Sheep are gentle, deeply social animals, far more emotionally complex than most people realize.
Sheep can recognize and remember individual human faces from photographs for years afterward, a skill on par with primates. They know each other as individuals too, form preferences for specific companions, and communicate through subtle expressions and calls most people never learn to read.
None of that matters in commercial wool and meat production. Sheep are bred to grow far more wool than they'd ever need in the wild, so if shearing is skipped or delayed, they can overheat, become matted, or develop infections; yet shearing is often rushed for speed, leaving cuts and bruises behind. Ewes are bred year after year, and once they're no longer profitable, most are sent to slaughter rather than allowed to simply grow old. Lambs are frequently separated from their mothers shortly after birth and most are slaughtered for meat at just a few months old.
At C.A.R.E. Farm Sanctuary, that cycle ends. Our sheep get to graze at their own pace, rest without fear, and simply grow old, finally living free just like they deserve.
Meet our Sheep!
Our Farm Sanctuary is home to many animals, none more ornery than our goats, each special in their own way. From the towering LaMancha brothers, Woody and Lassi, impatiently waiting for breakfast, to tiny Thumbalina relaxing under her heat lamp or in front of her fan, each one arrived needing love, safety, and care.
Thumbalina is the same height as the world’s smallest recorded goat. Delicate and on daily heart medication, she is still feisty, bright, and full of joy. She came to us as a bottle baby after being unable to nurse. Even with bottle feeding, she wasn’t growing or thriving.
When we picked her up, she was small enough to fit in a cat carrier. She ate well but couldn’t climb or run like a typical kid. A veterinary exam revealed a heart defect that would worsen as she grew, and when we were told she might not reach her first birthday our hearts sank. Then our insightful veterinarian suggested trying a heart medication commonly used for dogs.
We began treatment right away, along with daily vitamin supplements, special chopped hay, and as much love as possible. If her time with us was going to be short, we wanted every moment to count.
Thumbalina quickly adored her daily brushing sessions, or “special scratches.” She leans in so hard she would topple if we weren’t holding her up! She enjoys freshened water, her favorite foods, and slow, curious walks around the farm.
Though there is no cure, her medication greatly improved her heart function. To our delight, she grew stronger and learned to trot and play. She prefers not to be with other goats, even the smallest are three times her size, so she befriended companions closer to her own size, bunnies and chickens.
We are grateful for every precious moment with this little miracle. Thumbalina may stand only 15 inches tall, but she is a giant part of our Farm Sanctuary family.
Join us in celebrating her 5th birthday and in wishing her many more to come!
To sponsor or send a gift to Thumbalina just click the donate button.
Annie's sponsorship will provide mineral blocks, parasite and fly prevention, hoof trims, feed/hay and carrots. Sponsorship available for Annie Oakley is $40 monthly.