Well! Have you ever heard of groundhog day? Perhaps groundhog year! Yes, in a year that promised to be so much there was a lot of completely the same!! You all know what we're talking about right? The big C, the C word, the detestable COVID. Now we remember writing about this last year, around the same time and lamenting the effect it had been having on all lives. The differences of opinion surrounding the severity, and let's be fair, everyone is entitled to their opinion. To be frank, is it any wonder there are so many differing beliefs, so many divergences of opinion when the authorities can't even agree, let alone come on board with a proven or reliable plan of action. Here we are just having ticked into 2022 and we are no clearer, or confident, that this isn't going to be a long slow repeat of recent years gone by. But we are not here to dwell on the negative that is COVID. It is here whether we like it or not, even if we believe it isn't actually here.....if that makes sense?? No, we are here to look back on the year that was, from main events to one little sanctuary in the heart of Monarto named Furever Farm. We will touch on achievements, plans, rights, wrongs and all in between. But most of all we will touch on the animals, for they are the important factor in our lives. They don't worry about things with scientific names, they aren't concerned with current affairs or politics. No, they are all about freedom, love, happiness.....and food. So without further ado......here's to 2021.

There were some rather interesting pop culture events that kept us amused (or not amused!!) during the lockdown that was. There was a popular TV show that promised to uplift the begeezus out of us. That's right, Friends: The Reunion would come along to titillate an audience that would, by episodes end, agree that whilst it is tempting to look back during a future so uncertain....often the past is best left in the past!

And speaking of ships, yes we said SHIPS, can we all remember one little canal that was expected to swallow a container ship whole? Late March would see the Ever Given become wedged in the Suez Canal strangling with gusto one of the worlds biggest ever trade routes. This one, ahem, tiny event would spur a montage of some of the best online memes available. It's not like people had anything else to do, right.......lockdown......

Now it's about here that we were to delve into the entire Harry & Meghan interview scandal but; A) we don't wish to upset the royalists, and B ) we don't wish to upset the Harry-Megs. But basically the crux was another high profile Oprah orchestrated interview that would leave jaws aghast with talk of Royal racism, bullying, Kate crying and Hazza being cut off from the family purse. Really, it would prove that every family has at least one that hates them even if directed by the new missus......really?

Other celebrity news would see Brittany cancel the conservatorship, the Kurtain would fall on the Kardashians (yes....there is a God), Eurovision would be mortified when a heavy metal band took out the gong and J-Lo and Ben made it official.

BUT, by far the most important and amusing occurrence of '21 was Bernie Sanders Mittens: An Internet Glove Story! Oh the frivolity of memes that would amuse us well into the year. From January on, the internet was abuzz with memes and photoshops keeping an otherwise un-busy population happy in front of their screens. Bernie was seen riding the subway, sitting on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, sitting on the park bench alongside Forrest Gump and so much more. Bernie was more popular than he has ever been all thanks to a set of old mittens.

In sport we would, again, see cancellations and scurrying to see fixtures through. The AFL would shuffle and move games, even being forced to break with contract and tradition, playing their Grand Final in WA. Many would ask if the season should even be going ahead (sorry, COVID mention) but we all know that the AFL has more power than a Government....right? However, 2021 did have venues in many sporting codes once again contested in front of empty stadium seats.

So on and on we had, as normal, world and Australian events unfold and occur. Governments over the world changing, more civil unrest even in the unlikely of places, vaccines travelling the globe (thankfully not via the Ever Given), Ethiopia's civil war worsened, the world economy continued to suffer and, sadly, the Taliban would again take power in Afghanistan.

Whilst we were stuck inside, confined within our borders, both nationally and internationally, there was a lot happening in that big wide world of ours. But we can be thankful that we wake up each day, the sun is shining and we are healthy and happy. Compared to other countries we don't have a real lot to complain about.

Here at Furever Farm it was business as usual, except for the usual!! We're talking cancellations again. Yes, even Charity sanctuaries were feeling the wrath of the COVID rules. For the second year running we would struggle through with our fundraising severely hit. We would have planned events cancelled such as Quiz Nights, Dinners and, yet again our major fundraiser, the annual Open Day would not see the light of day. What may only seem like a few events actually adds up to a massive chunk of funds that would go directly to the animals. It places huge stress on other areas and shortfalls that must be made up. Realistically, those shortfalls simply cannot be made up and your attention already focuses on next year. Sure, we held some online benefits, and continue to do so, but we really need to be able to open some events. It is also what we prefer, meeting supporters and our community in person. Here's hoping of a better 2022 as it slowly progresses, and here's to the efforts of our fundraising team that has to see their personal events pushed aside.

We had some major plans for the sanctuary as well. Again, due to funding, some were placed into redundancy whilst achievable goals were focused on. Some of these were achieved solely due to some amazing donors we had contact us through the year, offering to pay for certain things, or build others at no cost. Fundraising doesn't necessarily have to be financial, it can be via donated goods and labour that would otherwise need paying for directly by the farm, including online tech such as our website maintained by James Byrne of Hilltop Digital Agency.

We watched in amazement as we turned two paddocks into five, enabling better land rotation and animal segregation if need be. This has not long been done, within the last few months, and is a joy to look at each day as we venture out to take care of the animals. On the same section of land, we finally had the paddock turned and re-seeded, growing hay which the animals could eat straight from the ground seeing us save costs associated with buying hay in. It also sees the topsoil stay where it belongs come windy days, having an anchor if you like, to hold it down.

During 2021 we saw a large intake of animals needing saving. This saw a need for increased shelter. As you know, Furever Farm advocates strongly for compulsory shade and shelter for animals, thus we do our best to provide enough for the amount of animals in our care. We were incredibly lucky to have all shelters erected during the year free of charge! From past toolmakers to shed builders we were gifted amazing structures, of which we are eternally grateful. We are not finished yet though. We still have a few more on our wish list and will be sure to see this happen in 2022.

And speaking of animals. Furever Farm had join us some very special bubbas. Special needs animals that we have worked with, fixed some and continue to work with others. We will rattle off some names for you, but we are sure you will be all too familiar with them already! Before that, can we mention here our amazing team that shows up week in week out helping care for these and all animals, performing the hard yards of rescue. Not only do they get dirty, but their effort also is so awesome and the follow-up work they do, such as maintenance, general farm duties and special needs assistance is worthy of only praise. They not only donate their time and body, but they also give over their emotions as they too grow to love each animal for their uniqueness. Likewise our special needs volunteers that joined us through the year. Callan, Geoffrey and Dana, all with their own individual challenges fell for the animals they worked around. Not willing to allow their disabilities stand in their way these three individuals inspired us and set Furever Farm as the place that truly welcomes all and believes in everyone having a chance.

A little boy with no use of his rear legs would join us. Dexter would struggle but fight, even utilising a wheelchair originally designed for the beautiful Felix (R.I.P). From a farmer who simply wanted to cut his throat, he would be x-rayed and examined to find a broken back, most likely stood on by mum or kicked in his original paddock. This boy, who they wanted to put down, would go on to recover fully; walking, running and jumping abound amongst his lamb family.

It would be that we would take in an unprecedented 33 lambs from the season. So many souls that would have been lost to cold, attack or by the hands of farmers themselves. One of those lambs would be the dear Scarlet. This soul would come to us with the most devastating of deformities and a laceration on her head that had her skull visible. Again, to be killed by the farmer, Scarlet carried the burden beset by the person himself. By the time she came to us, Scarlet had septic arthritis. Prior to this she would have had what is known as joint ill, an infection passed on via the umbilical cord. Joint ill is treatable via a 5 - 7 day course of antibiotics, treatment that would likely have fixed such. This was never done and the infection worsens, turning septic before arthritis sets in. Had dear Scarlet found us a week earlier, her condition may well have been different. Likewise, if she had come a week later, the infection may have spread throughout the body unable to be treated.

Scarlet would end up having everyone trying to help her. From ourselves to volunteers, our vet to physios and the Flinders University MDRI team. Scarlet would be fitted with an extendable brace as we attempted to correct the major distortion in her leg joint, but aside from stretching tendons it was unfortunately too late. Scarlet's elbow joint remains fused to this day while we wait to hear of a time for amputation.

A very unique case would enter our lives in the form of a Dorper lamb we would name Pepe. Named such because he is the stealer of hearts, much like the fictional cartoon character Pepe Le Pew. Pepe was born with a condition called Atresia Ani, or to put it simply Pepe was born without an anus. This condition is more common than you think amongst the animal world, with a majority of cases unreported due to paddock and wilderness death. Pepe would suffer through 3 major operations to first correct his ailment, placing an artificial anus within, and then to correct failing of the procedure. We care and love Pepe to this day and he continues to live in hope. We hope that his latest hiccup is Pepe's last, for further failing would see him likely inoperable.

We had numerous other animals join us at the farm, some of which remain, some that have been adopted to wonderful homes and, sadly, those who have since passed. We would lose animals that touched our heart, as they all do. They reach us and our team, as well as you, the community that lives their life via the internet. Your grief in the passing of any animal is just a relative, just as important.

We would lose a beloved pig, a resident since birth, she would be overcome by sedation needed for a procedure. Tuscadero would leave a hole amongst her fellow pig family and shock all of us here at Furever Farm. An old girl, Ambrose the alpaca would pass having lived to a grand age. Leaving behind her birth son she would evoke tears as we watched the mourning within the animal world.

They don't have to be with us long either to grab our emotions and stir the heart. Another old girl, this time a sheep appropriately named Lady Penelope would pass suddenly during her battle to walk. The sadness was widespread as a community willing her to succeed now came to terms with her passing. Little chooks can have big impacts on people as our Winnie would prove. Again, trying her hardest to walk after losing her legs, her body simply could not keep up.

A pony with a genuine character, and a beauty to match. Mr. Paint, another of the elder status, would succumb to the dreadful colic, an illness he had so valiantly fought before. But now, with a body older, and slightly wearier, Paint simply wanted rest and closed his eyes with his beloved family right by his side. A blind sheep would also leave us in 2021, an elder statesman as he was known. Only six short months would Noble be with us before old age would carry him away. From a sheep untouchable to a man who would seek you out for touch, so affectionate and endearing this sheep would amaze in how quickly he found his way in a place he could feel safe.

Finally, there would be a lamb who touched the heart so much he would adorn the clothing of Furever Farm. Felix the lamb would never walk. His spine suffering abnormalities would see an endeavour like no other. The saddest thing about the passing of Felix is that it came as he was making progress in his determination to, one day, walk via his wheelchair. One night as we woke to his stirring we would find Felix in pain. We would pick him up and nurse him between our arms as we began to phone for help. Felix would look up at us, take a few final breathes and pass in our arms, feeling our tears.

We remember all who have lived their lives with us. We remember them with fondness and emotion. R.I.P to the following bubbas:

• AMBROSE THE ALPACA - APRIL 26

• CHOCOLATE THE HEN - MAY 5

• TUSCADERO THE PIG - MAY 16

• FELIX THE LAMB - MAY 20

• WINNIE THE HEN - JULY 13

• NOBLE THE SHEEP - JULY 27

• MR. PAINT THE PONY - AUGUST 16

• LADY PENELOPE THE SHEEP - SEPTEMBER 15

• SAFFRON THE HEN - OCTOBER 2

• PEPPER THE HEN - NOVEMBER 20

We have had so many sweet bubbas join us in 2021. From the shy to outgoing, young to old, charismatic to mischievous and well behaved to just plain naughty. Some have left us to live the best life with the best families, something that rescue is all about. We always maintain that no-one owns these animals, they are their own individual and own themselves. We are their carers and should also be their best friends.

Joining other families in 2021 were:

• PENNY THE HEN

• NINJA THE HEN (R.I.P)

• JACK & DUSTY THE LAMBS

• TODD & FINN THE LAMBS

• OLIVER, MEG & BEATRIX THE LAMBS

• BILLY, OLIVIA & ENYA THE LAMBS

• BEANIE, BONSOY & MOCCONA THE HENS

• BONNY THE LAMB

• TILLY & HARRY THE LAMBS

• HERCULES THE LAMB

• WILMA (R.I.P) & CHANCE THE HENS

• SUSAN & COFFEE THE HENS

• COLE & LEO THE STEERS

The best part about performing a task that you wish so deeply there was no need for is taking in and meeting these wonderful souls. Yes, some come broken and bruised. You work and repair these amazing creatures the best you can. Done properly, sensibly and with the animals wants and needs in mind you will form a relationship with each and every one of them. This is special, it is special for one reason; you have helped heal. Whilst some may never heal completely, such is the savagery they have faced, they will have healed to the point of comfort, to the point where they are no longer living their lives in fear. Now, they get to live their lives to the course of their natural selection. There are none here to rob and steal minds and souls, no industry barbarism to cut short a life that should live freely. There are no disjointed minds that thrive on cruelty, no-one looking to harm. No, here all animals that find their way walk into an immediate transformation of patience, respect and unlimited love.

Joining us in 2021, and still residing at the sanctuary are:

• VIOLET THE SHEEP

• NAPOLEON THE ALPACA

• ABBI THE GOAT

• MARGARET, MALALA & (UNCLE) BUCK THE SHEEP

• MUSTARD, SALT, SQUAWKY & NOODLES THE BANTAMS

• ROSE & BLOSSOM THE LAMBS

• SACHI (SACHIKO) THE LAMB

• KAT VON D & MARA THE LAMBS

• WINTER THE SHEEP

• THELMA & LOUISE THE SHEEP

• DEXTER THE LAMB

• ZIGGY THE LAMB

• CHOC DROP THE LAMB

• MAPLE THE LAMB

• PEPE THE LAMB

• KEEGAN THE LAMB

• DOTTY, LADY-HENRIETTA, MARABELLE & HENNY PENNY THE BANTAMS

• MOLLY THE LAMB

• SCARLET THE LAMB

• SKYLAH THE LAMB

• TESS THE GOAT

• SHEP THE LAMB

• PORGIE THE LAMB

• SABLE & SEBASTIAN THE GOATS

• SOOTY THE GOAT

• DIGBY THE LAMB

• KATIE THE SHEEP

As we exit 2021 and enter 2022 we all hope that this year brings some closure to the turmoil that is. There's certainly been enough COVID to go around and it has left in it's wake a trail of destruction. From health to finances to livelihoods decaying. We must remember that the animals feel the impacts of these times also. With cutbacks and closures come victims, and sadly animals are currently thought of as the wastage commodity.

We will continue to do as needed here, to the best of our ability and to the full of our pledge and promise. We know that we have you by our side but we ask, when you see us advertise an event (here's hoping!) consider grabbing a ticket. If you see a raffle or auction, please help us help the animals. When we put a call to arms to try to get a project over the line, please get involved. And when you see that post each Thursday asking for you to be thrifty, donating a cup of coffee, please, please do if you can.

We really really hope to bring you an Open Day this year. It is way past due and we know that we are simply itching for it. It would be lovely to see all your bright faces again, smiling and loving the animals. At the end of the day, we wait and see. Farewell 2021, hello 2022.

Thank you all for your genuine support over the last 12 months and beyond. As we like to say, keep it real for the animals!

Darren, Hayley & the Furever Farm Team.