by animal control. They came here at about 4 months...scared to death of people! They soon settled in and although were not the most social pigs were very happy in their new house & fenced paddock area which included a large pond.

Unfortunately our Butch became ill in 2007 & even a trip to Guelph for expert care could not save him from the diagnosis of cancer...we had him euthanized with us by his side. Sunny continues to be a joy to have around but suffers from severe arthritis in his front legs....medication keeps him comfortable & his daily sleeps in the sun help as well.

Ally (McSqueel) came here from a home where the couple became "too busy" and did not want her anymore. Ally was a house pig & continues to be one here....she is shy & reserved but very sweet....very much a loner.

Our Katie was dumped off at a cat rescue shelter. We were called & went to find this extremely obese, fat blind, aggressive pig. We brought her home & over 2 yrs she lost 80lbs! Unfortunately the damage had been done with her eyes & hearing & both are very limited. She has mellowed to be a lovely girl who even with her poor eye site goes for "walk-a-bouts" in the paddock area after supper every night in the nice weather.

Katie is our oldest pig at 15 yrs old!