NOTE: Wayne's Blog has been replaced by the FaceBook site. Work Parties
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Many styles of t-shirts!
Ways to Give
Enjoy yourself while helping the Sanctuary.
Friends of Ours
Tech Stuff
NOTE: Parties, summer camps, and tours, oh my! Read below for great summer activities for you and your family.
Wine and Music at the Farm
August 25, 2010
Please join us at the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary for the eighth annual Wine and Music at the Farm on Saturday, September 25, 2010, from 2 PM to 6 PM. Enjoy a no-host wine bar and tasty vegetarian food while you kick up your heels to lively local music — all under the roof of our long-anticipated new barn.
This year's event will feature presentations by guest speaker Scott Beckstead, Oregon state director of the Humane Society of the United States, and Christi Olsen, the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary's humane educator.
One highlight of the afternoon will be the dedication of our new barn. Under construction this fall, this 10-stall barn just for horses will increase our capacity to care for animals in need. Generous donations from our friends, as well as a grant from the ASPCA, made construction of the barn possible.
Our new, 10-stall barn for horses will be dedicated at the event.
Other Wine and Music festivities will include hay rides, sanctuary tours, oral and silent auctions, and a goat-naming contest! Our newest residents, two goats who were abandoned near the sanctuary this summer, need names as special as they are. These sweet little boys were only about three months old when they were spotted in a ditch on the side of the road.
For the second year, Wine and Music will be the final destination for participants of Ride to the Light: Three Sanctuary Century, a 100-mile bike ride coordinated by In Defense of Animals to raise money for animal causes, including the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary.
Every year, the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary provides a guiding light to safe harbor for farm animals who have known abuse, neglect and abandonment. This year, making ends meet has been especially tough. Hard economic times have taken their toll, and we've lost key sources of income. What's more, we need to secure funding to complete the interior of our new barn.
We truly hope you will purchase tickets, which cost $20 each, for Wine and Music at the Farm using the "Buy Now" button above or our printable form. If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation or, even better, making a monthly pledge. Your generosity means everything to the more than 200 animals for whom our sanctuary is home.
Please feel free to contact us if you'd like any additional information about the event.
Shadow Finds a New Home — Another Successful Adoption
June 24, 2010
John and Tina Crow with Shadow.
Shadow, one of three horses taken from their owner in Marion County in February due to neglect, was brought to the Sanctuary underweight; with hooves growing abnormally due to founder; covered with lice, and with internal parasites. He in addition had an elevated body temperature and elevated respiration from an unknown cause. However, after five months of receiving treatment, Shadow got a clean bill of health from our veterinarian and was ready for adoption.
A couple of our volunteers stepped up and decided that they would provide a lifelong home for Shadow. On June 23rd, John and Tina Crow adopted him. Shadow will be living with Festus, a donkey who previously was a Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary resident, and several previously rescued goats.
Thanks to all involved with Shadow's recovery, and special thanks to John and Tina.
Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary Receives $3,000 Grant from the ASPCA
June 22, 2010
Despite efforts from advocates throughout Oregon, horses continue to suffer, putting a heavy burden on sanctuaries and rescue groups in their attempts to rescue, house and rehabilitate horses in need. Fortunately, with the award of a $3,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and private donations, we are well on our way to building and dedicating a new 10-stall barn just for horses.
The existing barn — the new one will be identical, but used specifically for horses.
"Our current barn simply did not have the capacity to house these horses in their time of need," according to Wayne S. Geiger, Director.
Construction of the barn is expected to be completed in the fall.
We are very grateful to the ASPCA for their generous support, which will allow us to continue providing a very important service to horses and the community.
The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and neglected farm animals. The Sanctuary does not receive any government funding.
"Our resources are being stretched and we need your help," Geiger said. "Financial contributions, hay and grain donations and volunteers are required to get these animals the care they desperately need."
Lighthouse Sanctuary needs your help
June 18, 2010
Luke, when he was first brought here. Found wondering the streets, he may have never found a home without your support.
by Wayne Geiger
I am writing this to you to ask for your help. The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary recently lost a major contributor who had set up a feed account for the animals at a local feed store . This feed account allowed us to purchase most of our feed. Sadly, the donor was not able to give us notice as they were just informed of an immediate 30% reduction in their total annual income. This loss has put us in an immediate crisis situation leaving us with a current deficit of $1000/mo or $12,000/yr.
We are so grateful for all you have done for us and are not asking you to financially contribute (unless that is an option you are willing to do), however, attached is a monthly pledge form you can use to act on our behalf to give to family, friends or co-workers.
We are working feverishly to correct this situation now and for the future. Until this can be rectified, we need your help. Immediately! If you are already a donor to the Sanctuary, we thank you for your ongoing support.
Our 3rd year anniversary celebration
May 18, 2010
Come celebrate with the animals.
Join the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary on June 5, 2010, Saturday from 1 to 4 pm, to help us celebrate our 3rd year at our new location at 36831 Richardson Gap Rd., Scio, OR.
This fun filled afternoon will have hay wagon rides, tours, photo show and sale, and information about our programs and future projects.
Meet and feed the animals that call now reside at the sanctuary; hear about their former lives of abuse and neglect and see how they have recovered. Spend some time with our board members and volunteers to find out how you can get involved.
Treats for the animals will be available as well a tasty goody for you! A suggested donation of $5 for an individual or $10 for a family is requested. Some activities will have a small fee. All proceeds go directly to the care of the animals.
Annual summer camp is on the calendar
May 18, 2010
Kids have a great time at our summer day camps.
Summer Camp – July 17th - All ages welcome! (4 and under, parents need to attend the camp with child) Come spend the day at the sanctuary on July 17th while having your children attend our camps. The morning camp is good for all ages, while the afternoon camp is better for children 11 and older.
If you would like to register your younger children for the morning camp and your older children for the afternoon camp, plan to have lunch at the sanctuary by purchasing our vegetarian lunch. Books, puzzles, games, toys and coloring will be available for children not attending the camps in a separate area while waiting for siblings. For others, there is always something that can be done for the animals while you wait. Ask the instructor and she can direct you to a project!
The money raised from these camps goes directly to the care of the animals, as most of the supplies are donated and the instructor is a volunteer. What a better way than to help your children enjoy a day at the sanctuary learning and help the animals – than to register your children for this fun day? Email Christi Olsen, Instructor: olsenall@hotmail.com for more information or to register.
Tour season begins: Come see what we do
May 18, 2010
A great way to spend a summer morning or afternoon is a LFS tour.
After a wet winter and early spring, the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary announces the beginning of the tour season. Each tour will be a behind the scenes look at the sanctuary. How the animals came to the sanctuary; their rescue stories and the challenges they faced on the road to recovery. Each tour will take about 1.5 hours. School Groups, Senior Living Homes, Youth clubs and other groups must call in advance for weekday tours and to schedule a reservation. No Groups are too large or too small.
Family tours will be held on May 23, June 20, July 18, August 22, and September 19 from 10 am to 11:30 am. Family tours do require reservations.
A suggested donation of $5 for an individual or $10 for a family is requested. All proceeds go directly to the care of the animals
Easter 2010 at the Sanctuary
April 6, 2010
by Wayne Geiger
Click this picture to view our small gallery of pictures of this fun event.
Why does it seem that as you get older, the wind seems more piercing; the rain seems wetter; and the cold is simply intolerable? Yet, for children, it seems to be more fun? Yesterday during our easter egg hunt, kids simply seemed to have the time of their lives.
Despite the worst weather we've experienced ever during our annual easter event, attendance was met or surpassed our expectations (approx. 700) And the heart wrenching stories and experiences were at a all time high.
Here's a few things that happened yesterday…things that make what we do all the more satisfying:
- Lindy, who helped us rescue the horses sara, shadow and taz, told me she didn't recognize shadow and one wondered what happened to him. Funny thing, when i saw lindy, she was brushing shadow. In just two months, shadow has put on weight and shed most of his dry hair and scaly skin. He was unrecognizable to her in just 2 months since is rescue
- One little girl when asked if she had a good time she said no! Of course, i was shocked by her answer. She was sad that it was over and it was time to go home.
- Three years ago, a young family found little pig 2 week old, luke, roaming in the streets of nw portland. He was brought to the sanctuary a few months before we moved to our new home in scio. He arrived in a cat carrier. They have not seen luke since that time. They drove all the way down from portland with their now 3 year daughter to see the pig they helped rescue. Luke now weighs about 900 lbs.
- A special needs girl bravely followed our instructions on feeding the horses treats by holding her hand flat, tucking her little thumb in. She approached our shy, untrusting ex-rodeo horse, sophie. With the girl's hand held up high, sophie went over to the girl and gently took the treat from the palm of her hand. A friendship was made…an amazing connection.
- As a family was leaving, soaked to the bone, they stopped to say this was there third time and remarked what a great thing we are doing and what a well organized event it was.
- A vietnam vet, with tears in his eyes and who could barely speak, said, "those animals are remarkable." "Yes, they are." I replied.
- As a follow up, i have received several calls today, monday, thanking us for having them out for the event. One asked what kind of help we need. You can imagine what i told her.
The winter seems to have been especially severe this year…the mud is deeper, it's colder, wetter, windier…and we now have 13 horses under our care, but all of that seems to go away when we have such a successful event as we did yesterday. Especially, with all of these wonderful stories…and i'am sure i did not see or hear about them all.
Special thanks goes out to the following:
- Lindy min ten and family (and 4-h club)
- Melissa bennett and family (and scout troop)
- Christi olsen, volunteer humane educator
- Donna haynes & beth weaver
- New seasons
- Terri o'hara & the folks from animalize (our guardian Angels)
- Kathie & erica rid dell
- Marie merino
- Blackstone audio
- In defense of animals
- Herbivore magazine
A special thanks goes out to all of the board members and volunteers, supporters and sponsors of the lighthouse farm sanctuary.
…and to all of the animals…remarkable!
Farm Encounter Kids' Club
March 18, 2010
Volunteer Humane Educator, Christi Olsen, has joined the volunteer staff to offer Kids to learn about the animals at the Sanctuary and help with the very important task of caring for them. In addition to being a parent (both biological and adopted children), she is a foster parent as well. She believes in kids and in helping animals. As if that ism't enough, she is currently seeking her Masters in Education.
Come join the Club! Every last Saturday of the month from 10:30 am – 11:45 am, kids will gather to learn about the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary's many farm animal residents and be a part of helping with this important project of caring for these rescued animals. The kids will create a project that they can take home to keep from their day at the sanctuary. All ages are welcome that can actively listen to short lessons and follow safety rules while interacting with the animals. Parents are welcome to join us or simply stay on site enjoying the sanctuary while the children participate.Kids can come to just one Saturday or plan to attend each Kids' Club Saturday every month! When the weather improves, the Kids' Club will meet more frequently.
Participants are encouraged to bring carrots and apples for the animals each time, a suggested minimum donation of $5 per child, and WEAR boots (rain boots - worn with thick socks - are easy to hose off after a day at the farm) and clothes that can get dirty! Garden gloves are good to wear when working on projects at the sanctuary. We WILL BE OUTSIDE at all times in and out of the barns, so please wear appropriate clothing for the weather. FYI - Some parents like to bring an extra set of clothes for their children to change into for the drive home.
We look forward to your children's continued participation in our Farm Encounter Kids' Club as we hope to build a group of children that will take an active part in directly helping the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary and advocating for the kind and humane treatment of farm animals in our community and beyond.
To find out other ways you can help see Helping Out.
Drivers wanted:
Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary Offers New Carpooling Program
March 20, 2010
Do you want to meet new people with a common interest, go green and help the formerly abused and neglected animals at the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary. If you need help getting to the farm or can offer someone else a ride, we need you.
If you volunteer at our Saturday work parties and would be interested in giving other volunteers a ride, let us know! There's no obligation, no need to go out of your way, and we will not give out your contact information. Just name a carpooling location--any place that is convenient for you. If we learn of someone from your area in need of a ride, we'll ask whether you want to pick them up. If that day isn't good for you, no problem! To sign up, e-mail Carey at carey lb@gmail.com
The cost of rescuing
March 5, 2010
by Wayne Geiger
Clinking on this image will open a small gallery of the horses referred to in this article.
Despite efforts from advocates throughout Oregon, horses continue to suffer. This time, it may not be related to the difficult economic times, but due to an ill prepared and unknowledgeable Unskilled man. On February 8, 2010, three horses were removed by the Marion County Sheriff Department from deplorable conditions. One horse had to be euthanised at the scene and the remaining three were taken to the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary located in Scio, OR, where they will receive the care they need and be rehabilitated before going up for adoption.
According to Wayne Geiger, Director, Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary, "The horse in the worst condition is the Arabian Mare, named Sara, who is literally skin stretched over her bone frame. Her recovery will take months if she is able to totally recover at all. It was reported the man accused had grass and alfalfa hay in the barn, but did not know what these horses needed to keep them in good condition. We are getting more of these types of calls where people take on animals for a variety of reasons and find themselves lacking the basic knowledge of these animals."
Lack of knowledge or ignorance is not an acceptable excuse for letting any animal starve, especially when there is hay in the barn and with so much help available. Veterinarians throughout the state are more than willing to give advice about feeding and care, often with just a phone call. With so much information online, this should not be happening.
Letting these horses go without proper care has resulted in some serious ailments that may affect them for the rest of their lives. Hopefully, our intervention has arrived in time to give them the help they need, but it is going to take time, money and dedication. The horses received a physical exam, blood tests, fecal tests and have had their feet trimmed. The physical exam results were normal with the exception of Shadow who had elevated respiration and body temp, but subsequent blood work for him was normal, indicating no ongoing infection. Also, all of the horses will need dental work in the near future. The blood work for Sara and Taz was normal. All had external parasites (lice) and all had internal parasites (worms). Shadow's feet were about 6 inches longer than normal. All need to be on a special diet of Equine Senior, beet pulp and alfalfa pellets mash with free choice grass hay. The actual cost of the Vet Services, special dietary needs, medical supplies (lice dust and wormer) and the farrier, as of today, stands at $843.33. Note – this does not include materials and supplies on hand, such as hay and bedding. We are looking a many more months of rehabilitation and medical expenses in the months to come.
We need your help, but we know it is not always easy for you without continuing to impact your already depleted budget. We are asking you to collect your pocket change and put it aside each day until you collect $5 and put it a jar, a bag or whatever you have that you have available. Here's catch…ask 5 people you know to do the same and ask those 5 people to ask 5 people. (So on and so forth). Your $5 can quickly turn into $25, which turns into $125, which turns into $625. I am sure you get the idea. These days, $5 is the amount of Venti Mocha Latte.
The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and neglected farm animals. The Sanctuary does not receive any tax funds or governments subsidies and relies solely on charitable contributions. Financial contributions, hay and grain donations and volunteers will be required to get Sara, Shadow and Taz the care they desperately need. To find out how you can help, start your own $5 by 5 campaign or call: 503-394-4486.
News Channel 8 Portland interviews Wayne
February 4, 2010
The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary makes news again as reporters look into the devastation the bad economy has had on animals. You can watch the news video here.
Oregon Live's Pet Talk tackles chickens
January 20, 2010
An article about chickens in suburbia, by Jacques Von Lunen, explores the unforeseen consequences of purchasing what seems like a really cool pet. You can visit the article here at OregonLive.com. Wayne Geiger, LFS President/Directory, was interviewed for this article, which also features some of the chickens that are now boarders at the Sanctuary.
Road to sanctuary: Part 2
A series of articles about how the LFS came to be
Winter 2009-10
Dear Friends,
Wayne Geiger
It wasn't long after seeing the "drop" calves at the auction yard in Petaluma, CA, that I remember experiencing the same beginnings of a calf's life take place at home. What I didn't know at the time was that it was a common practice to separate the cow from the calf shortly after birth. I was told the purpose of this was to make sure the calf didn't drink all of the milk; train the calf to nurse from the bottle and get the cow back into milking string.
Eventually, I realized that this didn't make sense. For approximately the first three days of lactation following the birth of the calf, the cow's milk contains colostrum—that very important first milk that provides the calf with antibodies passed to the calf from the cow. (This first milk is thick and yellow and not suitable for human consumption.) I was told the calf is removed quickly after birth to prevent the cow from bonding with her calf. Yet, I clearly remember the cow being very distraught over this whole process as she bellowed repeatedly looking for her newborn. The now-bewildered calf standing on wobbly legs would try to find the source of its mother's calls. This went on for several days until the cries would eventually subside.
Being a backyard farmer with the sole intent of producing food for the family, we now had two large food sources. For about nine months, we would get milk from the lactating cow, and after about two years we would butcher the calf for meat for the freezer. This scenario would repeat itself year after year. The cow would be bred each year to produce a calf and to provide milk for the table. We would even churn the cream for butter and any excess milk would be sold to the local creamery that was still picking up the milk cans once a week as we set them out by the road.
Since the cows and calves lived on our farm on green pastures with a dry barn and the family to take good care of them (this was considered normal), I didn't think a whole lot about it. I was just a kid doing what the family did. I didn't know much about dairy farms, veal, and CAFO's (Confined Animal Feeding Operations). It wasn't until later in my life that I saw a dairy farm with those glorious herds of Holsteins, Jerseys and the Guernseys. One dairy even had the now-fairly-rare Milking Shorthorns with the deep red to cinnamon coats. To this day, they are still one of my favorites. But there were two things I saw there that I didn't see at home. Yes, cows still were able to forage out on pasture, but the drop calves were often seen in the back dark recesses of the main barn tethered by a baling string around the neck waiting for their next liquid meal being fed out of a bottle or a bucket. These calves we so desperate for attention they lacked: the lick and nuzzle from its mom and being able to nurse when hungry or lay in the sun. Without mom, they would stretch their necks out looking for something that would come close to the comforts recently torn away from them.
The second thing, usually twice a day, the cows would follow long cement paths up to the "Milking Parlor" to have the milk forced out of them by the monotonous sound of machines. I have to say I never understood why it was called a "Parlor." I think of a parlor as a place to relax, share a cookie and drink some hot beverage while chit chatting with good friends. Milking Parlors didn't offer any of that to these cows.
Eventually, some things would change. Usually not for the better, as we'll see in upcoming issues of Lighthouse Letters. There is a lot going on right now with veal calf reform. One thing's for sure: if you are ever lucky enough to see the big dark eyes of a newborn calf, that should be enough to change your mind…forever!
Thank you,
Wayne S. Geiger, President/Director
Update on Blossom Joy
December 23, 1009
by Wayne Geiger and Lynda Amaral
Blossom when she arrived.
Blossom today (no plastic surgery costs, honest).
You may remember the original story in our summer 2009 newsletter about Blossom Joy written by Wayne:
We took in a little goat, Blossom Joy, that had been attacked by dogs. Originally, there were three goats. One died, one was sold by the owner, and one was injured. We took the little injured goat to a foster home that could give her injuries constant attention, and I am happy to say, it looks like the foster home is going to adopt her.
Our vet indicated she might not survive, but, so far, she has been a trooper and is doing very well. Her injuries include deep lacerations down to the bone, sloughing of infected skin and fly strike. In the photo she is wearing a t-shirt to keep the flies away from her injuries.
Here's an update by Lynda Amaral (also available in our winter 2009-10 newsletter):
The little goat, Blossom Joy, who was rescued in July after being brutally attacked by dogs, is living happily in her new home and doing extremely well.
Although the vet originally thought she might not survive her injuries, her wounds are almost completely healed, and she is putting on weight
.
Blossom is happy, looking for a playmate and enjoys frolicking with the sheep who share the pasture. Special thanks go out to the Molly Medical Fund for covering the medical expenses during her recuperation.
An exercise in compassion
Winter 2009-10
by Wayn Geiger
Download pdf version
(2.7 MB)with donation form
NOTE – it would be best to use a buddy to read this while you close your eyes as you try to imagine.
Try to imagine…
You haven't had anything to eat near sufficient to stop the hunger, yet just feet away, on the other side, there is more food than you can imagine. Your master tells you it is bad to leave his domain. You don't listen. With all of your might and with all you have left, you escape to where the food is. Then to punish you for leaving your master's boundary, you are tied around your legs to prevent you from leaving, the thin ropes cut into you and you start to bleed. As if that is not humiliating enough, you are yelled at and kicked for one last good measure. That will teach you. You will starve because your master says you will. You are bad and you are stupid! His name is, "Monty."
Try to Imagine…
You live with many other horses way up in the back hills of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon.
It is winter and its been snowing hard. The forage that is available does not have enough
nutrients to sustain you during this very cold spell. To make matters worse, your life-blood is being sucked out of you by hundreds of hungry ticks burrowing into your skin. You can feel a burning sensation as they dig deeper and they crawl all over your body. Meet "Lady Maya" and "Pride."
Two of Seventeen horses removed from the Foster Lake area.
Try to imagine…
You have stopped this inhumane treatment to these lovely creatures who now have permanent caring homes for the rest of their lives. Their bellies are full; they enjoy good nutritious food in lush green pastures and have the warmth of the sun or shelter to protect them. Unfortunately, these animals and many more still need your help. We need you to help us continue this amazing work. Although no contribution is too small, please open your hearts this Holiday season and remember those waiting for you.
Download pdf version (2.7 MB)with donation form
KOIN Channel 6 talks to the Sanctuary
November 23, 2009
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The advertisements you see before the video appears are RANDOM and are NOT under the Sanctuary's control. We do not endorse the produces or services shown (as we don't know what you will be seeing).
Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary "Gentle Thanksgiving"
November 7, 2009
At our Thanksgiving celebration, even Taj the turkey can enjoy the day.
Have a "Gentle Thanksgiving" this year by joining us on November 21, 2009, Saturday, at the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary, 36831 Richardson Gap Rd., Scio, OR 97374 from 1 to 3 pm.
Help us celebrate the lives of nearly 200 hundred formerly abused and neglected farm animals that now have a permanent home free from fear of starvation, abandonment or lack vet care.
We will be serving hot apple cider, tea, coffee, muffins and other goodies, but don't forget treats for the animals such as grapes for the gobblers, pumpkins for the pigs, carrots for cows and corn for the chickens.
This event is free to the public; however, we will be collecting non-perishable vegetarian/vegan food donations for the local food bank. Other donations are always appreciated. For more information call: 503-394-4486 or email us.
Supporters show up in force to help:
Attendance and contributions exceed last year's event
October 14, 2009
This annual event is very popular, but this year our expectations where exceeded.
It might have been the last warm day of the year for our annual Wine and Music at the Farm, but what a day it was to enjoy good food, great music and some wine to help raise funds for abused and neglected farm animals.
Supporters from as far south as Cottage Grove; Lincoln City to the west and Vancouver, Washington, showed up to break last year's attendance records and contributions. This kind of support and encouragement is greatly appreciated and desperately needed as we get ready to start a long cold winter.
A big, big thank you to all who attended and to all who contributed. We will look forward to seeing you during the next events. Keep a watch out for our annual celebration coming up on November 21, Gentle Thanksgiving, tentatively schedule from 1 to 3 pm.
Again, we would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped make this year's Wine and Music at the Farm event a huge success.
Music provided by:
Joe Stoddard
Food and a good time was not in short supply.
Wine Provided by:
A-Z Wineworks/Rex Hill Vineyards
Firesteed Winery
Pepperwood Winery
Bethel Heights
Redhawk
Oak Grove Orchards
Food & Beverages Provided by:
Grand Central Bakery
Marco Polo Global Restaurant
LifeSource Natural Foodstore
Food Fight Grocery
Kathi Riddell
Lynda Amaral
Tim Harlan
Beverage Server:
Dara Shaffer
Humane Educator:
Christi Olsen
Special thanks to:
Craig & Cherie Cline
Jerry & Earlene Claussen
Lynda & John Amaral
and all of the "Ride to the Light Century" Riders
family and crew
T
he LighthouseFarm Sanctuary Board members, volunteers and supporters.
Raffle & Auction Items provided by:
Herbivore Magazine and Clothing Jessica Dadds
Veg News Trude Crow-McMillin
Dove Lewis Emergency Clinic Norah Sobek
Nancy Ferrell & Friends Chris Puopolo
Richard Long & Barb Schriener
William Paul Mettig
Earlene & Jerry Claussen
Patricia Collins
Sandy Graham
Lynda & John Amaral
Lara Godwin
Echo Hobbs, Jade Earth Acupuncture
Darin Darby
Cheryl Mulkey
Wayne S. Geiger
Craig & Cherie Cline
Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary
Capt. Paul Watson, Sea Shepard
Amy Hatkoff, "The Inner World of Farm Animals"
Safeway, West Salem
Kathi Riddell
House Painted by: Snyder United Painting, Inc.
Lighthouse Board of Directors:
Wayne S. Geiger, President/Director
Lynda Amaral, Secretary/Treasurer
Sandy Graham, Newsletter Editor
Cheryl Mulkey, Volunteer Coordinator
Kevin Snyder, Development
Lighthouse Advisory Board:
Edna Corrick Heather Hines, Indigo Rescue
Dr. Terry Gerros, DVM Holly Gibbons, Attorney
Nancy Ferrell Richard Long, Investment Advisor, Ret.
Economy adds to animals' plight:
Friends, please help us meet the challenges ahead
July 6, 2009
Dear Friends,
In effort to make Sophie buck, she was shocked with a "hotshot," kicked, strapped and whipped. Now, she is mentally a mess and does not trust people.
Although many of you know we just celebrated our 2nd year anniversary at our new location, we are actually on our 9th year of working hard to prevent farm animal abuse and neglect. During these years, many of our animals have been able to live quiet peaceful lives, doing what they do best. Simply living!
Unfortunately, many of our friends who joined us from the beginning are now getting old and some have gone on to quieter pastures. I haven't reported on some of them as it is simply too painful. Maybe that is selfish of me, but even now as I write this I find it tough. I will at least try to honor them by mentioning some of their names: Stevie, Carmen, Pearl, Marty, Bart, Baby, Adolf and Cauli. Their loss has made it possible for more animals to seek refuge at the Sanctuary, and as we have expanded to use all of our new acreage, the number of animals living here now tops over 200.
We have even added a few that have sought us out…unexpected and maybe not farm animals, but welcomed just the same. Recently, four wild mallard ducks fly in at night to eat the grain I leave for them in the driveway. A bushy tailed gray squirrel has taken up residence in a tree by the house and a relocated Acorn Woodpecker visits regularly to eat from the numerous bird feeders.
There are three things we have experienced recently requiring your help for us to continue.
- Caring for geriatric animals is often unknown territory for several of our veterinarians. (And I do believe we have surrounded ourselves with some of the best.) Simply put, most farm animals DO NOT get to live out their lives to an old age!
- Animals in entertainment. The horse pictured above is Sophie. She was once a rodeo horse and reportedly would not buck. She would just run. In effort to make her buck, she was shocked with a "hotshot," kicked, strapped and whipped. Now, she is mentally a mess and does not trust people. It has taken weeks for her to allow me to scratch her on her nose.
- It is a fact that we may not like, but farm animals have economic value! When demand drops, so does the value of the animal. People cannot afford many of their horses, resulting in abandonment and neglect. Many have gone to auction. Recently, a friend went to a local auction to just see what was going on. At the auction, two yearling foals were brought into the ring. These two foals sold for $35 for the pair. The TV news and the regional agriculture newspaper reported milk prices have bottomed out. Too much milk hitting the market. In order to change the supply, many already over used milk cows are being slaughtered to reduce the milk supply and raise the prices.
Our feed costs, veterinarian costs, rescue and rehabilitation costs and the basic living costs continue to deplete our funding. Competition for grants is high resulting in less assistance for non-profits. All of this while more and more animals need your help. Without your help, we will lose our voice to speak out for them and to provide them refuge. I am asking you today to make as large of a contribution as you can to the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary. Help us raise our voices for all of these innocent victims. Dig deep and we will raise our voices for you and for them!
Thank you,
Wayne S. Geiger, President/Director