Ontario Rancher has Change of Heart
Less than an hour from Toronto lies an oasis amidst intense animal farming country. Farmhouse Garden Animal Home was founded after Mike Lanigan, a third generation rancher, had a change of heart.
Mike had always dreaded sending animals to slaughter but felt that it was an inevitable part of being a rancher. In August of 2016, while he was trying to save the life of a newborn, premature calf (who was later named Hope), it dawned on him how hypocritical it was of him to save her life only to then send her to be killed.
Baby Hope
It was also the influence of Mike’s vegan friend, Edith, that ultimately helped spark change. Edith was an employee on the farm for many years before it transitioned from a cattle ranch to sanctuary. After Edith went vegan they began having conversations about animal rights. When Mike started having doubts about what he does, he came to Edith to see what she thought about turning the farm into a sanctuary. Edith immediately ran with the idea, posted a video online for Mike to share his thoughts, and began the transition to sanctuary.
Founders, Mike and Edith, chat with us about the spark that made the change from cattle ranch to sanctuary.
As well as being the co-founder of Farmhouse Garden Animal Home, Edith is the Executive Director of the sanctuary. She, along with the rest of the board of directors, oversee all of the fundraising, volunteering, and educational aspects of the sanctuary.
Edith tells us, “There's truly nothing like spending time with farmed animals to make people realize who they are eating. We've had countless people write to us letting us know that they no longer want to consume meat or dairy after seeing how loved and happy the animals at the sanctuary are, and that is really what pushes us to continue working hard. We've also really been promoting our humane education program in order to make sure that kids have a chance to learn about life at the sanctuary, and to instill in them values of compassion and love for all animals.”.
On open house days, the public is encouraged to come to connect with the residents at the sanctuary.
Farmhouse Garden Animal Home runs completely on donations from the public. Edith adds, “We are always so grateful for our donors and sponsors - it's the main way that we are able to continue the work we do!”.
The sanctuary is currently running a campaign to raise $10,000 to build two new shelters for their seniors and those needing to be housed separately. Please donate here: https://gofund.me/cd531716
Follow Farmhouse Garden Animal Home’s Facebook page for details on open house days, or you can book a private tour.
Other ways you can help the sanctuary:
Volunteer - learn more at www.farmhousegardenanimalhome.com/volunteer
Make a donation - www.farmhousegardenanimalhome.com/donate
Sponsor an animal - www.farmhousegardenanimalhome.com/theanimals
Purchase specific items like hay, lumber, vet visits, etc. through their shop - www.farmhousegardenanimalhome.com/shop