February: NonProfit Spotlight!
We were lucky enough to be connected with Kaitie through my sister and her sister. You can see the kindness of her heart through the Happy Hearts and Hooves instagram account (happy_hearts_and_hooves) and through the conversation I've had with her this last month. You can see the love her and her family gives to the animals in their care and the drive they have to help future farm animals. Kaitie was kind enough to share a glimpse of who they are and where they started.
Kaitie's Words:
Happy Hearts and Hooves was founded on the belief that all animals deserve compassionate, quality, lifelong care. Our goal is to provide a safe haven for farmed animals, while promoting a compassionate lifestyle, and strengthening the human animal bond.
*Genesis 2:18-20*
"Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field..."
Our story started in 2018 when we moved to the country for some much needed space and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Within days of living on our property, I had brought home three goats. Becoming the caretaker of these goats opened my eyes to the farming industry. I soon discovered that animals in the agricultural industry are viewed as disposable, and are not treated with the same respect that our companion animals are. The more time I spent with these goats, the more I realized they are no different than our dogs and cats that we share our homes with. I knew I had to do something.
Fast forward 2 years, the sanctuary is home to goats, alpacas, and pigs.
All of our animals lived a life of exploitation or neglect before they came to our home. Some were deemed “no longer profitable or useful”, others were malnourished and neglected, while some jumped for their freedom off of transport trucks. Our promise to all of the animals who call Happy and Hearts and Hooves “home” is that they will never be exploited or fear for their life again.
Every single soul who lives here is respected and so very loved.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and we have lots of exciting things planned for 2022. We hope to open our doors to visitors and volunteers this coming spring. We are so excited to be able to spread awareness and promote compassion in our community.