2022

 

It would be the year of many variances, both at Furever Farm and throughout the world. 2022 would see us experience lovable highs and stressful worrying lows. Many animals would come into our lives (and yours via social media) and many would leave, some moving on to furever homes, others sadly departing our world. Twelve months sounds like a short time, there are instances it seems to go very quickly as well, but 365 days is a long time and so much can occur.

Major occurrences took us through the year, but probably no bigger than another war. Russia went to war with Ukraine and it would see catastrophic invasions, deaths and drawn-out battles. All wars produce the same thing, and more often than not, there is no winner even if one declares so. With unrest continuing, every likely cease-fire is harder to believe.

With war raging it would be ironic that the world population would cross 8 billion. On November 15, the big figure was hit, with India being the largest contributor, clocking in at 177 million. But, as the milestone was reached, the population growth had actually slowed. According to the UN, it could take 11 years to reach 9 billion, with 10 billion not due until 2080.

COVID would continue to dominate the airwaves, producing so many variants it would run out of names. But, 2022 would see the dreaded lurgy retreat, as we would be told we were 'permitted' to cease such things as lockdowns, number restrictions and those blasted facial masks. Businesses would begin to reopen, small businesses emerge and livelihoods return rather than be taken away.

We would see billionaire Elon Musk take over the Twitter platform with various reactions depending on viewpoints. Whilst many saw it as a collapse, other saw it as a return to free speech on a platform that was originally designed for just that.

The world would lose many well-knowns and celebrities, as per each year, but no more well-known figure would be the passing of the longest-serving British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Millions would mourn in Britain, and around the world, as Queen Elizabeth passed on September 8. With a 70-year reign and the age of 96, Elizabeth would leave the reign to her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales. Charles, himself, at 73 would become the oldest person to become King in Royal Family history.

The Australian weather would provide fantastic highs and incredibly destructive lows. We would encounter the wettest and mildest spring and summer period seen in some time. Records were broken as rain fell during Spring, filling dams and reservoirs to overfull, Mr Flannery needing to take a backseat. Our friends in the Eastern states would be hit hardest with catastrophic deluge, raining and raining and raining resulting in multiple floods. We know animal sanctuaries in both NSW and Victoria who were simply devastated by flooding. While many people were affected, lives and livelihoods lost, the animal toll would be of Biblical proportion. Those floodwaters would eventually make their way through South Australia, flooding towns along the way. These floods are still ongoing, we have not seen the last of them yet.

From a local perspective here in South Australia, we would see a major win for the animals with the banning of jumps racing in the horse industry. An inherently cruel and barbaric "sport" was finally viewed as such by the Governing bodies on July 7, seeing jumps barriers taken down for the last time across South Australian horse racing tracks. Of course, the fight does not stop there, with flats racing and greyhound racing the focus of similar pushes for action.

Koalas would be elevated from vulnerable to endangered in the East Coast of Australia. February 11 would see many years of lobbying pay off as the Government finally made the switch. Due to human development intruding on their habitat, Koalas in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT would be afforded greater protection from harmful developments.

The year was filled with many things. The sad, the ugly, the happy and the delightful. As is the case with life in general, whether one saw any event as good or bad would depend on personal preference. But whilst the outside world was ticking, the animal world continued to be exploited, abused, violated and worse, leaving far too many animals needing help than available carers or sanctuaries. Here at Furever Farm, we help the forgotten ones, the truly abused. Animals are bred purely to die for a dinner plate, or simply because they are not wanted. Farm animals DO have a voice, but as many still feel the need to unnecessarily eat them, fueling the supply and demand chain, their voice becomes unheard.....conveniently. They are animals with absolute ZERO rights. No strong, tight form of legislation protects them from the most heinous and sadistic of demises. They are the ones that require help the most. They are shunned by Government, the industry in which they are trapped and by everyday people who prefer 5 minutes of taste over the life, well-being and happiness of an animal. We often say, if only people viewed farm animals the same as they do our domestic friends, how different the world would be. Dog lovers do not eat dogs.....animal lovers do not eat animals.

Here at the sanctuary, we achieved some amazing goals. This is always done by hard, dedicated work and the extreme kindness of many people. During COVID we would see a downturn in donations, something we are currently attempting to bolster even now.  Asking for financial help is something we simply feel uneasy doing, but over time we have come to realise that it is a necessity beyond question. Unfortunately, money runs the world, and a 100% volunteer-run NFP Charity needs a lot of income to be able to remain open and care for many animals in need. We would, however, find ourselves with so many continued sponsors and donors trying to help us in any way they can. Their continued commitment is something we treasure and appreciate beyond words. We would also meet another donor. A very generous and kind lady who would believe in us and continued to help us many times. Her contributions saved us on multiple occasions and made it possible to provide the animals with much-needed structural necessities. We remain extremely grateful for this person's kindness, and we cherish the friendship we have made.

During this year, due to unforeseen and untimely high expenses such as electricity peaking to over $1000 per month, drastically increased fuel costs, animal surgery, specialist and vet costs plus many more, Furever Farm would find itself in a situation it had not since its first year of operation. Our corporation bank balance would drop too severely low, and dangerous levels. We would be in exceptional danger of having to close our doors. It is amazing just how much people power comes to the fore when those around you see the genuine, honest and open nature of what you do. We, for the very first time in our history, put out a desperate call via a Go Fund Me forum. The response was exceptional and left us in awe of the love shown. Spots on the radio were well received as stations were eager to help when they heard of our financial plight. Whilst we continue to try to raise funds towards a goal, the outpouring of kindness has taken some of the stress from our shoulders, even for the short term. Again, our friends, new and old, would be there for us as our time of need was produced. We still need ongoing funds, be that via our Go Fund Me forum or simply via regular donation or animal sponsorship, so we will leave our account details at the bottom of this blog, along with a link to our campaign. Alternatively, it is simple to click and donate right here on this website.

We continue to operate, take in animals and rescue and save as much as we can. This is all due to you. During the year we have seen a few changes around the farm, all making life easier for the animals whilst providing them more comfort, shelter, health and safety. One major build that occurred was the Alice Shore Piggy Retreat! Practically gone was the pig's shelter of iron and wooden beams. 300+kg pigs had, over time, pushed, rested, and biffo-ed the walls to buckling and snapped a lot of the beams along the way. Tired, old and past its use-by date, another strong and permanent structure was needed. Along came the bearer of the new building title, and a concrete shelter was built. Never to be destroyed by wayward piggies, and much cooler during summer, the new build was something to behold as the pigs quickly became accustomed to their new straw-lined beds. Between a readily filled mud bath and a new fancy house, the pigs of Furever Farm have never had it so good.

New fencing would accompany the pig's yard, along with many other required fencing repairs and replacements. If there is one thing that needs upkeep in a sanctuary, it is the fencing. The pig's yard would receive a new stretch on its way to a total replacement, seeing huge gates in a convenient spot enabling vehicle access. A new yard would be built for the 'special needs' babies, in readiness for shelters which would be started. These shelters would be provided free, out of the goodness of the hearts of Rach, Joel, Vic & Thomas from Zenith Built, both in the new yard and in one of our large animal paddocks. Such kindness is what sees any venture accomplished in a sanctuary.

Sometimes new builds or requirements are not of one's choosing but can end up being a Godsend. Take, as an example, the existence of our huge, totally new chicken and duck enclosure; otherwise known as the Rotary Club of Feathered Friends. Again, this would be a combined effort of donors, volunteers and builders working together to get one massive job done. The story behind the new build is not so great. The old chicken coop would be taken from us in one foul storm. Wind gusts of approximately 120km/h would one day rage through the farm, picking up and rolling the chicken housing to a crumpled mess, tearing fencing from the ground concrete still attached to poles! How we did not lose even one chicken is unbelievable and so amazing. However, it saw us with the immediate concern of homeless chooks and nowhere to place them. Whilst we were able to foster out some of the hens and roosters, the rest remained here, housed in totally unideal enclosures. The new coop just had to be done. With donations needed, and time always a major factor in looking after up to 150 animals, the new build would take slightly longer than convenient, but it would happen. Now, the chickens and ducks share a huge open area, bright colourful houses and fencing, swings, ladders, and lots of room to scratch. It truly is a sight to behold and we cannot thank enough everyone that was involved.

It would be a year we got to meet an amazing person and artist, Thomas Readett of TR Visual Arts. With the injection of colour around the sanctuary at the front of our minds, we realised we had so much blank canvas literally sitting around the farm. A 20ft refrigerated container sat plain white and in need of something special. Wall space on animal enclosures called out for imagery beyond the wildest imagination. New builds, such as those previously mentioned were prime real estate for the arts. We met Thomas through his partner, Renee, herself a talent in the photography field. This meeting would not only set off collaborations so heartfelt but a friendship as well. Thomas and Renee are both vegan, they have a special place within their giving hearts for animals. They would love coming to the sanctuary, we would love having them, and what we would end up with was a true masterpiece. Currently, we have both sides of a container, plus work station, painted with Thomas's immaculate and amazing artwork. So bold, striking and colourful, we could simply do nothing but love it. There also sits atop the entrance to the pig's yard a new sign, encompassing a chosen name for the home of the oinkers. Both the container and the entrance sign are adorned with the lifelike art of passed animals that struck a huge heart within the farm. The artwork is a memorial and tribute to these animals that are no longer with us, resting peacefully but never forgotten. We simply could not describe the artwork's depth and embrace. One must see it for themselves to fully appreciate its glory. We can say, however, that each portrait is so lifelike it is emotional for us. We remember such animals every day as we walk by, all thanks to Thomas. We have much more to be done in various places around the sanctuary. It will take time, and it will be when reachable but it will happen. Vision is but an endless array of the mind's eye.

With COVID restrictions eased, a huge, amazing and treasured icon would return to Furever Farm in a big way. Each year we hold our annual open day, a day for fun, festivities and education in meeting these beautiful farm animals. For the past two years this open day has not happened. COVID restrictions have seen us legally unable to open our gates to the public. This not only severely affects our fundraising, with the open day being a massive event, but the education of those who may never get close to these types of animals is thwarted. This year, though, saw the gates swing open again....and in a big way. So big was the open day compared to years prior, it was named the Furever Farm Re-Open Day! This year saw market stalls selling their items as well a more food vendors happy to be a part of our day. Music was supplied, tours, and vegan foods, everything from the hardcore dinner to the fluffiest of cupcakes was on offer. It would turn out to be an amazing day, with small hiccups not enough to dampen the mood and spirit of all there. We do have inside info for you all; watch out on this website and our social media pages later this year for the announcement of 2023's open day......it is going to be bigger again!!!

We have talked about building, repairs, caring for the animals, feeding, raking, administration, fundraising, and even aiding in running the open day. All of this would not be possible without the dedicated help and committed support of our wonderful volunteers, or team crew as we call them. Every day, every week these people place the animals before all else, making sure they are here to perform all tasks asked and knowing they are making the lives of the animals thrive. As with any organisation the world over, there may, at times, be those not here for the right reasons, but they generally do not last. What we have now is a core group of people who have their heads and hearts so purely well placed. They love animals...period, and they will do whatever it takes to see them happy. Our team continues to grow as our website enquiries triple. We look forward to adding to our team as the year goes on. People with committed hearts. Making these people so extra special to us is the fact that there is no guarantee that each time they are here it is going to be totally happy. Many of our team have been present when we have sadly discovered an animal passed away, or we have had to make the exceptionally difficult decision to euthanise. But, they return, desperate to continue to help all others and even worrying about us. We thank each and every one of our team for another amazing and beautiful year. You are here with us, not for us. You are considered family.

Of course, we are a sanctuary first and foremost. Our sole mission is to help save, rescue and keep alive as many animals as possible. The animals in our care can come from many a background. There are some that are simply surrendered to us, needing a home due to various situations. Should we take the stance of not accepting purely surrendered animals, including those that may have been pets, there is a great possibility that those animals would end up slaughtered. It is a part of our obligation to help those already in good health, as much as it is to help those barely surviving or in danger of demise. 2022 saw us intake many animals, as we do each year. All would come under the guidance and care of us and our team, providing top care, rehabilitation where required and specialist surgery if called for. Let us now reflect on just some of the animals to grace our lives, before welcoming them all.

A little lamb named Digby would arrive at the farm, with a half-brother in Dexter already awaiting him. These two would prove inseparable as their natural sibling bond kicked in immediately, and their lives would be destined to remain as one forever. A special little man who would become Jake would grace our lives, adding to the already existing special needs troops. This little lamb would be examined, and the conclusion reached that he was, in fact, born without his mystery missing rear leg. Jakey has no hindrance, he is amazing in his continued normal way of life. One of our past residents would rejoin us after a troublesome adoption, due to an unscrupulous adopter! Roxy the horse, cast aside in favour of a more 'upmarket pony' would go through hell before being found by us, and returning to the farm where she will remain permanently with her new buddy, Piper. There would be ducks a plenty, alpacas and goats. Two special goats would enter, one pregnant at just a few months of age. Ike and Kelani are the true epitome of love. They rarely venture far from one another and are there for each other when need be. This would be particularly so upon Kelani's giving birth. Sadly, Kelani would lose both of her babies, a huge emotional shock for a young, first-time mum. Ike would comfort Kelani, dote upon her and refuse to leave her side. Kelani would mourn for her passed children for weeks, and Ike would give her love like a warming brother. In the year of the calf, we would see many join us, in particular one near blind girl who would become Clarabelle. She, and all of her associated male calves, would come from the dairy industry; all destined for death either via slaughterhouse or killing right on their birth farm. Donkeys Jill & Ben would meet resident Donkey and a cute little mini goat named Chewy would steal the hearts of thousands. Then, there would be a lamb, not but a week old with a damaged leg. We would know there was a break, and first inclination would be to perform surgery to affix plates onto the bone, saving the leg. Sometimes, in rescue, even the best-laid plans do not come to fruition. Little Kit-Kat's bone would be too shattered to repair, ending in surgery to remove his front limb. But suffer he does not. Kit-Kat races around the grounds with all his lamb and sheep friends, keeping up with ease as he builds young a front end that will go the distance.

Please welcome all the arrivals of 2022:

Tot Tot the sheep
Arthur the sheep
Macy the lamb
Jake the lamb
Ollie the lamb
Rubes the lamb
Roxy the horse
Piper the horse
Jemima Puddle Duck the Muscovy
Kelanie the goat
Ike the goat
Poppy the goat
Rose the goat
Alpine the alpaca
Olliver the alpaca
Perry the alpaca
Mr Pink the galah
Clarence the calf
Clarabelle the calf
Jill & Ben the donkeys
Chewy (Chewbacca) the goat
Syrup the hen
Kit-Kat the lamb
Mickey, Mallory & Pancake the ducks
Caramel the hen
Abigail the hen
Margot the hen
Fonteyne the hen
Jackleen the hen
Millie the hen
Polly the hen
Hansel, Gretel & Petal the goats
Magpie the sheep
Abra, Avril, Mercedes, Dainty, Pirate & Pauline the hens
Bonny & Clyde the goats
Poppin, Mumma Mia & Oreo the goats
Tessa the goat
Sable & Sebastian the goats
Daisy the cow
Frappe the cow
Timmy the lamb
Danny the goat
Dougie the goat
Gucci the goat
Romeo, Moochie, Junior & Rosie the cows
Ollie the goat
Morrissey the cow
Murphy & Hazel the calves
Digby the lamb

We firmly believe that no one 'owns' animals. They are living, breathing, sentient beings and their lives are their own birthright. In a world of cruelty and disregard, animals do need our help. We are here purely to be their carers, to be sure they are fed, looked after, in the best of health and that all of their daily needs are taken care of. Humans breed these animals for their own gain, therefore it is up to us, we have a moral and ethical obligation to be their protectors. Therefore, whilst we adore and love animals beyond comprehension, while we would so like to keep every animal that comes our way, that is not our right nor pledge. We will work with animals on a daily basis, rehabilitating them from phycological and physical damage mainly inflicted by humans. Once an animal is ready, we will place them up for adoption. Our adoption process is strict, we like to think of it as second to none. It is that way for a reason. We do not want these beautiful souls going to the wrong people. The homes they finish their lives in must be A1 and their treatment guaranteed. Our adopters now become the carers, opening their homes and giving a space to these wonderful beings. Adoption is different from a sale. We do not sell animals. Adopters are not 'owning' the animals but rather caring for them as we do. They abide by legal stipulations and should they not be able to continue to provide care, the animal comes back to us. Last year saw a vast number of animals adopted to awesome homes. Let us remember those who departed for a loving furever home.

Maple the lamb
Shep the lamb
Porgie the lamb
Abra, Avril, Mercedes, Dainty, Pauline & Pirate the hens
Bonny & Clyde the goats
Poppin, Mumma Mia & Oreo the goats
Tess the goat
Sable & Sebastian the goats
Daisy the cow
Blossom & Rose the lambs
Franklin the lamb
Kat & Mara the lambs
Frappe the cow
Timmy the lamb
Danny the goat
Ollie the goat
Dougie the goat
Gucci the goat
Romeo, Junior, Rosie & Moochie the cows
Bob the rooster
Morrissey the cow
Murphy and Hazel the calves
Digby & Dexter the sheep

By far the most upsetting part of rescue is those that do not make it. It goes against everything we try to accomplish, but in reality, it is an impossible task. The numbers are well and truly stacked against you, with 150+ animals in your care, there are always going to be deaths. Of course, this comes by way of many things. Some animals get to live their full lives, growing into old age until just that decides their passing moment. Although this is so sad, it does allow you as a carer to grab hold of some solace, knowing that you have been permitted to be a part of this animal’s life. They have allowed you to nurture them, and protect them into their final moment. And, while death is never easy, it is made more bearable knowing that an innocent was not destroyed by the system and that they enjoyed life to the full, as we would wish for ourselves. Other deaths are not so manageable. They are the passings where an animal is robbed of deserved time. It may be due to illness, animals get sick just like us. Often, being animals of prey, they hide sickness until it is almost impossible to fix. They may have a condition, one we know of that is being managed but ends up simply too strong for their body. Then, there is the truly heartbreaking; that of the infant death. Do not take us wrong, all deaths are devastating. But, when an animal is able to live its life or at least part of it, there seems to be that acknowledgement of time. When a baby closes its eyes indefinitely, it hurts. They have not even had the opportunity to live or experience life, to enjoy happiness and joy throughout their childhood, into their adolescence and finally into adulthood. To experience the death of a tiny baby, at the mercy of your care, is something that stays with you for a long time. But, it must be that way, for to feel nothing or 'get used to it' points to a path ill-chosen. To care you must love, to love you must hurt.

Each year Furever Farm suffers heartbreak. We, the team and the animals themselves experience the passing of those beloved. It is inescapable. We must never forget, we must always remember. Respect must always be afforded to those who left us, either at their right time or way before their time. 2022 would see some very much loved and popular animals depart. Gizmo the ex-racehorse, the boy who touched so many hearts with his story, his affliction and finally, his passing. A special little man named Pepe, such was his glorious attraction and personality. He would face so much, only to be betrayed by that which he had beaten. Many little lambs would not be with us for very long, their injuries, illnesses simply too great to overcome. Hens and roosters of admirable and loved qualities would leave the farm, before finally a lamb and sheep passing without a hint of struggle.

Let us pay respects and remember those lost to us in 2022:

Lady Hen-rietta the hen
Pepper the hen
Gizmo the horse
Pepe the lamb
Eve the lamb
Rhonda the hen
Kersbrook the lamb
Aeremis the lamb
Starlight the goat
Kai the goat
Peggy Sue the hen
Chelsea Chicken the hen
Shirley the hen
Jobe the rooster
Roo the rooster
Ella the lamb
Lily the cow
Salt the hen
Ziggy the sheep
Arthur the sheep

Each life is as worthy as the other, regardless of animal size or social stature. We feel all of these passings, as do you via social media. A life is precious regardless of whom it clings. All are worthy of recognition, remembrance and honour. We remember, cherish and pay respects to all the named above.

Rest in Peace now sweet souls. You were someone.

As we bid farewell to 2022 we do so with much amazement, happiness, achievement, sorrow, upset, love, commitment, promise, open-mindedness, education, wisdom and realism......yes, all of that and more. As we said at the start of this blog, a year can produce so much, so many variations. It is impossible to remain in one state of mind over the journey. Whilst you never ever forget the sad, you never deny the animals happiness. Running a sanctuary is difficult, it is done with many hands, all important and all contributing in their own way. You, the people reading this are a part of this journey also. You are a part of our community. You are riding the ups and downs, the bumps and speedbumps, the wins and losses right alongside us. At times of grieving, or at times of struggles, often you are the ones who pick us up, who identify with us or aid in getting us through. Rescue is like that, it needs emotional help. For all of that, we say thank you, again for your support in 2022.

Let us now focus on the next twelve months. We already have our animals coming in, we already have our important issues taking off. There is no resting on laurels. We know, with our team beside us and your support, the animals are in the best of hands.

Every year, it is the animals that matter.

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Darren, Hayley & the Furever Farm Team.

 
Darren ApplebyFurever FarmComment