JJ Ranch Liquidating – Sasha Farm Needs You
Awhile back, I reported on a charity ride that was supposed to take place at Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan that was cancelled by the ranch as the ranch had been sold. I recently learned that the contents of the farm are being liquidated, including all of the 200 animals. The farm was a wild west themed resort, and most of these horses, cows, and goats have been together their entire lives. If they are auctioned off randomly, who knows what their fate would be. I am very saddened by this news. With the cost of feed rising and people cancelling their events left and right, I understand the crunch. However, there were weddings and ride events booked. They had to break the news to the couples. It would seem if there was interest perhaps scaling down but not closing would have been the answer. I don’t know.
Sasha farm, a farm sanctuary is trying to raise funds to save as many as these animals as possible, so they can live out life together and alive relocated to Sasha farm.
In the heartbreaking account from Sasha farm:
According to their brief descriptions, a little pygmy goat named Thunder is “shy, always by Tony’s side.” Tony is a llama, the only one in the auction, “skittish around people and difficult to catch.” How many people will be on hand to offer a good home to a shy little goat and his “difficult” llama friend? Will they be separated forever? It is very likely, if we don’t step up to help them. Lilly is a dark brown Longhorn calf whose mother died in childbirth. She’s lived with the petting farm animals since then, the goats and llama, and she “headbutts in a playful manner.” Shouldn’t she continue to live with her friends, the ones she’s known all her short life, especially after losing her mother so recently? We’d like to see that happen. Can you help us? Will you help them?
If you are interested in donating to Sasha farm, please visit their website HERE . They need funds or pledges by the 28th of October, just a few days from now. Also, if you are someone who can give a caring lifelong home to a horse, rooster, or other farm animal, please also contact them.
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January 21st, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I just found this article (Jan 2009) and wonder if someone could give an update on the Sasha farm and their animals. I’m a great animal lover and hate to see them in this kind of condition. My daughter is hoping that we will be able to have a miniature goat when we move so I’m really interested.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Thanks for visiting.
Here is the last update from Sasha farm:
http://sashafarm.org/blog/2008/10/31/double-jj-ranch-update/
So, no resolution yet, but the animals are safe for the time being.
If your daughter is interested in a mini goat, once you move, there are many rescues that have goats. Check petfinder in your area also. It would also be wise to let the rescues know of your interest in case they don’t have what you are looking for. Often, rescues can rescue one more when they know they could find a home for the animal easily when things are tight.
Sasha farm may have some clues/leads for you.
Regular sized goats also can make good companions and are plentiful in rescue.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Dear “Houndsgood”,
You are so correct about goats being plentiful in rescue. Just today we agreed to take 10 to 12 goats from a neglect case. So…..if anyone in Michigan is looking for a wonderful companion, please contact me.
Of all the farmed animals goats are my favorite. (Please don’t tell the cows and horses that I said this!)
Goats are very affectionate, smart, and easy to care for. Even the larger goats are gentle and will follow you everywhere.
Dorothy
dorothy@sashafarm.org
January 28th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Thanks for stopping by Dorothy!
I also want to add that if someone has a horse or donkey or is considering it, getting a goat is a great idea. Some folks think about just getting one horse or two horses so they can have them on their property and don’t have to board them. Horses are natural herd animals, and do so much better when paired up with another grazing or herding animal. Of course, many people consider that and keep 3 horses on their property, but if you have enough land just for one, it is irresistable for a true animal lover to open their property to a rescued horse in need who has no one to love them.
If you don’t have the acerage to have more than two horses, the goat makes an excellent pasture pal. The horse will definitely be happier having a goat pal who doesn’t need as much acerage as a second or third horse. (i say if you can’t have more than two, because although two horses have eachother but if one is a riding horse taken to a competition for a few days or an old one passes away, the horse remaining will always have a pal.)