Meet the Menagerie

Here at the Sweethome Sanctuary, we have had the privilege to care for many animals who, although have been mistreated and neglected by humans, still give us a chance to learn from them. Many have found forever homes after healing here at the sanctuary in Portland, OR. Some have stayed to live out their lives and we are fortunate to have the job of ensuring their health and well being.

We are committed to honoring the natural cycle of their lives with the intention of interfering as little as possible, yet providing them with everything they need. This sanctuary prioritizes the comfort of the animals and is also educational for the people. The volunteers who come get the chance to be compassion activists. Educational programs are focused on teaching compassion and respect for all sentient beings.

We hold strong to the recognition that life is the experience of living and dying. Through the yogic lens, as well as Tibetan Buddhism, the biggest obstacle to the awakened state is the fear of death. It takes deep compassion to honor the passage of time that walks us eventually to the portal of relinquishing the body.

Last year, we experienced many losses. Even to this day, I wake sometimes and ask the atmosphere why Griffin had to go. He was the first dog I brought home from Thailand. He was at The Elephant Nature Park waiting for me with about 600 other dogs. His soul spoke to my soul. I brought him home and loved him so.

YARA’s dog rescue project is one of our four legged family focuses. We also love the goats. At this time in the dawn of 2021, we have 3 goats. Christmas, a sweet boy who loves cuddles, and Hannukah, the independent lass with a beard and a sassy tail, were surrendered to YARA when the human family was evicted from their home. These two little pygmy goats were left to fend for themselves for food in the backyard among the garbage since this family didn’t receive garbage pickup.

The goats slept in the mudroom in the back of the house on the cement and I don’t think it had ever been cleaned, so there was a whole lot of poop in there. It is often that human people acquire animal people as if they were products and really have no idea how to care for them.

These two came to live at the sanctuary with Curdle, a Nigerian dwarf goat with horns who had just lost her best friend, Truffle to bloat. That was a rough experience for all, but mostly for Truffle. She was in so much pain. We had a vet come here to lessen the stress. We did what we could, but we ended up having to put her down

and it was heartbreaking. There is a saying; Loss is endurable because Love is the echo of Eternity. I hold those words close to my heart when grieving for all who have passed.

There are four Bunnies that live here. There are Cinnamon Buns, two boys who live outdoors and they have a shelter, but also can roam free. They dug a tunnel out of their house, so If they wanted to go they could, but they like it here and have created quite a warren for their tribe of two. Due to their escape artist skills, they were surrendered to us from a caring family in Tacoma who couldn’t keep them safe in the city.

Animal-sanctuary-is-a-safe-space-for-the-cinnamon-buns

The indoor bunnies have a whole room to themselves in the house. They cuddle and leap about. They have makeshift tunnels, and hiding holes made from boxes, blankets, and bedding. Their names are Sassafrass and BabyBoy. Sass was a rescue from the Humane Society. We needed to find a companion for BabyBoy because, the love of his life had passed away. Her name was QueenBee and her’s was a Peter Rabbit tale: The avid gardener down the road kept catching her in his greenhouse and so YARA was called in and we brought her home.

She lived with us for about a year, but then QueenBee got very sick, very quickly and we had to free her from her struggle. It was a hard year losing those blessed creatures, yet many beautiful little beasts came into our lives as well.

It is so very common for “pet” rabbits to be abandoned once they are no longer cute, tiny bunny rabbits. Rabbit Advocates is an amazing organization that fosters and finds homes for rabbits. BabyBoy was a rescue who we fostered and eventually adopted. He was such a Romeo and I fell in love with him.

Rabbits are amazing companions with such personalities and tender hearts. They can be house trained easily and fill your life with a lot of joy. Always remember, there is no need to ever purchase an animal. There are so many that need homes.

Oh yeah, and the chickens! They are a whole ‘nother story with thoughtfulness and purpose. Stay tuned and I will share about them soon.

Look closely at the photo. Can you see that one of these kids is not like the other? But they do all belong.

From this blog post you can see the blend of highs and lows that come with animal welfare. It is selfless service, yet I feel so much self-fulfillment. Animal Rights work, in general, requires so much compassion, devotion, and reflection. What is this life we live? How do we want to live it? And who do we love while living?

If you are interested in volunteering at the sanctuary please contact us. We can arrange weekly shifts, or monthly shifts. We also have work parties throughout the year. The animals would love to meet you and we would deeply appreciate the help. I mean, Hey, doeasn’t everyone want to be a compassion activist? Much love, sweethome