Tag: Animal Sanctuary

Sanctuary Visit: Lancaster Farm Sanctuary (2019)

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Lancaster Farm Sanctuary
Elizabethtown, PA

Animal advocacy is a cause near and dear to my heart, so I had a blast photographing all the beautiful, animal residents of Lancaster Farm Sanctuary on a warm and sunny April afternoon! All the animals I met were happy, lively, and so lovable with big personalities of their own. The Sanctuary, a 501c3 non-profit, provides a safe and loving home for sick, injured, and abandoned animals. Founded in July 2017, they have saved and become the home to goats, ducks, chickens, a turkey, cows, and sheep during just their first two years.

Meet the animal residents of Lancaster Farm Sanctuary below:

Rose
Goat

This is Rose. She and her babies, JuneBug and Pip, were rescued from neglect and overcrowding the day the babies were born. Mom and babies are very happy in their new home and spend their time with another mom and baby goat named Kim and Beatrice. Isn’t she beautiful?

Pip
Baby Goat

Shout out to Pip! This bouncing baby is full of life and love. She is the happiest baby goat I have ever met. Pip was so curiously following me around, climbing on my back while I was crouched taking photos, and giving me cuddles. She is only about one month old and is one of the newest residents at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. Pip lives with her mother, Rose, and sister, JuneBug.

JuneBug
Baby Goat

JuneBug is Rose’s other baby girl. She can frequently be found right by her mother’s side. June leaves the wild, bouncing baby goat antics to her sister, Pip! 

Kim
Goat

Meet Kim! She’s a new mama and new resident at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. This beautiful goat and her beautiful baby Bea (short for Beatrice) are so happy and thriving in their new forever home after being rescued from neglect and over crowding. Kim, as well as her other goat mama friend named Rose, are so sweet and gentle. They have a huge capacity for love and compassion.

Beatrice
Baby Goat

Beatrice (Bea for short) is Kim’s precious one-month-old baby. Look at that smile!

Stanley
Boer Goat

This handsome goat is Stanley. He is a Boer goat, which is a breed commonly raised for meat. Stanley came to Lancaster Farm Sanctuary with some mobility challenges, but that hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest! In fact, his mobility challenges are what saved him from the goat meat farm where he previously lived. He is happy and so sweet, and he enjoys the company of a Pygmy goat, a turkey, and a Plymouth Rock chicken (with many other animal friends nearby and throughout the sanctuary).

Benji
Pygmy Goat

Benji came to Lancaster Farm Sanctuary as a very young baby. After recovering from illness and abandonment at just two days old, he is thriving and happy!

Livingston
Pygmy Goat

Livingston, or Livvie as he is affectionately known as by Lancaster Farm Sanctuary, is a lovely black and white Pygmy goat. He loves his fellow goats at the Sanctuary and shares a pen with Tammy the Turkey and Mary Margaret the Plymouth Rock chicken. It’s great to see multiple species living peacefully together! Livingston was originally purchased at a market to be kept as a pet, but the purchaser quickly realized that their dogs did not appreciate his presence. Fearing their dogs would harm or kill him, Livvie was given to Lancaster Farm Sanctuary to live a peaceful, happy life.

Abby, Patrick, Gertrude
Hair Sheep

Meet Abby (adult, black and white), Patrick (white lamb), and Gertrude (black lamb). They are a happy sheep family at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. Momma sheep Abby was rescued by the Large Animal Protection Society (LAPS) from a neglectful, homesteading situation during her pregnancy. She then gave birth to Patrick and Gertrude (otherwise known as Gertie) on St. Patrick’s Day! Patrick in particular really seemed to love the camera and always has a smile.

Meris
Sheep

Meet Meris! This gentle soul is adjusting to his new life at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. Sadly, he suffered abuse and isolation in his old home. It took him some time, but he is growing to trust humans again. Meris has also grown very close to momma sheep Abby and her children, Patrick and Gertrude. He has a happy little family and a new wonderful life!

Bessie and TrueHeart
Jersey Cows

Meet Bessie (brown) and her mother TrueHeart (beige)! They live at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. They are both Jersey cows that were acquired by their previous owners for milking, but after they had a change of heart about using them as dairy cows, they came to live at the Sanctuary. Bessie and TrueHeart are nearly inseparable and so happy to be living together at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary!

Santosha
Broad Breasted White Turkey

Santosha is a sweet and gentle turkey. She was saved from a factory farm, which is why her beak is partially cut and her toes are cut down to nubs. An animal advocate asked the farmer to allow one turkey to be spared from butchering around Thanksgiving of 2018. Santosha is that lucky soul. She came to the Sanctuary extremely traumatized and afraid of people, but she has come a long way and often allows people to pet her soft feathers or colorful neck.

Tammy
Bronze Heritage Turkey

Tammy most likely ran away backyard butcher raising her for their Thanksgiving dinner. She was found in upstate Pennsylvania and made her way to Lancaster Farm Sanctuary through the kindness of some animal advocates. Tammy seems to have a special way of connecting and becoming in tune with the other animals around her at the Sanctuary. She also has a very special bond with Sarah, one of the co-founders of Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. She enjoys following Sarah around and even snuggling up to her leg while Sarah is using power tools! Tammy is a very special turkey! At the time of this shoot (May), Tammy was busy brooding (laying eggs and incubating them). Tammy lays eggs only during this time of year.

Frankie
Muscovy Duck

Frankie is a male Muscovy duck that was surrendered by his owner. He was originally given as an Easter gifts as a chick. Luckily, the Sanctuary gave him a safe home after his owner could not care for him.

Feathered Friends

Among the many feathered friends at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary are multiple groups of chickens. Many of these birds were saved from the meat and egg industries. Some saved after falling off trucks and others surrendered or abandoned. They are all beautiful though! From Mary Margaret (the boisterous black and white hen), to Patsy and Eddie (beige), and everyone else, all of these birds are special. They are all so fortunate to live out their lives in peace and with loving and caring humans at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary.

Lancaster Farm Sanctuary shared this kind review after our shoot.

“It is a real pleasure to work with Chris when he takes portraits of animals. He came to our farm sanctuary and showed so very much respect for them and talent in his craft of capturing the beauty of our farm animal residents. Thank you Chris!”

Learn more about Lancaster Farm Sanctuary by visiting their website. Donations can be made online via their website.

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Sanctuary Visit: Private Animal Sanctuary

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Private Animal Sanctuary
Lancaster, PA

I absolutely love visiting animal sanctuaries to capture the portraits of rescued animals so I can tell their stories! I am honored to have been welcomed to this private sanctuary in Lancaster. For the privacy and safety of the animals and owners, I cannot share names or their location. But, these animals are well loved and cared for. The animal residents include several boars rescued from staged trophy hunts, potbelly and farm pigs, chickens and ducks, and adorable donkeys. This sanctuary is doing great work and saving many precious lives!

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Sanctuary Visit: Whispering Rise Farm & Animal Sanctuary

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Whispering Rise Farm & Animal Sanctuary
Freeland, MD

Whispering Rise Farm & Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide sanctuary to abused, neglected, abandoned, or seized potbelly pigs who are products of the pet pig trade. Their secondary mission is to provide humane education to the public, and to offer an anthrozoological experience to individuals and small groups.

The farm is available to children and adults who want a volunteer or community service experience, or who are looking for a more intense spiritual or emotional connection to animals in need.

Individual sponsors provide each of Whispering Rise’s residents with a proper diet, warmth in the winter, cooling relief in the summer, year round vet care, medication and supplements, and a healthy living environment at all times.

Meet the pigs:

Ethan: (From WRFAS) Ethan is an incredibly sweet pig in a larger than life body. He has a spinal deformity, due to improper use of a harness, but that doesn’t stop this special guy! He is the King of Belly Rubs. There really isn’t much he wouldn’t do for one! You will often find him flopped over waiting for belly rubs or for his diet to end.

Ethan was rescued from a Maryland trucking company that kept him as a “mascot” for the business. He was kept tied to a tree, but now lives safely and happily at WFRAS!

Ozzie is a sweet and curious pig! He loves people. After meeting me, he followed me around the pen and posed for many photos!

Queen Peaches is a gorgeous Berkshire pig. Berkshires are a rare bred of pig that originated in Berkshire, England. They are commonly bred for meat which is sold at a premium. Thankfully, Queen Peaches is safe at WRFAS, and will never be butchered for meat.

Belliumpkins: (From WRFAS) Belliumpkins is a gentle giant. His mom was presumed to be a farm pig while his dad was a potbelly, creating this adorable spotted creature. He was rescued and brought to Whispering Rise Farm & Animal Sanctuary where he bosses around his friends in Pen 3. He’s known to try to knock buckets of food out of unsuspecting hands and to smush his muddy nose against your leg until you pet him.  Belli is one of our most noticeable and loveable pigs.

Hershey was a little bit shy when we met, but still warm and friendly. Check out that mohawk of bristles!

Oreo was named for obvious reasons and was rescued as a stray. She has since been reunited with her owner, but she continues to live at WRFAS.

LuLu: (From WRFAS) LuLu is a special gal and the official tour guide of Whispering Rise Farm & Animal Sanctuary. She has a sweet soul that will calm you better than any medicine ! She loves kisses on her nose and plenty of attention. She is a loyal companion who will follow you to the end of the world and back, or at least to the front gate. She likes posing for photos and meeting new people

Mushu (Left) and Notorious P.I.G. (Right)

I had a great time visiting Whispering Rise Farm & Animal Sanctuary and meeting all of their residents. With over 60 pigs in multiple herds, there are so many beautiful beings to spend time with. So many of these pigs were recused from neglect and abandonment or rescued from homes where they were kept as pets. Often people are falsely told that the pigs they are purchasing as pets will stay teacup size. Once they grow, their owners are unable to care for them. Additionally, when pigs are kept inside away from the mud and dirt they love, they can become aggressive. Again, this leads to abandonment of the pig. Fortunately, the pigs at Whispering Rise now live happy lives in a safe environment.

Below are many more happy faces from Whispering Rise Farm & Animals Sanctuary.

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Sanctuary Visit: Here With Us Farm Sanctuary (2018)

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Patrick & Darby
Here With Us Farm Sanctuary, Lancaster, PA

Here With Us Farm Sanctuary provides a safe and loving home to abused farm animals and was founded in July 2018 in Lancaster, PA. Their first rescues are two sweet and silly goats, Patrick and Darby, who were saved from a neglectful farm. They were malnourished and walked on their knees due to hoof rot. Patrick, a Boer goat, and Darby, a mixed breed, are now living happily thanks to Here With Us Farm Sanctuary. Having recovered from their hoof rot, they are both strong, back to walking on their hooves, and climbing!

Here With Us Farm Sanctuary was founded and is operated by Amanda Clark of The Sanctuary Project.

Learn more about Here With Us Farm Sanctuary and support them through their Patreon page.

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Sanctuary Visit: Winner’s Circle Center

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Winner’s Circle Center
Lancaster, PA

The Winner’s Circle Center provides various animal-assisted therapeutic services including counseling, psychotherapy, and learning services with a number of rescued and rehabilitated animals. Their mission is to unlock the potential within each of their clients and students to find the solutions that improve their emotional, academic, and social well-being. Those who use WCC’s services have the opportunity to learn about, form bonds with, and care for a number of horses, dogs, goats, and chickens and leave with a greater compassion for and understanding of animals.

Meet the animal residents of the Winner’s Circle Center below:

Skip
Morgan Horse

Skip is a Morgan horse. He was an Amish buggy horse until he severely broke his ankle. Thankfully, The Winner’s Circle Center saved him from euthanasia and rehabilitated his ankle. He’s now living free and happy!

Charlie
Thoroughbred Horse

Charlie was once a competition horse used for racing and show jumping. As he aged and the competitions took their toll on his body, he developed arthritis. Sadly, Charlie was going to be euthanized since he could no longer compete. Thankfully, the Winner’s Circle Center stepped in to save him and provide him with a new home. Charlie now lives happily in Lancaster, PA with his competition days behind him and the company other horses.

Cassie
American Paint Horse

Cassie is a beautiful American Paint horse who lives at The Winner’s Circle Center. She came to WCC a very young and orphaned foal, but is now a few years old and living happily. She has a wonderful personality and enjoys interaction with people.

Alice
Pony

Alice is a sweet little pony who lives with Charlie, Skip, and Cassie in the barn at the Winner’s Circle Center. She has a calming and friendly presence. She lovingly cared for by the WCC team and has the company of several beautiful horses and goats!

Colleen, Diego, Dixie, Luna, Paco Taco, Rocky Balboa, and Sadie
Miniature Horses

Colleen (brown and white Paint), Diego (white with brown speckles), Dixie (white), Luna (gray/light brown with white speckles), Paco Taco (tan), Rocky Balboa (brown with white batches), Sadie (chocolate brown)

There are seven miniature horses at Winner’s Circle Center. Many were saved from auction and rehabilitated from illness and injuries. Here are a few of their stories:

Sadie (chocolate brown) is often a favorite of students, and she is especially good with kids. Sadie is the matron of the herd, and she likes to keep the other horses in line no matter how big or small they are!

Colleen (brown and white) is a Paint mare. She is a beautiful little horse who is very sweet and patient. Colleen was pregnant when she arrived at the Winner’s Circle. 13 months later (an unusually long time since the normal gestation period is 11 months), gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Rocky Balboa. It was a miraculous birth! Colleen is a great mom who is very patient with her sassy son. Colleen loves attention and enjoys meeting new students and clients!

Diego (white with brown speckles) is a truly small miniature horse! He very friendly and curious, so he has no problem meeting and interacting with people. Diego has a unique feature: he was born without a tail. He doesn’t let that get him down, and he is a great example to students of the Winner’s Circle Center who also deal with physical challenges or differences. 

Rocky Balboa (brown with white patches) is Colleen’s baby boy. Rocky was born on Preakness morning, May 16, 2012. He is a bit headstrong, but training to become a therapy horse. Rocky enjoys running around the pasture and playing with his favorite toy – a big bouncy ball. Students and clients love his energy and enjoy watching him run and play!

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Harry, Ted, Winston, and Pearl
Nigerian Dwarf and Nubian Goats

Some of the newest residents to join the Winner’s Circle Center are these adorable baby goats named Harry (white with brown patches), Ted (tan), and Winston (brown and black)! These sweet little guys are learning the ropes while they get acquainted with the horses and humans. They are still timid but very friendly. They are sure to be a hit at WCC! 

Pearl (white), an adult goat, has been with the Winner’s Circle Center for a while. Although she is reaching older age and suffers from some mobility challenges (which she doesn’t let slow her down), she is a sweet and beautiful lady. I made a special connection with her while capturing her portrait. While crouched down to meet her level with the camera she came to me and rested her head in my lap while I pet her.

Bella, Hampton, Malacca, Nigel, Sassy I, Sassy II, Scarlet, Sophie, Tucker
Dachshunds

There are many happy pups at the Winner’s Circle Center too. They may be small in stature, but not in personality! Hampton (long, black hair) was the first of the dachshunds to join and is a Certified Therapy Dog. Hampton enjoys all people, but he especially enjoys children. Many of these dogs were saved from shelters and difficult situations. Sassy I was found running scared in the street of Baltimore. Sassy II has suffered from multiple bouts of paralysis and was brought to a shelter while pregnant. Most shockingly, Scarlett was found tied to a tree and pregnant. She then gave birth to Pitbull puppies. And finally, Sophie was saved from a puppy mill. They may have had rough pasts, but they now have very happy lives and bright futures.

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Chickens

There are lot of feathered friends at the Winner’s Circle Center as well! They have free range of the entire property and can be found hanging out in the gardens or in the barn with Skip, Charlie, Cassie, and Alice.

Learn more about the Winner’s Circle Center by visiting their website. 

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