We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and enjoying this fall season. As I sit down to write this introduction, my heart is filled with gratitude for your unwavering support. Your dedication to our cause has brought hope and happiness to countless animals in need.
At Serenity Farm Virginia we believe that every animal deserves a chance for a peaceful and healthy life where they are loved and nurtured. That’s why we work tirelessly day in, day out to rescue and rehabilitate animals facing uncertain futures.
This newsletter serves as a window into our world—a world where compassion knows no bounds. In this newsletter, you will find stories of hope and resilience, generosity, and the loss of some cherished friends.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of animal welfare, we’re met with both challenges and triumphs. Our mission remains steadfast: to provide a voice for the voiceless, to stand up against cruelty, to provide a loving forever home for animals in need.
In this issue, you’ll get to know some of the remarkable animals we’ve had the privilege to rescue. Their stories are a testament to the power of love and resilience. We’ll also share details about our gift shop, and ways you can get involved in our mission.
Leilah
We have some wonderful and exciting news about Leilah, our little goat who arrived at 5 weeks old after losing her back legs to frostbite. She has been chosen by Bionic Pets to receive donated prosthetics and appear on The Wizard of Paws TV show! In September she was evaluated, and molds were taken for back leg prosthetics and front leg braces. This month we will return for the fitting and witness her walking for the first time in her life!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to watch her progress and for the date of her TV debut.
A Generous Gift
A very generous donation was received from James K. Wright Jr. to construct a new barn. The 24’ x 36’ structure will include a hay storage room, feed and work room, rabbit habitat, and poultry room. We are so excited to provide new sensory rich areas for the rabbits and poultry. The large hay storage area will be such a relief since we have been ordering hay weekly and storing in under a tarp.
When Matt Bowe of Alair Homes Hunt Country learned about the barn project, he generously offered to build it at his cost, and Will Cawood of Cawood Architecture, PLLC is kindly donating the plans.
All of this kindness and generosity is incredibly heartwarming, and words cannot express our gratitude.
Rainbow Bridge
Two of our senior friends passed away recently. Bilbo and Oliver joined our family in August of 2020 after being transferred from an animal sanctuary that closed.
Oliver arrived obese, blind, and crippled. With a diet change, medical care, and physical therapy, he regained some of his sight and some mobility. He loved meandering around the backyard, lavender massages, and snacking on passionflower vines.
Bilbo was not sure of his new surroundings when he arrived and was especially frightened of hoof trims. He would shake uncontrollably when we approached him with the halter because of his past experience of being thrown to the ground and held with a knee on his neck. In time he learned to trust us and realized hoof trims can be gentle.
Become a Sustaining Member
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or have recently joined our community, we’re profoundly grateful for your support. It’s your kindness and generosity that keep us going, allowing us to make a real difference in the lives of animals who need us most.
There are two ways you can help on a recurring monthly basis:
Become a VIP supporter with a monthly donation of $25. As a VIP member you receive your own personalized passionflower vine mural at the entrance to the farm.
Join the Hay for a Day Club with a monthly donation of $11. Your gift will purchase one bale of hay each month to feed the animals and each club member will have a personalized hay bale added to the new pasture mural.
Animal Spotlight
In this Animal Spotlight, we’re delighted to introduce you to Blackberry, who became a cherished member of our family in June 2021 at just five days old.
A Good Samaritan saw a newborn karakul lamb in a field with no other sheep around. She contacted the farm owner that a baby was in distress. His response was that he would “let nature take it’s course” and was not going to intervene to save her. Luckily, he allowed the rescuer to take the lamb and she brought her to us where she was bottle fed and loved and quickly bonded with her people.
Interesting Fact: Karakul sheep are considered a fat-tailed breed. Similar to a camel’s hump, the fat in a karakul tail can sustain them during severe drought.
Disturbing Inhumane Fact: Young karakul lambs are prized for pelts. The lambs must be under three days old when they are killed, or they will lose their black color and soft, tightly wound coil of fur. Fetal karakul lambs are harvested through miscarriage, induced early delivery, or by killing the mother sheep and removing the fetus. (Source: Wikipedia)
Grand Opening of Gracie’s Place Cattery & Gift Shop
We’re thrilled to announce that Gracie’s Place Cattery and Gift Shop has officially opened its doors to the public! We had a fantastic Grand Opening on September 30th, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our unique establishment every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect when you visit us:
Cattery Residents: As you step through the doors, you’ll be greeted by our adorable cattery residents: Little Bear, Pooh, Tigger, Bella, Miles and Fritz. They can’t wait to meet you and share their feline charm.
Unique Gift Shop: Explore our charming Gift Shop, where you’ll discover a delightful array of handcrafted treasures. From cat toys made from recycled wool sweaters to handmade soap and candles, from beautiful jewelry to cuddly stuffed animals, pottery, and t-shirts – we have something for everyone.
Relax and Visit: Feel right at home as you pull up a chair and unwind in our cozy space. Spend quality time with our furry friends and fellow visitors.
Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a unique piece of decor, or just a relaxing place to spend your Saturday, Gracie’s Place Cattery and Gift Shop is the ideal destination. Join us this Saturday for a purr-fectly delightful experience.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are changing lives, one rescue at a time.
Wishing you serenity and peace,
Jo Bighouse, Founder