Hello my Friends,
Another stormy week has passed, hopefully everyone survived unscathed. I lost power twice; very grateful I have a wood stove. I can handle the dark, but my old bones don't like the cold much anymore. No issues at all here at the sanctuary, a few downed trees on the dog trails but nothing damaging and nothing our tireless facility crew couldn't handle. I have a few major announcements, so enough rambling let's get into it.
Ok the first is a biggy and requires a bit of explanation. This is in regard to our Reiner Johne's herd that you have heard me talk about. The industry standard test that we have been using to determine Johne's infection has been recalled by the manufacturer. In the industry there has been debate on the accuracy of the test so much so that the manufacturer recalled the test and has gone back to using an older version. We have since re-tested everyone and they all have tested negative. That coupled with everyone's relatively good health, the decision was made to bring them all back to the sanctuary. The 4 goats and 1 ram that were left behind when the herd moved over here, plus Opal, Sarah and Henry sheep. The move will happen sometime in the next two weeks with everyone going to NARN / Old Barn. I've heard the goats will be in the Old Barn with Sheep in NARN but we'll see these things always change. They are a really fun group, and I can't wait for you all to meet them. If you have questions about all this as I'm sure a few of you do, please reach out to Jen or myself.
Another bit of outstanding news, Freddy has moved up to Dog Town. I saw him out playing frisbee in the dog park like old days today. His access is restricted, meaning you need to be introduced to him by the caregiver. This is even for those of you that were really close to him. It's just a precaution we are not trying to keep him all to ourselves. Just check with the caregiver on duty when you report for your shift.
For the Farm folk we are back under winter precautions with the hoses again. Once you finish with a hose it must be disconnected and the hose bib put back in place. Were really trying for no frozen busted pipes this year.
Last update and it's not a great one but as I've mentioned to you all before we have an aging population here. I'm not saying anyone is moving on. I just want to relay that two of our long time chickens are not feeling that well and haven't for the past couple weeks. Blossom who was Titan partner...........and the dapper king himself, Shirley. Shirley needs no introduction as he is as much an iconic figure around here as Frank is. Both Shirley and Blossom have been under the weather, and the Vet will be coming out next week to assess them both. Both are older and have graced us with their presence for many years. Make sure when you come out this week you stop by each and say hi, and I'll leave it at that for now.
Ok family that's it for now. I will update you as I know more. Have an amazing weekend and week ahead. The weather is a bit rough right now; it makes life here a touch harder. The animals and care staff really could use the uplift of your loving presence in these darker days. Hope to see you all out here soon.
Stay Amazing!
Shane Greenfield
Volunteer Coordinator
shaneg@pasadosafehaven.org
