Recent Events at the Farm Animal Sanctuary – April 2025

By Brian Skipworth | April 7, 2025

An Unplanned Adventure

Our farm animal sanctuary recently experienced an unexpected adventure when our cows decided to explore beyond their designated pasture. When a cow decides they want to get through a fence, especially our huge cows (Finn is close to 6 feet tall and 2500 pounds), there is not much that one can do to contain them, even with our new fences that were built after the 2020 wildfire. Usually, our three cows are content to stay within their designated pastures, however this incident began when they saw some lovely tall fresh grass on the other side of the fence and they wanted a taste. They pushed their way through.

We were okay with allowing Han, Finn, and Rocky enjoy the fresh grass, but their wanderlust quickly led them in the direction of our road which was not an option we could allow. To prevent them from straying too far, we drove our cars in their path, effectively blocking access to the road. Redirected, they went into the yard behind our house, and then wandered up to the main gate to their pasture eating all the way.

They continued to munch on grass to their hearts’ content. To ensure they did not head back towards the road, we used a line of mobile gates to block their way. This improvised solution kept them safely within a restricted area while they enjoyed their fresh grassy treat.
After some time, and with their stomachs filled with fresh grass, the cows were ready to return to their home pasture. We guided them back through the gate, ensuring they were safely settled in their familiar surroundings. This incident also serves as a testament to the dedication and quick thinking of our animal caregiver, Moneek, whose efforts ensured the cows’ safety.

 

Snowflake – the fighter

Snowflake, one of our friendliest goats, loves to greet visitors for scratches despite her medical challenges. Born with a cleft palate, she has no roof to her mouth causing food to enter her nasal cavity and her lungs. She lives with a collapsed lung and chronic pneumonia and often makes snuffling noises due to grass in her nose. Most goats with this condition do not make it to a year old, but Snowflake is now eight – she is a fighter. We have taken her to UC Davis Large Animal Hospital to treat pneumonia on a couple of occasions. The doctors questioned why we would want to keep her alive when her medical treatment would be expensive, implying that her life as a farm animal made her life less significant. That was four years ago, and she has had no further flair ups of the pneumonia. She has a zest for life, and we are doing all we can to help her live it.

We received Snowflake and her mother, Hunny, from a goat dairy where Hunny endured repeated pregnancies from artificial insemination. She had most of her babies taken from her so her milk could be used for human consumption. Due to Snowflake’s cleft palate condition, the dairy owner was concerned about potential infection passed by Snowflake to other goats. They allowed mother and daughter to stay together so the could live the rest of their lives together in sanctuary. Timid Hunny follows outgoing Snowflake everywhere.

In addition to the cleft palate issue, Snowflake has also been diagnosed with skin cancer. She underwent cancer spot removal at UC Davis, which was temporarily successful, but more spots developed. After a second painful treatment, we decided not to subject her to further procedures so she can enjoy her “golden” months or years with her herd mates. Thankfully, it’s been over six months since the last treatment, and no new carcinoma growths have appeared. We cherish every moment with Snowflake, who enjoys spending time with her mother and her goat friends, and eating grass and daily fruits and veggies.

Indispensable Students

We are fortunate to be located 30 minutes from UC Davis because we have hired several students as part-time employees. They have been indispensable. We can count on them to show up for their shifts ready to work. The work here is physically challenging and a lot of it revolves around cleaning up manure, but they are not deterred.

They form bonds with their favorite animals whether they be cats, goats, chickens or cows. We have hired animal science and wildlife biology majors, some of whom who have graduated and are taking on bigger roles here at H&F. Many of the students are interested in working with animals as their future careers.

 

 

Our employee Moneek just graduated, and she has taken on a bigger role as co-manager. She hopes to be a veterinarian one day and has been gaining valuable experience here. She is always eager to be engaged in the medical treatment that we provide to our animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our employee Walker has the role of ranch hand; he handles the heavy lifting of moving bales to the barns and around the sanctuary which is invaluable work for us. He has been with us for over a year.

 

 

 

The students must balance their schooling with their work here. We try to be as flexible as we can to allow time for them to study for exams and to take breaks during their school vacations. We value these young enthusiastic folx and strive to keep them happy so they can help us keep our animal happy.

Come See Us!

We would love to see you at any of these events or at our place for tours or volunteering.

Donations in Kind

Did you know we could make great use with a few gently used items? If you’d like to donate any of the following, please contact Meghan at meghan@herdandflockanimalsanctuary.org

  • Refrigerator, 2 needed
  • Laundry Dryer, 1 needed
  • Metal Cabinets, 2-4 needed
  • Metal Wire Shelves, stand alone
  • Yard and workshop tools
Posted in Current Efforts