Remembering Panda Bob

Sanctuary life is filled with joy, but it also comes with its share of heartache. Eleven years ago, a frail black-and-white calf arrived after animal control confiscated his mother. Her final act was watching her son take his very first bottle before taking her last breath. We named him Panda Bob. Since that day, he has only known sanctuary. From a wobbly calf to a rambunctious teen, and later the gentle (though admittedly pushy!) giant we all adored, Panda Bob lived and died true to himself, never allowing anyone to change who he was. This past week, Panda Bob passed peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him most. His final breaths were as soft and shallow as his first, and it was an honor to be with him every step of the way. In his last two weeks, Panda Bob gave and received a lifetime’s worth of love. We will miss his presence deeply, but his spirit remains a reminder to cherish those we love exactly as they are. If we may ask one thing in Panda Bob’s honor, it is this: tell someone today that you love them, just as he loved everyone who crossed his path. PS. Enjoy this old photo of our boy: Panda Bob used to get so chilly he needed two jackets, making him look like he was geared up for a 50-mile snow hike instead of a stroll around the sanctuary.

Disturbing News: Prop 12 Under Attack Again

California’s landmark Proposition 12, the strongest farmed animal protection law in the country, is again in jeopardy. After surviving years of lawsuits and even a Supreme Court challenge, Prop 12 faces two new threats: the recently introduced Food Security & Farm Protection Act in Congress and a lawsuit filed last week by the Trump administration. The bill seeks to dismantle Prop 12 and other state-level protections, while the lawsuit targets California’s egg farm welfare laws, blaming them for high prices despite evidence that avian flu outbreaks and industry price-gouging are the real culprits. These attacks threaten more than 1,000 public health, food safety, and environmental laws nationwide, handing Big Ag unchecked power while stripping states of their rights to protect animals, workers, and communities. The good news? We can push back. The general public can make a difference by contacting elected officials through campaigns like this one from Farm Sanctuary, spreading the word, and supporting organizations fighting to defend farmed animals. Together, we can ensure that the will of voters and the welfare of animals are not sacrificed to corporate interests.

Conrad: From Likely Slaughter to Life of Peace and Safety  On a sunny Wednesday morning, Conrad hangs out with his sheep friends just outside the high-ceilinged barn, where he can keep an eye on the day. It’s not his looks (he is quite handsome, though!), but his friendly personality, gentle nose boops, and the way he races over for attention that make him stand out. Born in 2021, his story could have had a sad ending, but his rescue by Animal Place means he now has an endless supply of tasty grass and a safe, peaceful life to live out among his buddies. Bummer lambs, like Conrad, are the babies who have been rejected by their mothers or, in some cases, have lost their mother. With no way to nurse, they usually face starvation and death. Conrad was rescued from an Oregon sheep farm and brought to his new home at Animal Place in Grass Valley. Scratch behind Conrad’s ears or rub his neck, and he will lean against your legs or follow you like a super-sized Labrador retriever, or more accurately, one happy sheep. Thank you to volunteer Melinda for sharing this story!

Spotlight on Chef Jen of Plant Farmacy

Chef Jen, owner of Plant Farmacy catering, shared with us just how simple (and delicious!) it can be to create vegan menus for any event. “Plant Farmacy was born in 2020 in an effort to prove that eating plants doesn't have to be boring, and it CAN reduce chronic disease. We are a thoughtful plant-based food prep and catering company—providing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create unexpected, fully vegan meals.” Even more exciting? 95% of Plant Farmacy’s clients aren’t plant-based. And yet, the reviews are glowing: “I cannot believe this is vegan!” “Your food is so flavorful, I don’t miss the meat.” “I had no idea that eating healthy could be this good.” Read more from Chef Jen here!

We’re Back at Aftershock with Star-Studded Auction & Raffle We’ll have our annual booth at Aftershock Festival in Sacramento this year with exciting auction and raffle items from musicians like Joe Duplantier from Gojira, Rob Zombie, Travis Barker of Blink-182, and Lars Ulrich from Metallica! Animal Place board member Jessica Miller, model, and husband Lars, spearhead our auction and raffle, making each year bigger and better than the last! Look at the line-up for this year: - Rob and Sheri Zombie signed Funko Pops! and House of 1000 Corpses book - Joe Duplantier of Gojira signed guitar and drumheads  - Lars Ulrich virtual meet and greet - Signed posters from the Deftones and Korn And more to come!! Bookmark this link, we go live next week for bidding! Our “Brave the Cage” activation will make an appearance, as well. This human-sized battery cage allows people to experience a few minutes of what egg-laying hens experience in a lifetime. Many who have taken this challenge have committed to a vegan lifestyle. Would you brave the cage?

Recipe of the Week 🍽 Chai Spice Apple Muffins

With fall right around the corner, cozy flavors are calling! These Chai Spice Apple Muffins are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Sweet, spiced, and packed with tender apple, they’re a must-have for breakfast, but don’t stop there. Enjoy them as a midday snack when the munchies strike or serve them as a comforting dessert. However you choose to enjoy them, these muffins are sure to bring a little autumn magic to your day. Get the recipe here!

Industry News

Federal lawmakers have introduced the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S.1326), a bill that could overturn state bans on cruel confinement practices like gestation crates, veal crates, and battery cages, jeopardizing years of progress for farmed animals, food safety, and environmental protections. Woolrich is under growing international pressure to end its use of fur from factory farms and trapped wildlife. As more than 1,600 brands, including Gucci, Canada Goose, and Max Mara, have gone fur-free, it’s time for Woolrich to join the global shift toward compassion. Mexico has made history by unanimously passing legislation to ban dolphin shows, breeding, and swim-with-dolphin programs, requiring all 350 captive dolphins to be relocated to seaside sanctuaries within 18 months.

Sources for the above news include Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane World for Animals, and the International Marine Mammal Project

Fast Facts

Goats love to climb and will scale trees, playground equipment, or even steep cliffs just for fun. Ducks can sleep with one eye open, keeping half their brain awake to watch for predators. Did you know? If passed, the Food Security & Farm Protection Act could wipe out over 1,000 state laws protecting animals, food safety, public health, and the environment, giving factory farms free rein to put profits over people, animals, and communities.

With compassion, Bri Brady Advocacy & Communications Coordinator

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