Looking Back on 2025: Nine Years of Veganville

2025 marked Veganville’s ninth year, and what a year it was. Equal parts hard work, unexpected turns, big wins, and the kind of moments that remind us why this place exists in the first place.

We kicked things off by welcoming Rose and Scarlett, two alpacas who joined us early in the year and immediately made themselves at home. They set the tone for a year full of connection, curiosity, and a lot of alpaca opinions.

Like any long-standing sanctuary, the year also came with heartbreak, reminding us of the fragility of life and the bonds we forge. We sadly said goodbye to Penny and Peaches, two gentle souls who brought joy to our days with their playful antics and comforting presence. Their unique personalities enriched our community, leaving a void that will be felt for a long time. Later, we faced the loss of Garth, one of our roosters whose presence was larger than life in all the ways only a rooster can manage. With his proud strut and commanding crow, he ruled the roost and kept the spirit of the sanctuary vibrant. Each of them was deeply loved and will always be part of Veganville’s story, a poignant reminder of the love and loyalty that exists between us and our animal companions. We will cherish their memories and honor their spirit as we continue our mission to provide a safe haven for all beings.

Then there was little Pan, a surprise arrival who reminded us once again that rescue work doesn’t follow a calendar. Pan also inspired something big. We built a new structure for him that will eventually serve as a dedicated medical and recovery space for our aging and healing residents. It is something we have needed for a long time, and we are excited about what it means for the future.

Behind the scenes, 2025 was also a year of major upgrades and problem solving.

• We installed a propane generator so power outages no longer mean panic.
• We laid concrete in the goat, sheep, llama, and alpaca areas to create a durable surface that withstands weather conditions and provides a cleaner environment for our animals.
• We uncovered a secondary water line that gives us access to additional water and takes pressure off our well, bringing huge peace of mind.
• We bought a hay container, built an overhang to protect our tractor, and stored a year’s supply of hay to keep our animals well-fed on a budget.

There were challenges, including unexpected vet bills and losing our local hay supplier, but there was also something far bigger: the Veganville community.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteer team who show up month after month on their designated Sunday to clean stalls and make sure every resident has dry, comfortable bedding to sleep in. Their consistency, care, and willingness to do the unglamorous work make a real difference in the animals’ daily lives.

When things got tight, the community showed up. Donations, shares, volunteer hours, and steady encouragement carried Veganville through. Because of this collective support, we did not just get through the year. We built a stronger foundation.

As we step into year ten, we are feeling hopeful, grateful, and excited for what is ahead. Thank you to the entire Veganville community for believing in this work and helping keep the sanctuary moving forward, one animal, one improvement, and one act of kindness at a time.

Here is to the next chapter.