As we navigate the festive season, let’s pause and reflect on the wishes of those who often go unheard—residents of farm animal sanctuaries and individuals facing human challenges. This message explores the silent desires of sanctuary animals for a life free from suffering, alongside acknowledging the parallel reality of human crisis situations. In the midst of holiday celebrations, let’s foster a spirit of compassion that transcends species and addresses the needs of both animals and people.

Allie connecting with a JP visitor.

Within the serene landscapes of farm animal sanctuaries, each resident carries a wish during the holiday season. These beings, survivors of animal agriculture, religious rituals and or neglect, long for a life unmarred by suffering, where compassion reigns, and the promise of a brighter future becomes a reality. As we cherish our festive traditions, it would be wonderful to extend our empathy to these often-overlooked members of our global community.

Imagine the heartfelt wish of a rescued cow, like our resident Allie, her eyes reflecting the journey from the horrors of factory farming to the sanctuary’s embrace. Her wish extends beyond personal freedom; it is a yearning for her fellow bovines to experience the same liberation, to graze freely under open skies, and to feel the warmth of human caregivers. The sanctuary becomes a haven where these wishes are not just dreams but reachable expressions of hope.

DJ and Beanie smiling together.

In tandem with the sanctuary’s hopes, let’s also acknowledge the human crisis situations that persist globally. Whether it be natural disasters, conflict zones, or economic struggles, countless individuals are facing hardship and uncertainty. This holiday season, it would be so great to recognize the interconnectedness of all lives and strive to extend our compassion to both human and non-human beings.

Pigs, like our residents DJ and Beanie, with their intelligence and social nature, share in the sanctuary’s wishes for joy and freedom for pigs in the system. Having avoided the confines of industrial farming, they yearn for others to enjoy expansive spaces where they can root in the earth, bask in the sunlight, and revel in the simple joys of companionship. The sanctuary becomes a place where their wishes transform into moments of contentment, and where the cries of others may be eliminated by compassionate choices made by us.

Simultaneously, we can acknowledge the human crisis situations that unfold, where individuals are grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters or seeking refuge from conflict. In these times, a simple wish for stability, safety, and compassion prevails. By acknowledging these shared desires between human and non-human entities, we can build bridges of understanding and support.

Blanche enjoying sanctuary.

This holiday season, let’s recognize the oneness of our world—where the wishes of sanctuary animals and the challenges faced by individuals in crisis converge. As we gather with loved ones, let our celebrations be marked by a spirit of compassion that transcends species and borders. Supporting farm animal sanctuaries through compassionate food choices, donations and volunteer efforts can contribute to fulfilling the wishes of these resilient beings. At the same time, extending empathy and assistance to individuals in crisis can bring hope to those facing difficult circumstances.

With love and peace,
Britt & The JP Farm Animal Sanctuary Family

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Mother’s day is so special for us at JP.

We love to celebrate moms around the world and in every species. At the sanctuary we have 5 beautiful moms to honor: Mozza, our Duroc pig; Tallulah, our Scottish Highland cow; Allie, our Holstein cow; Copper our Jersey & Holstein mix and Lynn our ‘human mother’ to all of the fur and feathered residents at JP.

Allie sharing her motherly wisdom with Rudy the rooster.

All of these resident moms show us their love and compassion even though they never had the opportunity to nurture or to be with their own babies, the motherly instinct comes out to the rest of us through licks, kisses, snuggles, protective, and familial behavior. We can learn so much from how they care for eachother and the rest of the residents and certainly through Lynn’s dedicated caregiving to all the beings that call JP their home.

Copper adoring Ethan.

Would you like to support or sponsor these Moms for Mother’s Day? Please donate in any of the ways through our Website, PayPal, Venmo or Patreon in this link: linktree.com/jpfarmanimalsanctuary Together, with you, we hope to inspire compassionate living for the animals, our health and for our environment.

Tallulah accepting kisses from Ethan.

With loads of love for all moms,
Britt and the JP Family

Would you like to be a part of the sanctuary community? Sign up for our newsletter, write to us, share our sanctuary with others, volunteer or make a donation.

Did you know that our Earth Day tradition started in 1970 in a time without a Clean Air or Clean Water Act? The demonstration by twenty million Americans brought attention to the issue, and by December of that year the Environmental Protection Agency was born.

Allie & Copper are often together

Our current Earth Day challenges: As we are learning, the animal agriculture industry has a significant impact on climate change and global warming. According to the United Nations, the livestock sector contributes about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and dairy production being the most significant contributors. This industry along with production of animal materials also uses a large amount of water, land, and other resources, which has further environmental implications such as the deforestation of the Amazon and all of its biodiversity.

The production and transportation of animal feed, the disposal of animal waste, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides for animal feed production also contribute to environmental degradation (thus the emission percentage is much higher, when combined).

Copper, at the dairy farm, before she came to JP

3 Facts regarding the connection between Animal Agriculture and Climate Change

1. 77% of the agricultural land on the planet is directly used for raising animals, while 23% is used for raising crops. Since half the crops are fed to animals, animal agriculture accounts for 86% of the agricultural land area of the planet.(1)
2. 7% of the ice-free land area of the planet provides 85% of the food we eat in the form of plant foods. Animal agriculture takes up 43% of the ice-free land area of the planet, while providing just 12% of the food we eat in the form of meat, dairy and eggs. The seafood we eat constitute the remaining 3%, for which we have been destroying the entire ocean. (2)
3. Each and every day, the methane that is emitted from animal agriculture causes more incremental planetary heating than the CO2 emitted from all fossil fuel sources combined. (3)

Suggested solutions:

To address this issue, we can take positive actions, such as reducing our consumption and or purchasing of any animal products, supporting plant-based agriculture, and promoting sustainable plant-based lifestyles. Switching to a plant-based diet or reducing animal product consumption can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources. *** Please note that different organizations’ measuring metrics vary thus the percentages quoted may not equate but all of their concern and emphasis on animal agriculture effects are similar.

Making connections:

One way to make a compassionate connection with animals while supporting these positive actions is by visiting a farm animal sanctuary, such as JP Farm Animal Sanctuary. At sanctuaries, visitors can interact with animals who have been rescued from the animal agriculture industry and witness the positive impact of providing them with a safe and loving home, experiencing that they are sentient beings who want to live just like us. Sanctuaries also often promote plant-based lifestyles, shopping local, highlighting non-animal products and overall education about animal agriculture and its impact on animal welfare, our health, and the environment.

Delicious plant-based foods. Ask us for recipes!

Together with encouragement:

When we contemplate the condition of our planet, we may feel helpless about our incapacity to effect positive change. Therefore, it is crucial to concentrate on what we have authority over, such as our food choices. By consuming food that aligns with our beliefs and promotes ecological responsibility, we become empowered. These small but significant dietary decisions accumulate over time, and together, we can create a significant impact.

Reach out to us to reserve your visit to JP and let’s continue the conversation. Supporting each other and inspiring compassionate living together makes positive change possible!

With love and care for the health of our earth and all beings,
Britt

References

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2013, Tackling climate change through livestock – A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities, FAO, viewed 18 April 2023, http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3437e.pdf.
Steinfeld, H et al. 2006, Livestock’s long shadow: Environmental issues and options, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Lynch, H & Pierrehumbert, R 2019, ‘Climate impacts of cultured meat and beef cattle’, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, vol. 3, p. 5.

1. Calculated from the land use breakdown on Page 4 of the UN IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land Use, 2019 and the biomass distribution on Page 836 of the UN IPCC AR5 WG3 Chapter 11.
2. Calculated from the biomass distribution on Page 836 of the UN IPCC AR5 WG3 Chapter 11.
3. Rao, S. K., “Animal Agriculture is the Leading Cause of Climate Change,” Journal of Ecological Society, Vol 32-33, 2021.

Cowspiracy, The Facts, Infographic.

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Each year on March 1st, sanctuaries and their supporters celebrate National Pig Day. This special day is an important reminder to challenge the misconceptions baked into our culture. Today, we explore the misunderstood nature of pigs, while celebrating their intelligent, emotive, and sentient lives.

Beanie and DJ often together

Scientific research indicates that pigs are among the smartest land animals. What does pig intelligence look like? Pigs possess cognitive abilities similar to dogs and young children, demonstrating self-awareness in mirrors, object and person discrimination, time perception, and memory/spatial learning.

Not only are pigs intelligent, they are curious, playful, and social creatures. Pigs form deep, life-long bonds with others, often transcending their own species. If you’re lucky enough to befriend a pig, they can pick you out of a crowd using sight, sound, smell, touch, and social cues.

Beanie and Dolphin when they were babies

Who runs the world? Girls! At home, pigs form matriarchal hierarchies. These dominant females are large and in charge, getting the best food and superior sleeping spots. In this socially complex pig society, individuals use over 20 unique vocalizations to communicate with one another.

Mozza!

Pigs are homesteaders, as well as explorers. Pigs create warm nests from straw or hay for themselves and loved ones. A comfy bedtime routine is crucial after thoroughly enjoying the day with play. Pigs are inventive in their playtime; engaging in mock fights and chasing with other pigs, or carrying and shaking objects like balls and sticks.

A common misconception in pigs is that they are filthy. Like you and me, pigs prefer to keep their eating and sleeping areas separate from their toilet. You may have also heard the phrase coined, “don’t eat like a pig”. Pigs root around for food with their snouts, foraging for a variety of goodies growing in their environment. Their diet mostly consists of greens, vegetables, and fruits. In reality, everyone should eat like a pig!

Pepper and Shirley snuggling

At JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, we champion pigs as bright individuals. The six pigs in our residence are ambassadors of their species, paying homage to pigs around the world who have never known a safe place. Beanie-Tofu and Dolphin were the first wiggley-tailed friends to call JP home. These girls were saved from going to a feedlot after being raised and trained in a college agriculture program. Their first parents (the students) highlight their distinct personalities as piglets: “Dolphin was always super energetic and friendly with a big personality” while Beanie’s advocate, and one of our original caregivers, shares, “I picked Beanie because she was the calmest one. All the other piglets would swarm you..”.

We challenge you today, and every day, to question the world around you. Negative stereotypes perpetuate cruel practices and everyday detachment. From personal research to meeting a pig firsthand, it is up to us to take a closer look at these lively farm animals. Come visit us this summer, and share a transformative experience of lulling a pig to sleep with a good belly rub!

Want to give back and become an animal advocate for National Pig Day? Meet some JP residents that would love to call you their sponsor. By symbolically adopting a pig, you are contributing to their care and right to safe spaces. Thank you for supporting our rescued pigs, through adoption or taking the time to truly understand their magnificence!

With love for pigs,
Ashley the caregiver

Would you like to be a part of the sanctuary community? Sign up for our newsletter, write to us, share our sanctuary with others, volunteer or make a donation.

At JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, love and kindness spreads like wildflowers. JP residents have the freedom and comfort to live on their own terms. Despite their tragic beginnings, they choose to love and trust again. Their deep connections inspire us to open our hearts to new beginnings.

Here we highlight some special relationships taking root and blossoming on the farm.

Victor & the Golden Girls

After losing the companionship of one partner and then a flock of hens, Victor spent some lonely days on his stoop. Soon after, the four vivacious Golden Girls came to his rescue (as they were rescued themselves). This recent group of hens give Victor a renewed sense of purpose as their loyal protector. As a true gentleman, Victor guards the hens while they eat their breakfast and dinner, and will even give them his grapes. They have enough love to share with you too, as they follow anyone walking along the fence and run to greet their human friends.

Beanie Tofu & Dolphin

Beanie Tofu and Dolphin, or the Pink Girls, found comfort in one another as piglets. Their bond grew with them into adulthood. At the sanctuary, you will find them snouts up waiting for a corn or peanut treat. On warm days they cool off with a spa in their mud bath, and on cold nights they sleep together in a pig pile to share warmth. Although Dolphin has trouble seeing, she feels the love of Beanie Tofu whenever she is near.

Bruce & Evan

Bruce and Evan, lovingly called the Boys, have been best buds since they were calves. Spending almost their entire life at JP, these playful steers have a special corner of the sanctuary to themselves. Every morning, Evan joins Bruce in their pasture for a day filled with exploration, fresh hay, and naps. When they’re feeling mischievous, they work together to knock over all the hay bins. They love to watch their caregivers run down the hill to get them! There is never a dull moment with this dynamic duo.

Copper & Allie

Copper and Allie teach us that love has no bounds. As rescues from the dairy industry, these cows began to trust again at JP. Just turning 14 years this month, Allie is old enough to be Copper’s grandmother. Regardless of age, these girls have formed a gentle friendship. When Allie stays in her room to rest, Copper will visit her through the gate and show her affection with plenty of licks. They travel across the pasture to find each other and munch on grass side by side.

Life is better when we live it together. Share some love this Valentines Day by supporting and symbolically adopting one of these loving relationships at JP Farm Animal Sanctuary.

Looking for a delicious gift to yourself or to someone special? Consider ordering some cruelty-free chocolate from Trupo Treats with the code JPFARMLOVE for 10% off your order. This year, Trupo Treats is partnering with JP and is donating 20% of proceeds to support our rescued cows, pigs, chickens, and turkey. Give a compassionate gift today.

Would you rather adopt one of these sweet couples symbolically for a one time donation of $35 or become a monthly donor? Look at the various ways to become part of our community. Sign up for our newsletter, write to us, share our sanctuary with others, volunteer or donate through PayPal, Venmo, our Website, or Patreon in linktree.com/jpfarmanimalsanctuary

With warmth & love,
Ashley the caregiver

Would you like to be a part of the sanctuary community? Sign up for our newsletter, write to us, share our sanctuary with others, volunteer or make a donation.

Many cultures celebrate holidays around the Winter Solstice, the darkest time of the year. In spite of the darkness, we find little ways to remind ourselves that these long nights will pass and the cold will subside. We decorate trees, light candles, and illuminate walkways with string lights. We hunker down with our loved ones by the fire, warm drinks in hand. Although December holds the longest nights of the year, the month is brimming with warmth from our holiday cheer. After the holidays, we move forward through the winter encouraged by the promise of brighter days over the snow-covered horizon.

JP sanctuary, lovingly nicknamed Joy and Peace, exists to rescue animals from their darkest days. After seasons of neglect and abuse, our rescued farm animals find warmth and comfort in the light of Oscar and Lynn’s home. In this place of healing, there is a promise of brighter days ahead as they embrace new friendships and settle into an enriching routine.

Mozza, that’s me.

The power of sanctuary transforms everyone involved. The animals help us slow down and become truly present. They embody the grace and happiness of living for each moment. For those who are willing to observe, there are many more lessons being modeled at JP sanctuary. Copper, our newest dairy cow, reminds us with her endless licks to express gratitude and affection to the ones we care about. Ronnie the turkey reminds us to be confident in who we are (even if our feathers are hardly as magnificent as his). Mozza, our floppy-eared pig, reminds us to seize the moment with her spontaneous runs through an open meadow. After a year full of love, laughter, and lessons, everyone is preparing for a cold winter. As we hunker down for the coming months, we are warmed by the memories and support of all our friends this past year.

That’s Shirley and Pepper

As gifts are given across the world this season, a feeling of gratitude is exchanged. More than wrapping paper with bows on top, these gifts invigorate the community we’ve created as we embark on a new chapter together. Each year, sanctuaries give the gift of second chances. Our animals have been rescued from their darkest days, brought in from the cold of a world that viewed them as products into the warmth of the family we’ve created at JP.

And we’re Copper & Allie

Sanctuaries survive solely on the generosity of others. The gift we give to the animals is only possible through the gifts we receive by those who love them. This holiday season, help support the power of sanctuary. There are different ways to give a meaningful gift through JP Farm Animal Sanctuary today!

• Choose an animal to symbolically adopt! Will you choose Tallulah, our Scottish Highlander cow with sassy bangs and a craving for cookies; or will you choose Rudy, our newest rooster that has an appetite for adventure and loves being held.
• Contribute towards our winter stocking of hay. This donation supports every rescued animal on the farm, whether giving the gift of hay to eat or bedding to stay warm.

We hope everyone feels a sense of belonging and love this holiday season! May your days stay merry and bright.

Kindly,
Ashley the caregiver,

Would you like to be a part of the sanctuary community? Sign up for our newsletter, write to us, share our sanctuary with others, volunteer or make a donation.