Since, Ollie's Tribe, guard the Waterfowl Barnyard, Ryan has decided she will guard the weeds😁. You are a character, Ryan..... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." #hshartampa #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #wesleychapel #tampabay ... See more

I absolutely love roosters. Yesterday, we had another surprise clutch of peeps hatch out. They were meandering through the Waterfowl Barnyard with Mother Hen when a crow flew in and perched on the gate. He was definitely looking for straggler to scoop up and fly off with, but out of nowhere came one of our roosters. He stayed close to Mother Hen and her chicks and totally foiled the crow's plan for a chicken dinner. This is what roosters do, they are great protectors that are all too often looked down upon. If you want to see the inner workings of a productive community, then watch Barnyard animals. I have witnessed the most beautiful interactions in our Barnyards. Stay safe! "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." ... See more

It is funny, how your mind plays tricks on you. I was scoping out the Barnyard and saw Marley laying on the rocks but I thought it was our sweet, recently departed Chloe. That was one of Chloe's favorite spots. I have never seen Marley lying on it before. Life is fluid, constantly changing and adapting to the environment. Enjoy the ride, treasure the memories, be kind and considerate and by all means stay safe.... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." #hshartampa #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #wesleychapel #tampabay ... See more

Getting ready to do some fall planting along with setting up a couple of bee water stations and a butterfly habitat. That means removing the jungle of weeds that thrived all too well this summer. Our Barnyard Buddies are the happy recipient of the trimmings. Hopefully, everything will be cleaned up by the end of the weekend.... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need" #hshartampa #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #wesleychapel #tampabay ... See more

Typically, nubian goats are seasonal breeders, in fact the bucks go into rut, breeding mode, around this time of year. However, I have this funny feeling that Jellybean may be pregnant. We do not intentionally breed animals but Gumbo and Jellybean's circumstances are a bit unusual. You may remember, Gumbo, arrived here after life threatening injuries. His jaw was broken, his lips on the left side were torn off, most of his teeth on the left side fell out and 1/3 of his tongue was bit off. To say he was a mess is an understatement. He came in with his mate, Jellybean. Gumbo was not neutered at the time, he had an undecended testicle, this is called cryptorchid. Gumbo had numerous vet visits and surgeries but neutering a cryptorchid goat is a serious and involved surgery so we had to wait and allow him to recuperate. Meanwhile, Jellybean put on weight but not a huge amount. Yes, she came in pregnant. On May 2, Baby Skittles was born. Here lies the potential problem, Gumbo was still an intact buck at that time. Gumbo found Jellybean's hormonal changes stimulating and bred her a couple of times that I witnessed. Five and a half weeks after Skittle's arrival Gumbo was neutered and it was intense. Males tend to produce testosterone for about 6 weeks after they are neutered but due to the intensity of his surgery breeding Jellybean wasn't a consideration for him. So as I look at Jellybean there is a slim chance she may be pregnant. I hope she isn't because it is not good for them to breed back like that, but it is a possibility. A goat's gestation period is about 150 days. If you see a post announcing the birth of a doeling or buckling this is the reason. If you don't see a post within the next 7 week well, Jellybean, dodged a bullet. As an education platform, I felt compelled to give you a glimpse of the trials and tribulations of rescue and rehabilitation. We are often flying by the seat of our pants and things don't always go as planned.... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." #hshartampa #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #wesleychapel #tampabay ... See more

My heart is heavy as I say, Good Bye, to an old friend. Our oldest goat, Chloe, went to the Rainbow Bridge last night. Chloe turned 14 on Aug 3. She was our longest resident, she actually came in prior to us becoming an official nonprofit. Chloe was the last of our founding goat herd. She was 3 weeks old when she came to live here, we were her 4th and final home. This week Chloe had two seizures so I knew her time on Earth was coming to an end. Chloe and I have many good memories and shared many good times....When she was very young she routinely came in the house, we would lay on the floor watching television. She would curl up beside me and inevitably we ended up falling asleep....Being a pygmy goat she had attitude❤. Chloe, it has been a great ride but it is time for you to join your old friends, Effie - who passed earlier this year, Darby - who passed last year, Alex, Dawn and all the others that went before you. You are the only goat that knew every goat resident that came to call us home so your reunion with your long line of friends should be a joyous one. Run free and play hard, Old Friend. Until we meet again, I will keep you safely tucked in my heart and treasure our memories..... " The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." ... See more

Our boys, Sinatra and Midnight, watching over the Special Needs Waterfowl. I love watching them hang out with all their Barnyard Buddies. The simplicity of Farm Life, hard work and back to basics is a source of contentment for me..... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." ... See more

Uh-oh, Ollie got caught flirting with Aunt Elsa and Greta was miffed. As Ollie and Elsa shared a cozy bite to eat, Greta quickly moved in and let Ollie know this will not be tolerated. Elsa seemed unfazed but no doubt Ollie got a stern talking to😊..... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." #hshartampa #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #wesleychapel #tampabay ... See more

Our boy, Gumbo, has had a great time spraying all over himself. Yup, it is breeding season and despite that fact he was neutered a few months ago he is feeling sexy. Sorry Gumbo, you no longer produce that Billy Goat perfume that drives the girls crazy😊..... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." #hshartampa #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #wesleychapel #tampabay ... See more

Our handsome boy, Choco, welcomes this beautiful day and the first day of Fall. The promise of cooler weather and fall flavors has him excited..... "The strength of our character is measured by the kindness we show to those in need." #hshartampa #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #wesleychapel #tampabay ... See more