Sweetie and me

We called her Sweetie. We don't know what she called herself but, to us humans, she evoked the tenderness, vulnerability, innocence and wonder exuded by those we feel compelled to cradle with terms of reassurance and endearment. Sweetie was one of the 700 chickens rescued from the wreckage of a massive Mississippi "broiler" farm destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. When she and 200 other rescued chickens arrived at Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary last fall, they were barely 8 weeks old, still peeping in their baby voices, not even old enough to cluck. Yet their bodies were already huge and soon to be crippled by the abnormally large size that all "broiler" chickens are genetically manipulated to develop in less than two months - long before they reach adulthood - in order to reach what the industry calls "slaughter weight".

A few months later, Sweetie's legs became too weak to support her enormous body. She started to limp, she staggered, she started to fall, so we moved her from the hen house to the human house where we could keep a closer watch on her. For weeks, our presence terrified her and she'd hide under the desk every time one of us walked into the room. We respected her need for distance and were careful not to intrude in her "personal space". Sweetie kept herself at what she considered to be a safe distance, and we were all getting used to the new routine.

One afternoon, as I sat down at my desk, I felt a gentle pecking and tugging at my legs. I thought it was Phoebe who had been a house hen for months and rarely missed a chance to socialize. But Pheobe was resting in her nest across the room.

I looked down and there was Sweetie preening the loose fibers dangling from my skirt. I sat motionless, not wanting to startle her. She went on with her grooming offering. After a while, I slowly extended my arm and touched her back. She did not run away as before, so I gently scooped her up and cradled her lumbering body in my lap. At first, she tensed up, darted alarmed glances around the room, made sounds of worry - but she did not try to get away. She just sat there and probingly stared at my face for what seemed like hours. Then, in a heartbeat, she relaxed and fell asleep in my arms.

This is the kind of gift that makes you want to weep - the trust of a completely vulnerable being. And the unshakeable, and devastating knowledge that this small, helpless, battered being, whose life isn't worth more than a dime to the industry, is someone who is full of mind, full of soul, full of important questions - "if I trust you, will you hurt me?" - and full of the yearning to not only love, but to be loved.

So much so that she is willing to risk her life to experience it.

Joanna Lucas
© 2006 Joanna Lucas
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If living ethically is important to you, please remember that there is nothing humane about “humane” animal farming, just as there is nothing ethical or defensible about consuming its products. When confronted with the fundamental injustice inherent in all animal agriculture—a system that is predicated on inflicting massive, intentional and unnecessary suffering and death on billions of sentient individuals—the only ethical response is to strive to end it, by becoming vegan, not to regulate it by supporting “improved” methods of producing dairy, eggs, meat, wool, leather, silk, honey, and other animal products. For more information, please read The Humane Farming Myth. Live vegan and educate others to do the same.

Everyday Heroes

Wow!  What a pleasant surprise we had Sunday afternoon, when Anchorman Mitch Jelniker of Denver's ABC station Channel 7 showed up at our gate.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and several of our most dedicated and supportive volunteers had come out to the sanctuary to lend a hand and treat the animals to carrots, chin scratches, and lots-o-lovin.

We soon discovered that Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary had been chosen "Channel 7 Everyday Heroes"!  We proudly accepted a handsome plaque presented by Anchor Man  Mitch Jelniker.  Mitch and his camera man Mike spent a few hours filming the animals and interviewing Joanna Lucas, Amanda Groves, and Michele & Chris.  It was a fantastic day!

Thanks to ALL of our supporters and volunteers, and to Denver's ABC station Channel 7, for recognizing the important and necessary work all of us at Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary do everyday for - and on behalf of - the REAL unsung heroes... Farmed Animals everywhere. 

Air times:
Sunday 9/3, 10 pm
Wednesday 9/6, 11 am
Friday 9/8, 4 pm
Saturday 9/9, 5 pm
Sunday 9/10, 7 am





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If living ethically is important to you, please remember that there is nothing humane about “humane” animal farming, just as there is nothing ethical or defensible about consuming its products. When confronted with the fundamental injustice inherent in all animal agriculture—a system that is predicated on inflicting massive, intentional and unnecessary suffering and death on billions of sentient individuals—the only ethical response is to strive to end it, by becoming vegan, not to regulate it by supporting “improved” methods of producing dairy, eggs, meat, wool, leather, silk, honey, and other animal products. For more information, please read The Humane Farming Myth. Live vegan and educate others to do the same.

Michael's Fight For Life

Michael has been a Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary Icon for years now. He has graced the home page of PeacefulPrairie.org since it’s its inception.  Visitors to the sanctuary have been greeted by him and welcomed into his herd once he checks them out and gives them the final approval with his firm face rub to their bodies.

Michael was a born leader, but his ability to offer his leadership to a herd was stifled, if not crushed, for all of the early years of his life. He was kept as a breeder for a goat dairy. He endured years of loneliness, near starvation, deprivation, pain, and abuse.  Sadly, this is the life-story of millions of “breeder stock” used in ALL dairies. They, just like their sisters, mothers and daughters, are brutally killed as soon as their “productivity “declines at the dairy. Michael was rescued just before he would have either starved to death or been slaughtered – whichever came first.  His transition to a loving home was foreign and frightening to him, at first. After a short time passed, Michael learned and accepted that he was – for the first time in his life – free, loved, and forever at peace.

Because Michael had never been allowed to walk, let alone graze in vast open pastures, at first he was hesitant to leave his recovery area. Jake, the herd leader at the time, insisted that Michael join them in their walks and even eventually turned control over to Michael as soon as Michael demonstrated his ability and aptitude at leadership.

In the past few months, we have noticed that Michael has “retired” as Top Goat. When the temperatures of summer began to rise, Michael stopped escorting the herd on their daily jaunts.  We didn’t think much of it due to his age and experience – he’s a wise old man. He had opted for short morning walks then spending the rest of the day resting in the shade and having his hay and fresh water and treats brought directly to him. We gladly obliged.

A few weeks ago, he stopped getting up at all, stopped eating & drinking.  He went down fast. We were devastated and rushed him to the Vet. We learned that he was in end stage renal (kidney) failure.  The Vet didn’t expect him to live another day. We opted to bring him home and allow him to die with dignity in his barn rather than a cement stall at the clinic. Although he was completely non-responsive and appeared to be moments from death, we made him as comfortable as we could and sat with his head in our lap while stroking him softly as we cried and thanked him for being such an amazing and unforgettable part of our lives.

When I thought he was beginning to feel pain, I got up and prepared an injection of Banamine (a pain killer).  I decided to give him a mega dose with the thought that it would either relieve some pain or hasten his departure – either way, it would have been an improvement for him at that point. After giving him the shot, we had to tend to all of the other animals who still needed to be fed, watered, and cared for. About an hour later, I glanced towards the barnyard and there was Michael gingerly walking out to the scratching post and leaning up against it for support. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I have never seen an animal recover when they were that close to death. Leave it to Michael to be the exception. Once again in his lifetime, his determination, will to live, and strength of character, compelled him to not give up. I called to Chris who was busily tending to the 200 Katrina chickens. His jaw hit the ground – we cried tears of elation and frantically scrambled to get him hay, sweet feed, and water. Michael dove into it all wagging his tail the entire time. Pumpkin, a small Boer goat, rushed over to steal some of Michael’s food. Michael gave him one swift (albeit pretty weak) head butt.  It was to be known that Michael is *still* the boss and requires respect…even in his weakened state.

Michael will never regain the kidney function but, for now, he is back with us and not ready to leave us. He suffered physically and emotionally for so many years of his life before he came to PPS, that he insists on making up for as much lost time as possible. We are grateful for every day he continues to share his magnificence with all of us in this free, peaceful, and loving home.

Michele Alley-Grubb
© 2006 Michele Alley-Grubb
________________________________________
If living ethically is important to you, please remember that there is nothing humane about “humane” animal farming, just as there is nothing ethical or defensible about consuming its products. When confronted with the fundamental injustice inherent in all animal agriculture—a system that is predicated on inflicting massive, intentional and unnecessary suffering and death on billions of sentient individuals—the only ethical response is to strive to end it, by becoming vegan, not to regulate it by supporting “improved” methods of producing dairy, eggs, meat, wool, leather, silk, honey, and other animal products. For more information, please read The Humane Farming Myth. Live vegan and educate others to do the same.

It's A Mud-Wallowing Kind Of Day

Petunia and Oscar have the right idea. Throughout the day, they go around and tip over all of the fresh water troughs. Then they flop, slip, and slosh until they have wiggled into a perfect customized form fitting mudhole. Ahhhh...

Of course, there is "Mudhole Etiquette" that must be followed. For starters, no matter how carefully young Oscar has prepared the perfect mudhole, if matronly Petunia decides she'd like to give his a try, he'd better hop out on the double. A short bit of pouty whining is acceptable, but it'd better not carry on for very long or it will disturb "her royal highness", Miss Petunia. Before you get felling too sorry for Oscar, or disapproving of Petunia, hear me out.

When fellow pigs Agnes and Ernestine decide to get up from their naps, Petunia is put on notice - get up and move out. The slow speed chase begins. Poor Petunia is on the run (kinda). Agnes and Ernestine "chase" Petunia out of the mud hole and around the barnyards until she has relinquished any territorial claims she may have had on that mudhole.

A few months ago, Petunia and Agnes called a truce and even started to share a pig apartment, Petunia's place. We were thrilled. Petunia had been living a pretty solitary life, by choice. She had been rescued from a severe abuse and neglect case, (well... all of the pigs had) but Petunia had spent years giving birth to babies that were promptly stolen from her. Over time, she detached emotionally from other pigs as a self defense mechanism. The impending separation was too devastating.

She has been at Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary for a few years, and is now slowly starting to trust that her adopted brothers and sisters will never be forcibly taken from her, but it is still difficult for Petunia to allow herself to get too attached to anyone. Oscar and Lucas met her as piglets and tentatively sought her companionship. She loves them, but is still a bit distant at times.

Petunia seems to favor inter-species friendships. For a while, she was infatuated with Petey the donkey. Now, when she needs an emotional "fix", she follows Justice the steer around like a schoolgirl with a crush.

Justice knows that Petunia needs his friendship and gladly obliges. He is always willing to comfort and console anyone in need, and is especially gentle and understanding with the many broken souls who go to him.

Michele Alley-Grubb
© 2006 Michele Alley-Grubb
________________________________________
If living ethically is important to you, please remember that there is nothing humane about “humane” animal farming, just as there is nothing ethical or defensible about consuming its products. When confronted with the fundamental injustice inherent in all animal agriculture—a system that is predicated on inflicting massive, intentional and unnecessary suffering and death on billions of sentient individuals—the only ethical response is to strive to end it, by becoming vegan, not to regulate it by supporting “improved” methods of producing dairy, eggs, meat, wool, leather, silk, honey, and other animal products. For more information, please read The Humane Farming Myth. Live vegan and educate others to do the same.

Morning on the Prairie

This morning we awoke to a Cacophony of Cock-a-doodle-doos. Chris was first to get out of bed and out the door to open the barns and houses. As the doors swing open, a flurry of feathers come rushing out to greet the morning sun.

All of the birds LOVE a morning after a midnight rainstorm. The grasses are wet and bugs are abundant. New growth is freshly sprouted too... just waiting to be discovered by the curios and energetic roosters and hens. 

As soon as one of the roosters finds an especially interesting morsel, with the utmost chivalry, he summons the hungry hens so they can have first nibble. While he goes through the barnyard pointing out piles of freshly scattered scratch grains and other delicacies, he stops every few feet to scan for potential dangers. He is always on the look-out and takes his duties as flock provider and protector very seriously. We humans have a lot learn from these noble, responsible and generous Roosters.

Some of you may have already met John Lee.  He has one of the more dubious tasks of overseeing a large flock of hens and a few young roosters who survived Hurricane Katrina.

These all-white former "broiler" chicks have many difficulties due to their abnormal size and genetics, which were caused by breeding practices meant to make them grow unnaturally fast so that they are full grown and can be at slaughtered at only 7 weeks of age - just innocent babies.

John Lee spends most of his days caring for, teaching, protecting, and loving his flock. The girls adore him and the boys look up to him, and we respect the heck out of him!!!  He even recently 'adopted' a new duck, Duffy. She had been rejected by each of the other duck groupings. Ducks are one of the most difficult animals to introduce into existing flocks. They are extremely territorial and form lifelong mates and bonds with flock members. More on ducks later...  Anyway, Duffy feels very secure and at peace when she is with John Lee. She knows he will not only accept her, but he will also protect her and care for her. He is amazing.

By the Way... John Lee was left to die in a trash can. He was discarded by a "family farm" egg producer. Since roosters don't lay eggs, they are killed by the billions. It doesn't matter if the egg producer is a factory farm, "free-range", or family farm.  The production of eggs for human consumption is one of the most cruel forms of animal abuse, but also one of the most preventable-- go Vegan! John Lee and his brothers deserve to live!

While the ducks, gees, chickens, swan, and turkeys love to scurry through the wet grass and splash in fresh mud puddles, the goats and sheep are far less enthusiastic about getting out of bed on a muddy morning. Slowly but surely they will tip toe out of their barns and head for dryer pasture or pavement.

Isabella, the little black pigmy goat who is as wide as she is tall, lets out the most pathetic of bleats (goat language). One by one, they will all commiserate loudly. The "woe is me" bleat is actually just a warm up for the "Yahoo!" bleat that comes as Marty kicks up his heels while they head out.  The, "Oh I suppose it's not so bad" attitude is contagious and pretty soon the younger and spryer goats are playfully head-butting and jumping as the whole herd welcomes the new day.

Michele Alley-Grubb
© 2006 Michele Alley-Grubb
________________________________________
If living ethically is important to you, please remember that there is nothing humane about “humane” animal farming, just as there is nothing ethical or defensible about consuming its products. When confronted with the fundamental injustice inherent in all animal agriculture—a system that is predicated on inflicting massive, intentional and unnecessary suffering and death on billions of sentient individuals—the only ethical response is to strive to end it, by becoming vegan, not to regulate it by supporting “improved” methods of producing dairy, eggs, meat, wool, leather, silk, honey, and other animal products. For more information, please read The Humane Farming Myth. Live vegan and educate others to do the same.

Welcome to Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary!

Here, you can meet the amazing individuals who are fortunate enough to call Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary home.

They come in all different sizes, shapes, and speak many languages...but one language is understood by all...the language of love, happiness, peace, and freedom.

The residents of Peaceful Prairie came to us knowing nothing but fear, pain, stress, and loneliness. PPS allows rescued farmed animals the opportunity to blossom into the unique individuals they are, to form lifelong friendships and bonds, and to experience all that a life of filled with TLC has to offer.

You will meet the ever changing cast of characters as time goes by. Some days will be filled with funny stories, cute moments, and contented souls...while other days will bring us sadness, loss, and tearful goodbyes.

Overall, you will get to know as individuals the animals who are otherwise only seen as neatly packaged body parts and reproductive machines.

Here, at Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary, you will come to know by name, and love, the Cows, Pigs, Goats, Sheep, Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Swan, Peahens, Guineahens, Dogs, Cats and humans who live their lives to the fullest because - for the first time in their lives - they are given a loving place to call home.

Michele Alley-Grubb
© 2006 Michele Alley-Grubb
________________________________________
If living ethically is important to you, please remember that there is nothing humane about “humane” animal farming, just as there is nothing ethical or defensible about consuming its products. When confronted with the fundamental injustice inherent in all animal agriculture—a system that is predicated on inflicting massive, intentional and unnecessary suffering and death on billions of sentient individuals—the only ethical response is to strive to end it, by becoming vegan, not to regulate it by supporting “improved” methods of producing dairy, eggs, meat, wool, leather, silk, honey, and other animal products. For more information, please read The Humane Farming Myth. Live vegan and educate others to do the same.