Beyond Your Backyard - We Are Free To Be Ourselves!

By Kimberly Epp

Last weekend's yard sale at "Free to be me Animal Sanctuary" brought in funds to help the animals and new awareness to the jewel of the south for those who hadn't heard of its existence. At least 100 people attended, although that is a rough estimate.

"I see donations, but come on, let's fill this pail!" (Photo by K. Epp)

Homemade muffins, a chance to visit the animals, meet activists, socialize and meet like-minded individuals, and then go schmooze again with the critters! The kittens of course stole my heart.

Every year I write an article or 2 on the sanctuary, and yet there are many who aren't even aware we have this wonderful spot.

A lady from Regina traveled to our friendly city for the sale, and to get her farm animal fix. ❤ (Photo by K. Epp)

The sanctuary is home to unwanted, abused, rescued, dumped, surrendered, special needs and these animals include emus, ostriches, steers, ponies, horses, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, roosters, rabbits, geese, ducks, cats, dogs, alpacas, llamas, turkeys...and I'm sure if missed a few. And all are loved.

The quonset was full, already partly emptied out by this time. Thanks to all the donators. (Photo by K. Epp)

Our hearts also go out to Louanne and Melissa on the loss of their nearly 2 year old steer, Willie.

"What you look at. A little privacy, please?" (Photo by K. Epp)

Willie was surrendered, as he had a deformed jaw, making it difficult to eat. As time went on, despite food ground up for him, it became more and more difficult for him as his jaw continued to deform. The very difficult, but only humane choice was made last month to euthanize him.

But the ladies have their hands full with 3 more calves, all requiring bottle-feeding and one even extra care with a broken leg. That's How Hope came to be. And now there is no stopping her, am I right? She is quite the escapee I am told.

Melissa Pierce and Louanne Shropshire would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who came out and supported the farm and a very big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped put this together and volunteer their time. And of course thank you to all who donated to the sale and bought feed for the sanctuary animals.

Epp is an environmental educator and writer as well as the current President and Field Trip Coordinator for the Moose Jaw Nature Society. She can be reached at kepp@shaw.ca.

A donation is always worth some alpacha love.

If you would like to donate to the sanctuary, or book a tour later this Spring, contact Louanne or Melissa at their fb site or call at (306) 684-2231. Tours are by appointment only, and the funds from donations and tours help feed and care for the animals.