“Those who teach the most about humanity aren’t always human.”
~ Donald L. Hicks
They are our greatest teachers and co-therapists, supporting the growth and healing of our diverse community.
Animals as our teachers
Every animal on the farm is a vital part of our vibrant community. Each animal has a unique story, personality, and the capacity to teach us valuable lessons about life, love, relationships and wellness. Through connecting with, and caring for our animals, we learn how to trust, respect and hold ourselves accountable. We explore sacred areas related to trust and vulnerability, knowing that our animals will never tell our secrets or shame us for our pasts. We learn how to set boundaries, be a confident leader, communicate effectively, show empathy and become more resilient. Through all of this, we learn how to care for others and how to better care for ourselves with kindness and compassion.
From horses, to guinea pigs, to goats, chickens and dogs.
And don’t forget the emus or Lola, the parrot!
- Splash the mini-horse, getting up close and personal!
- Rocky is the class clown of the herd! He loves to spray everyone with water from the hose.
- River always greets us with an open heart and open mind.
- Tigger the cat is an excellent mouser and cuddler extraordinaire.
- Sargent: Chief of Security.
- Our silly youngster, JoJo.
- Seargent is our unofficial therapy dog.
- Working hard, or hardly working, Sarge?
- Sparkle the minihorse
- Sparkle is part of our Horse Powered-Reading Program. She goes to schools to promote literacy and learning.
- Sparkle, out and about promoting literacy in a school’s gymnasium!
- Petunia LIVES for belly rubs.
- And sneaking into the house at lunch time…
- Smile for the camera, Petunia!
- Smile!
- Pickles, you have a little something on your face there…
- A soft, safe place to land…
- Mama Ru the turkey, strutting her stuff!
- Good morning
- Awwww…..
- Working dogs, hard at work.
- Lola, our beloved parrot.
- Sunflower the cow loves going to the county fair!
- Iris the cow is another favorite rescue story.
- The farm is a place to rest. River helps us remember that it’s okay to be vulnerable.
- Jax the kitty
- Violet, the mama cat.
- Our guinea pigs teach us about friendship, vulnerability and coping skills. Many folks relate to these lovely ladies because they are prey animals.
- “Eek! I’ve been spotted!”- Noelle the adventurous guinea pig
- Fletcher, the majestic and regal bearded dragon.
- Frisco loves playing in the dirt!
- Practicing mindfulness with Frisco.
- Just a goat in a tub, nothing to see her.
- Smile for the camera!
- A quiet moment shared with Copper.
- Cricket is one of our livestock guardian dogs. She’s part of our security staff out at the farm!
- Emma was rescued from slaughter by one of our participants.
- AnnaBee is one of our many hardworking dogs.
- Aspen is living the dream out in the pasture.
- Bob and Linda are on a mission!
- Peek a boo! I see Clara!
- Some of our beautiful chickens.
- Breck is a wonderful horse to practice our horsemanship and set personal boundaries with.
- Who doesn’t love a smiling alpaca?