Saturday, March 22, 2025

Beethoven’s Heartwarming Thank You

A Family Moment: Beethoven & Meg

Family comes in many forms at the sanctuary. Sometimes with woolly coats and gentle nuzzles. Beethoven, one of our beloved rescued lambs, shares a special bond with Animal Care Director Meg, and their connection was on full display during a recent heartwarming moment. As Meg sat with him, Beethoven leaned in, showering her with love, his soft head resting against her as if to say, thank you for keeping me safe. Moments like these remind us of the deep trust and affection farmed animals are capable of when given love and care. This is what sanctuary is all about—creating a space where animals like Beethoven can feel at peace, cherished, and part of a family. Thank you for making moments like this possible!

Santa Rosa, CA: Five Alpine Does Seeking a Safe Haven

Five beautiful Alpine does are in urgent need of placement after a heartbreaking situation. Their babies were sold for slaughter, and now, following the passing of their caretaker, his widow can no longer care for them. These gentle goats deserve a second chance at a loving, permanent home. If you or someone you know can provide a safe sanctuary, please reach out to marji@animalplace.org as soon as possible. Let’s ensure they find the care and kindness they need.

MacFarland’s Cool Braid

For the second year, we are hosting Cow Camp 2025! Nearby Blackberry Creek Farm Sanctuary’s three cows - Duncan, Maple, and MacFarland - spend spring, summer, and fall here! MacFarland has stolen the show with his signature cool braid!

These annual visits remind us of the strong friendships between sanctuaries. MacFarland may be a visitor, but he’s truly part of our extended family.

Sending Love to Shelby

Grief knows no timeline, and our sweet Shelby is still mourning the loss of her best friend, Magnolia. The bond between cows is deep and lasting. These gentle giants form lifelong friendships, and losing a companion leaves a noticeable void. Shelby has been quieter since Magnolia’s passing, often seen resting in their favorite spots, as if waiting for her friend to return. While we continue to provide her with extra love and care, we know nothing can replace the special bond she shared with Magnolia. If you’d like to send some extra love Shelby’s way, we know she’d appreciate the kindness. Whether it’s a heartfelt message, a donation in Magnolia’s honor, or simply holding space for her in your thoughts, your support helps remind her (and us) that she’s never alone.

Recipe of the Week 🍽
Cauliflower Quinoa Salad

Looking for a tasty way to sneak more cruciferous veggies into your meals? This Cauliflower Quinoa Salad is a delicious and nutrient-packed dish featuring cauliflower and broccoli—both loaded with health benefits and powerful anti-cancer properties. Plus, veggies like kale and bok choy bring even more goodness to the table! This easy recipe is perfect for a fresh, wholesome meal that fuels your body.

Industry News

In a major win for wild horse protection, a U.S. District Court has struck down the Bureau of Land Management’s Adoption Incentive Program (AIP), ruling that it violated federal laws by failing to undergo necessary environmental and administrative reviews.
Indiana's latest avian influenza outbreak has hit a commercial duck breeder farm in Adams County, marking the state’s 17th affected flock in 2025.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) has filed a lawsuit against the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), alleging the agency has repeatedly approved misleading poultry product labels without reviewing their imagery.

Sources for the above news include WATT Poultry, World Animal News, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Fast Facts

Goats have accents! Just like humans, goats’ vocalizations change based on their environment and the "social group" they grow up in.
Just like dogs, pigs love belly rubs and will often flop over when they trust someone enough to give them a scratch.
Despite a 7% dip in U.S. egg production due to avian flu, prices have surged by 150%, leading to record profits for major producers like Cal-Maine, which reported a $1 billion windfall in FY 2023, raising concerns about potential price-gouging in the industry.