Note: This post may contain affiliate links. The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own and do not represent the views of the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary.
For the last few months, I've had the pleasure of volunteering once a week at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Mostly I clean up poop, and I love every second of it. These animals (The Lucky Ones, as Jenny Brown, co-founder, calls them) now have a safe and loving home for as long as they shall live. The sanctuary is home to chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, cows, pigs, and more. Their stories of life before arriving at the sanctuary are nauseating, and sometimes gruesome. Even if an animal is destined for the dinner plate, he/she deserves a cruelty free, respected life of being cared for. These orphans were abused and neglected, made ill by a lack of proper care. But they hold no grudges, which is more than I can say for a lot of humans. Their gratitude melts my heart.
Clide, a rooster, greets me as I start my shift by walking me to the volunteer center and then following me around to make sure I am doing my job. Sheep look up at me and smile. Goats knock over my wheelbarrow and climb on my shovel as I work, creating mischief that can only make me laugh. A baby pig, runs to me for some back scratches when I call her by name. They all make me smile, and I come alive each time I pull into the driveway and pull on my muck boots. I am the one who is grateful for their unconditional love which has helped me to feel joy once again.
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