Lucy
Lucy is a domestic goose whose parents were dumped at a lake in Reno, Nevada. Still in the egg, Lucy's nest was abandoned. The temperature outside was much too hot for a goose to sit on her only egg. Fortunately, Mark and Marie knew what they were doing and took her home to their incubator. Lucy soon came to live at Greener Pastures where she is the boss of the chicken and duck yard!
Blossom
Blossom is another sad case of a domestic duck being abandoned at a park pond. She crossed a very busy street to an apartment building and spent several days on a patio there. Without much to eat, she was very scared and needed a home.
When people abandon domestic waterfowl at lakes, ponds, and creeks it never ends well for the animal. They have difficulty surviving and most don't. They are prone to disease, malnutrition, abuse, coyotes and other wild animals. If you have an unwanted duck or goose please be humane and find a good home, sanctuary or shelter to care for them.
When people abandon domestic waterfowl at lakes, ponds, and creeks it never ends well for the animal. They have difficulty surviving and most don't. They are prone to disease, malnutrition, abuse, coyotes and other wild animals. If you have an unwanted duck or goose please be humane and find a good home, sanctuary or shelter to care for them.
Kip
Kip was listed at the shelter as a "barn cat" because he was not comfortable around people. We adopted him in hopes that he would live a happy life at Greener Pastures. When he arrived all he did was hide in the barn and hiss whenever we got too close. Kip eventually started visiting Dinkey pig in her stall and became very attached to her. Gradually he began hanging out in the feed room with us. Then rubbing on the wall when we were a little closer, but not too close. Eight months later he let us pet him! Now he loves to be picked up and petted!
Stanley
Could this young Potbelly pig be any cuter? He has so much personality! Stanley was left in an overnight drop at a shelter and we jumped at the chance to adopt him as a friend for Dinkey! (Animals always do best when they have their own kind to be with.) Since Dinkey has been an "only pig" for a long time we are introducing these two gradually and safely. With the help of a professional pig trainer we are working on Stanley's impulse control so that he will grow up to be a gentleman. Stanley is very smart and is learning fast! We are so proud of him.
Opal
Opal was intended for slaughter through the FFA program. Happily, she made to Greener Pastures instead! When she arrived, Opal had an eye infection and an upper respiratory infection, as well as wounds that we quickly treated. We couldn't wait to remove the ear tag that is seen in this photo. Once removed we could see where her ear had been painfully punctured twice leaving a large hole. Opal may have been ignored most of her young life since she was very skittish about everything around her. Fortunately, she had Parli and Chev to teach her that she is safe here! Now she enjoys getting pets and scratches behind the ear and doesn't panic when people are near. She is sweet and gentle girl who we adore!
Parli
This friendly Hampshire sheep was raised by a student in the Future Farmers of America program. In the end she didn't want her precious friend to be slaughtered for meat. She bravely withdrew Parli from the program, saving his life. Parli now lives with us at Greener Pastures and is very bonded with our other sheep. Together, they graze in the pasture all day long and share a barn stall at night. Parli is a big Teddy bear we call our "gentle giant".
Lacie
Beautiful Lacie came to us from an abusive home. She had no shelter and was tied up to a cinder block. She often went days without food or water. When Lacie arrived at Greener Pastures she was severely depleted in minerals which are crucial to a goats health. Her hooves had not been trimmed and because of that had a serious tendon issue.
We are heartbroken to say that we lost Lacie just eight months after she arrived at Greener Pastures. Joe drove her to U.C. Davis for the best possible veterinary care. Unfortunately, we learned that Lacie had abdominal cancer that had spread to her lungs and we had to make the difficult decision to prevent her from suffering. We miss Lacie terribly, but are grateful to have provided her with more love and attention than she had ever received prior. If you would like to make a donation in Lacie's name so that more animals like Lacie can know true love, please click on the yellow "Donate" button at the bottom of this page.
We are heartbroken to say that we lost Lacie just eight months after she arrived at Greener Pastures. Joe drove her to U.C. Davis for the best possible veterinary care. Unfortunately, we learned that Lacie had abdominal cancer that had spread to her lungs and we had to make the difficult decision to prevent her from suffering. We miss Lacie terribly, but are grateful to have provided her with more love and attention than she had ever received prior. If you would like to make a donation in Lacie's name so that more animals like Lacie can know true love, please click on the yellow "Donate" button at the bottom of this page.
Kiko
The very same day that we lost Lacie we were contacted about an 8 month old goat kid that desperately needed a home. What this baby had been through in her short life is among the most horrific abuse we have ever heard of.
It is appalling how cruel people can be to animals. We are breathing easier now knowing that Kiko is safe in our care, experiencing gentleness, patience, and love. Upon arrival Kiko immediately bonded with Emmett who is three times her size! His depression over losing Lacie eased up as soon as he met Kiko. Kiko is still skittish, but we are giving her time and space to heal from all she has been through. We hope that soon she will see that she doesn't have to live in constant stress or fear ever again..
It is appalling how cruel people can be to animals. We are breathing easier now knowing that Kiko is safe in our care, experiencing gentleness, patience, and love. Upon arrival Kiko immediately bonded with Emmett who is three times her size! His depression over losing Lacie eased up as soon as he met Kiko. Kiko is still skittish, but we are giving her time and space to heal from all she has been through. We hope that soon she will see that she doesn't have to live in constant stress or fear ever again..
Twix
Olive and Coco
These lucky young turkey hens were rescued from the meat industry right before Thanksgiving. Every year three hundred million turkeys are killed in the U.S., mostly for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are so happy that these two get to live out their natural lives with fresh air, sunshine, and freedom. Spending time with these two is very rewarding. They are calm, gentle, sweet and very curious.
Quirky
Quirky is a domestic Heritage turkey that was found abandoned. He was starving and had been attacked by dogs. He is fully recovered now and doing quite well at Greener Pastures. He makes sweet "cooing" sounds and fluffs his feathers for visitors. Isn't he magnificent?!
Chev
A gentle lamb that was abandoned by his mother, Chev was found in a field and bottle-raised by a kind family. Soon he outgrew his suburban home, requiring more space and animal companionship. Chevy is now thriving at Greener Pastures! He has a special bond with our horse Starlit and now has sheep friends!
Starlit and Wildfire
These majestic animals came from a kill pen in Oklahoma. Starlit was a 7 year old mini with a difficult past, together with her 6 week old colt Wildfire, they were sent to a kill pen because no one wanted them. We can only imagine the horrors they experienced there. With patience and a calm environment, we are working with them daily to undo the psychological trauma they suffered. Starlit is trusting more each day and no longer has terror in her eyes. Wildfire has grown into a very handsome gelding.
We suspected Starlit might be pregnant when she arrived at Greener Pastures and sure enough she was! It's tragic to know that these 3 would have been slaughtered for meat had they not been rescued. Over 100,000 horses from kill pens are slaughtered each year simply because no one wants them.
We suspected Starlit might be pregnant when she arrived at Greener Pastures and sure enough she was! It's tragic to know that these 3 would have been slaughtered for meat had they not been rescued. Over 100,000 horses from kill pens are slaughtered each year simply because no one wants them.
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Felicity
On the night of June 8th 2020, Starlit gave birth to a beautiful little filly we named Felicity. Felicity is so incredibly curious and friendly. Her birth went smoothly and she is healthy and strong. Mom had a rough time for a few days afterwards. Our wonderful veterinarians came to treat her several times. Starlit is doing wonderfully now, and Felicity is amazing! She has a very strong bond with her big brother and they are often seen running, playing, and teasing each other in true sibling style!
Dinkey
Dinkey is a potbelly pig who lost her home to a wildfire in Southern California. Thanks to the Rescue Train in Los Angeles who typically only rescues companion animals. They met Dinkey and learned she was going to be euthanized. Together, we gave Dinkey a second chance at life. She arrived at Greener Pastures scared, upset, fat-blind, sunburned, and morbidly obese. Dinkey has been getting a healthy diet since she arrived in 2019 and has lost 170 pounds! Since a "facelift" has given her sight back, Dinkey is much more confident and eager to explore the barn and pastures now. She enjoys getting tummy rubs and burrowing under her blankets. Because she loves laying in the warm sunshine, we carefully apply sunscreen to her pink skin every day.
Dinkey is now happy and healthy! We couldn't be more thrilled for this deserving little pig. (Her full story is on our home page.)
Dinkey is now happy and healthy! We couldn't be more thrilled for this deserving little pig. (Her full story is on our home page.)
Dinkey 2019, 270 lbs
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Dinkey 2021, 110 lbs
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Indira and Zion
Hazel and Izzy
These miniature donkeys that have a lot to say! They are vigilant to the goings on at the ranch and bray to us in greeting each day. They didn't have much human contact in their past and were extremely overweight. Now they can't wait to get brushed or receive a little scratch on the behind. They have learned to use a halter and lead and ask for walks around the property every afternoon. Izzy is subdued and sweet while Hazel is a bit more opinionated. We are amazed at how gentle and calm they are.
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Lennon and Taylor
Our year old Nubian goat brothers are very friendly. Lennon is quite curious and good-natured. He rushes up to get scratches on the head and even "purrs" when we brush him! Taylor is a little on the shy side, but he's been rushing to us for pets more frequently. We don't mind if he's shy, at Greener Pastures we give all our animals the space to be just who they are.
Juliet and Lennon
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Taylor
Lennon
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Juliet
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Juliet is a beautiful and gentle spirit. She is half sister to Lennon and Taylor. Calm and friendly, her sweet presence is reassuring to her young brothers who look up to her. It's entirely possible that she is the sweetest goat ever! She is known to gaze lovingly into our eyes and to doze while getting brushed. We are thrilled to have her at Greener Pastures. Juliet is also a Cover Girl! She was featured on a postcard in a Vegan Cuts Snack Box, December 2020. Click the following link for more information about the wonderful Vegan Cuts subscription boxes.
https://vegancuts.com
Emmett
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Emmet was a lonely 5 year old Alpine goat who lost his only goat friend early in his life. When he came to us he was lethargic and bloated. After a few weeks on a healthy diet he began running around the pasture like a happy kid!
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Marigold, Lily, Olivia, Abigail, and Chili
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These precious hens were rescued from the factory egg industry. After a year or two they are typically killed to make room for new better-laying hens. These lovely hens were fortunate to be pulled out before that happened. They have the friendliest personalities! Chili is very curious and likes to say hello when we clean the coop. Marigold is sweet and enjoys being held. Olivia and Lily are gentle and try to avoid trouble, while Abigail gently pecks at our clothing to say hello.
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P. Diller
This handsome Silky rooster was found abandoned on the street. He fit in with his new flock immediately and doesn't seem to mind that he's smaller than his new friends. P. Diller is a character, he has taken on the job of protecting his hen friends and constantly crowing proudly.
Blanca, Ringo, and Sprinkles
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3 duck buddies that lost their home are now Greener Pastures residents. They had been kept on cement which had horrible consequences on their feet. They arrived with severe bacterial infections referred to as "Bumble foot". We sought medical treatment right away and received antibiotics to administer. Sprinkles suffered the most. He was very thin, limped terribly, and wasn't eating. Sprinkles had to be confined to a crate with layers of soft towels to stand on. His treatment included epsom salt foot soaks twice daily and pain medication. He is still being treated by a veterinarian and is slowly improving.
Lovey
Lovey Dovey was found injured outdoors. She was probably released with others at a wedding. After being taken to a rescue facility for medical care, they were going to euthanize her for not being a native species. Unable to be released in the wild, we took her in and found the perfect home for her. She is now quite happy flying in a large aviary with her new bird friends.
Pablo
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Beautiful Pablo was found starving on a city street. Most likely he was dropped off by those who didn't want him anymore, as is all too often the case. People want the experience of raising chicks, but don't consider what will happen if they end up with roosters. They almost always end up with roosters! The problem is that nobody wants roosters because they can be noisy and aggressive. Sadly, they are usually killed, released into the wild where they rarely survive, and sometimes even end up in the inhumane world of cock fighting. The solution- don't adopt chicks unless you are prepared to raise roosters too. Do your homework and learn all you can about caring for chickens before taking them in.
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Iliza and Carmen
Iliza
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Carmen
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These girls were rescued from the meat industry where they would have been slaughtered for their parts. When we first brought them home they were quite traumatized and wary of humans. They have adjusted nicely to freedom and now get to enjoy dust baths and foraging in their yard. The average life expectancy of a chicken is 7 years however, in the meat industry they are forced to gain weight quickly and are slaughtered at only 40 days old having never seen daylight.
Sheila
A lovely hen with a funny personality! Sheila was without any chicken friends. She was also being chased by her family's new dog, Sheila's family made a compassionate choice and sought a home where she would be happy and safe. Sheila quickly adapted to Greener Pastures where she has lots of room to explore with new hen friends without the stress of being chased.
Irene, Pearl, Valentine, and Daisy
Rescued from the egg-laying industry thanks to Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary http://www.chickenrescue.org, these girls now live with us and get to enjoy freedom, fresh air, sunshine and the occasional dust bath. Since being rescued, their personalities have blossomed from utter stress to the unique individuals they are. Unlike most battery cage hens, these hens have discovered their love of blueberry treats and foraging in the grass. Irene loves staying up late and hanging out with us on the patio. Daisy is all about food and likes to get bossy with the others. Valentine is an alarmist that looks out for the others safety, while Pearl is independent, likes to sleep in and always hits the hay early.
"Before"
The typical existence of an egg laying hen in a battery cage. They are called "battery" cages because the cramped cages are stacked up high, resembling batteries. The hens fight for space and food so factory farms sear their beak tips off to prevent injury. Additionally, these hens are often left in the dark to keep them subdued. The cages are never cleaned and the conditions are inhumane. |
"After"
Now these happy girls get to enjoy natural behaviors like basking in the sun, foraging, and taking dust baths. The solution to the cruelty of the egg and meat industries is to stop consuming eggs and chicken. A plant based lifestyle is proven healthier and more sustainable. You can rest easy knowing that you aren't contributing to the pain and suffering of other living beings. |
Irene learned how to trust people.
Pearl wandered into the house and found a unique roosting place. Later we found an egg in the closet!
Henny and Bartles
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Theirs is a bond formed tragically by witnessing their other bird friends being killed by wild animals. They are now with us in a safe enclosure with new duck and chicken friends. We give them lots of love and plenty of tasty treats! They have happily accepted their new home and we are so happy to have them in our flock! Henny is the matriarch of the coop strolling the grounds to survey what's going on. Bartles loves swimming in his pool and occasionally herds or breaks up kerfuffles amongst the chickens.
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Gracie
Gracie was an Easter bunny that wasn't wanted when the holiday was over. Her destiny was to become food for another animal. We rescued Gracie and we've been in love ever since! We have never met a rabbit so calm, gentle, and affectionate. She loves getting banana treats and giving us kisses in thanks. We are so lucky to have her, she is the sweetest girl!
Ellie May
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Ellie was intentionally starved so she would hunt ground squirrels. When her owners were done with her they had plans to release her in a field far from home. We stepped in and now Ellie gets all the food and water she wants! She came to us emaciated and mistrusting. Now she is happy, relaxed, and loves being part of a family. She gets to sleep on a real bed and get the tummy rubs that make her purr with delight!
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Mattie and Masala
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These handsome best friends were bought for Easter then left to fend for themselves. They were brought to us as ducklings and now get lots of love and a safe space to be themselves. They are constantly by one anothers side and will never be separated.
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Courtney, Tina, Ivy, and Monica
Meet our four beautiful Australorp hens. These gals were rescued from the egg laying industry where they were being starved to death because the rancher was done with them. They are more than a commodity, they have feelings and unique personalities. We enjoy watching them explore sunshine, dust baths, and freedom for the first time in their lives. A special thank you to Happy Hen Sanctuary for making the trip to Utah to bring these girls to freedom and safety.
https://www.happyhen.org
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Panda
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Panda's story began as a Future Farmers of America project in 2013, before Greener Pastures existed. When news hit that the 8 month old steer was doused in lighter fluid and lit on fire at a local school we were deeply saddened and outraged! The news brought many people from the community together to help this gentle animal and ensure that the crime did not go unpunished. We attended court daily during sentencing wearing bright green shirts. Some of us reached out to sanctuaries in a desperate attempt to save Panda from going to the Mid-State Fair where he would be sold for slaughter regardless of all he had endured. A generous donor stepped up and bought Panda from his FFA child's family and Animal Place gave Panda his forever home. Thank you Marcy Christmas and Kim Sturla of Animal Place! True heroes. Animal cruelty has since become a felony in the state of California.
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http://animalplace.org
These are just a few rescues that had a happy ending.
Please donate today so we can continue to help animals in need.
Greener Pastures Farm Sanctuary
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 GreenerPasturesSanctuary@gmail.com
EIN 81-4222022