Veganville Progress 2023

In 2023, Veganville celebrated its seventh year, and once again, we found ourselves wondering how we could surpass the achievements of the previous year. Yet, with the arrival of five new residents, each with their unique stories, we were reminded that the spirit of growth and compassion is boundless.

Patty, a smaller pig, joined us when her family could no longer provide care. The llamas, Rhett and Ted, transitioned to Veganville from a loving home that was sold as their owners embarked on a move out of state. Meanwhile, Peter and Piper, two Yorkshire mixes, found refuge with us from another sanctuary that was downsizing.

To accommodate these new additions, we recognized the need to enhance our infrastructure. Our focus led to the upgrade of the large pig barn, rendering it weatherproof and more stable. Water lines were laid, and plumbing was installed to eliminate the need for hoses running from the house. A separate structure was erected for the llamas, and with the acquisition of a new tractor, we made strides in addressing winter mud issues.

Looking ahead to 2024, our goals include further mud mitigation through the installation of concrete pads and walkways. A particularly exciting endeavor is the initiation of our Yurt Village. Additionally, we are actively pursuing accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and have forged a partnership with LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet), an educational program benefitting high school students through monthly workshops and scholarship opportunities.

While we celebrate the triumphs, we also acknowledge the somber moments. We bid farewell to two of our longest-lived residents, Petunia and Zeus. Their presence in our sanctuary was an honor, and we took pride in providing them with a home where they could age gracefully—a rarity for many farmed animals.

As we welcome 2024, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges it may bring. Veganville remains committed to its mission, and we extend our gratitude to our supporters. Your continued support fuels our journey towards a compassionate and sustainable future. Happy 2024 to all, and may this year be filled with growth, kindness, and positive change.