Hello my Friends,
I hope everyone is OK and faired this crazy round of storms well. We had so much rain and flooding that when the winds hit trees just started coming down, at least in my neighborhood. I had to dodge I think 9 trees in the dark Thursday morning on my way in that had fallen on the roadway. At one point I came across a tree that a truck tried to squeeze underneath and got stuck. Luckily for the driver there was I think 5 of us that stopped and got out and one guy with a chainsaw. So, we cut and lifted the tree off his truck and cleared the road so we could all continue on our way. Community is everything in times like this for sure. The sanctuary made it through relatively unscathed, not real issues with trees coming down, it's just a little mucky around here is all.
We have a few updates and finally a couple that don't involve our dog community, but sadly also one that does.
Enrichment Volunteer, and anyone else who might be in a position to give treats to the animals, No Treats for Any Sheep & Goats Regardless of Size or Tenure. Ok I know we said this a while ago, but we started to get a little lax on it. Lax that is until our big guy Victor got his chompers on some celery and treated his caregivers with explosive diarrhea. Not a lot of fun for anyone involved with that. So, no matter what the calendar says, no matter what Victor says, no food treats of any kind for any of the sheep and goats.
Staying on the Enrichment train, we have a slight modification to your daily route. For those of you that were using Pig yard 2 to drop down to Nanni & Noodles, that got a bit trickier. Because of the amount of mud and muck in front of George & Peppi's gate the caregivers have started feeding them in Yard 2. Before you enter check if the gate is open and if so, don't enter with food. You can go in and shut the gate to keep them out, just be aware of where they are. Of course, as the giver of treats they more than likely have heard you coming and are standing right there. In which case you're screwed and are going to have to walk around. I'm working on a new trail that will skirt the edge of George & Peppi's yard and bring you to the back of Nanni's yard. However, I'm not that close to finishing it, and by not close I mean I haven't started yet. So, in the short term it does absolutely nothing for you, you're welcome.
Ok so fun and games aside, by now farm volunteers I'm sure you all have seen Opal sheep in her stall during the day. Her appetite is down; she is underweight and her right front leg is causing her grief. She is a 17 yrs old sheep and her body is tired. A quality of life discussion is coming early next week. If you have time, please stop in and say hi.
And lastly, most if not all our amazing dog volunteers know this already as it happened last Friday. We had to say goodbye to May dog. She was around 14 years old and was so kind and sweet even while the cancer was growing inside her. It was an easy decision but also a very very tough one. She was surrounded by her care team and was showered with love all the way to the end. Goodbye sweet May, you will be missed.
Ok that's all for this week. Please everyone stay safe during this turbulent weather. The rain doesn't look to be letting up much and I'm hearing of possible snow next week. If you're coming out this way, take your time driving, its hard to see downed trees and power lines in the dark or heavy rain. We always need your help, but your safety is more important. Don't make the drive if you're nervous or unsure at all.
Have a great weekend and week ahead. Happy Holidays to you and your families. I hope to see you all out here safe and happy soon.
Stay Amazing!
Shane Greenfield
Volunteer Coordinator
shaneg@pasadosafehaven.org
