Shear Existence Sanctuary

06/02/2025

🌾 Thank you so much to everyone who has supported both Shear Existence and Free Spirits Sheep Sanctuary by being a Hay Hero ❤️
We are working together with our sister Sanctuary in hopes of raising enough money for a bulk load of hay. As you can see from this picture, it's dry and dusty with a side of never-ending, blistering hot sunshine 🥵 not a blade of grass is to be found!

Together, we have raised $1590 so far! I am gobsmacked and so grateful. If we can make it to $2500, both Sanctuaries will have most of their hay costs covered for the month 🎉

We tallied our very bills, and collectively we have $6000 to pay this month. Having this months hay covered would put us in an amazing position to keep the big animals fed so we can focus on keeping our vet accounts under control!

Yes it's almost another $1000 to make it to the target, and hay delivery day is this Saturday, but the tally so far shows, that with a band of amazing humans working together to donate and share, big things are possible, and you have all given me the hope that we can make it to that magic number!

We look forward to sharing many happily munching faces and big full bellies on Saturday 🐑 🐐 🐄

Donation details are below, and don't forget the magical share button ✨️

https://shearexistencesanctuary.org/wishlist/ (link also in bio)

Shear Existence Sanctuary
Bsb~ 013017
Acc ~ 433226988
Reference ~ Hay Hero

All donations over $2 in Australia are tax deductable

02/02/2025

Before this post disappears into Facebook purgatory, I just wanted to re-share and ask for your support in getting the word out. It's gone nowhere and despite the light heartedness of the picture, we really need it to go lots of places. I know hay is boring, but it's life for rescued farm animals and we can't do this one on our own ❤️

Ok all you Animal Loving Hay Hero's out there, we are here to ask for your help!

Free Spirits Sheep Sanctuary and Shear Existence are joining forces again to keep the residents healthy and happily fed as we battle through this heat wave and dry spell.

We had a devastatingly dry winter and spring, which led to a major hay shortage and prices being hiked up to a premium. We have been battling through paying $150 per hay round and $20 plus per small square.
When you consider that between both of the sanctuaries, we go through many, many hundreds of bales each year, you can see our conundrum...especially considering the dry spell continues, seemingly never ending, and we are experiencing a painfully hot summer.

It's dry, there is no grass, and every morsel that the residents eat must be purchased in... and there is still a long time and a lot of rain required between now and hay becoming more readily available again.

In the short term, we are hoping to buy at least 12 rounds to split between the 2 sanctuaries along with some small squares to give us breathing room for a few weeks. Our Hay costs alone this year will continue to be astronomical, so being our hay hero will earn you a one-way ticket into our hearts

Please donate via our wishlist link or bank details found below. There is literally no amount too small to help, AND please share! It makes the world of difference ❤️ The animals are counting on us ✨️

https://shearexistencesanctuary.org/wishlist/

Shear Existence Sanctuary
Bsb~ 013017
Acc ~ 433226988
Reference ~ Hay Hero

All donations over $2 in Australia are tax deductable

02/02/2025

Ok all you Animal Loving Hay Hero's out there, we are here to ask for your help!

Free Spirits Sheep Sanctuary and Shear Existence are joining forces again to keep the residents healthy and happily fed as we battle through this heat wave and dry spell.

We had a devastatingly dry winter and spring, which led to a major hay shortage and prices being hiked up to a premium. We have been battling through paying $150 per hay round and $20 plus per small square.
When you consider that between both of the sanctuaries, we go through many, many hundreds of bales each year, you can see our conundrum...especially considering the dry spell continues, seemingly never ending, and we are experiencing a painfully hot summer.

It's dry, there is no grass, and every morsel that the residents eat must be purchased in... and there is still a long time and a lot of rain required between now and hay becoming more readily available again.

In the short term, we are hoping to buy at least 12 rounds to split between the 2 sanctuaries along with some small squares to give us breathing room for a few weeks. Our Hay costs alone this year will continue to be astronomical, so being our hay hero will earn you a one-way ticket into our hearts

Please donate via our wishlist link or bank details found below. There is literally no amount too small to help, AND please share! It makes the world of difference ❤️ The animals are counting on us ✨️

https://shearexistencesanctuary.org/wishlist/

Shear Existence Sanctuary
Bsb~ 013017
Acc ~ 433226988
Reference ~ Hay Hero

All donations over $2 in Australia are tax deductable

31/01/2025

The SE complaints department has been overrun with inquiries as to why the humans won't just turn the damn sun down! It's been a particularly hot summer, and it's not relenting any time soon! We really feel for the people and animals, including wildlife, who are suffering due to heat, lack of water, and the bushfires that are threatening so many

We have been quiet on here, but things are cracking on, as busy as always, especially with keeping everyone cool enough.

🐐 Gandalf is willing to brave all sorts of heat to beg, manipulate, and plead for more snacks no matter the temperature

🐔 Flyza Minnelli is patiently waiting for the next misting and ground soaking to come her so she can cool off. The Chickens are coping ok, but they will be happy when a reprieve comes

🐶 Pilot AKA Mr Stinky has had to miss out on a few walks due to the heat. Our old boy really suffers and struggles when the temperature is up, and he gets so disappointed when he can't go

🕴Jem checking out the water levels to make sure we can all stay hydrated... and definitely following all OH&S protocols 🫠

Thanks to our regular donors for helping to keep us rolling. We are desperately in need of more help. Please donate here to help us with the currently ENOURMOUS hay costs and our Vet bill ❤️

www.shearexistencesanctuary.org

27/01/2025

Jem has been out misting, wetting down the ground, and making cooling pools like this one that Sal and Grindles are about to enjoy. The boys love to stand in nice cool water. Some of these things are essential to keeping animals alive and well in the heat, and at the very least, it affords them a tad more comfort.

It has been such a hot and dry summer, today, we have another 40 degree day. I don't like to wish life away, but I don't think I'll be alone in farewelling summer this year 🥵

22/01/2025

Say Mooooooo everyone! 🐮

The Shear Existence Bovine family mostly ignore what the human asks because she is small and can't do much about it, but today, they kindly displayed their cuteness for all to see ❤️

These 3 big babies all exited the Dairy industry in some way or another. Neo on the left, arrived at the Sanctuary as a surprise addition as a foetus no more than a few weeks along in his Mamma' Fern's (on the right) womb. Fern was in a regional pound and was 'put to tender', sold to the highest bidder to be sent to her violent end.

Fortunately for Fern and Neo, a kind soul went to the ends of the earth to prevent that from happening, and we welcomed her here to the Sanctuary. 8 and a half months later, little Neo joined us on this side of Fern's tummy too. Despite the fact that Neo is now 4 years old, Fern is still a loving and devoted Mamma to Neo, a stark contrast to the false narrative that dairy cows are terrible mothers, to the contrary, they usually never get the chance to show just how lovingly and fiercely they nurture.

Before we knew of Neo's existence, we set to work finding a friend for Fern, she couldn't live alone. Moose (middle) was a Bobby calf who survived the slaughter house by endearing himself to the calf shed worker at the farm. He is how 5 and a half years old and boy is he a whopping big goof ball! You can read more about his story on here ~
https://shearexistencesanctuary.org/moose-the-bobby-calf-who-lived-2/

This family is a bonded and close trio who have no expectations from humans, they owe us nothing, and we owe them everything ❤️

Support our work here www.shearexistencesanctuary.org ✨️

19/01/2025

We all have a soul, and we are so much more alike than we are different ✨️

18/01/2025

Oh, hello there, pretty Aura 😍

Aura is dainty, sweet, and a little timid. She absolutely loves pats, rubs, and cheek scratches, so if you engage, prepare to be there for the long haul. Aura is also easily startled by fast movements and unexpected approaches, all it takes though, is simply squatting down and sniffing noses with her, as her as is customary for sheep and many other animals to meet and greet, and your afternoon activity is set, you're all Aura's.

Aura was born in a regional Slaughterhouse holding pen and smuggled out by a worker, which was a risk to his job. YUP, saving an innocent baby that is of 'no profitable use' to the facility, is punishable. Most of us have compassion living inside us, even if it's buried deeply, and this brief spark saved Aura's life. Sadly, her mother never had the chance to care for her as she continued to the kill floor and lost her life, but we made Aura's Mama a promise that we always will dote on her little girl

Aura arrived worse for wear at 4-6 weeks old, very underweight, starving with scabby ears and a very sore hoof. Good nutrition, love, and comfort helped to patch the damage, but the trauma of enduring so much emotionally sticks with all of us for life in some way, and the same can be said for our animal friends.

Aura is now 3 years old and lives a happy life with her flock friends. She is still a lanky girl but has a big, round full belly at all times these days ❤️

✨️Support out work here ✨️
www.shearexistencesanctuary.org

12/01/2025

These two inspectors are always inspecting!
Thank goodness they were around with tips on unloading the hay 🤗

Wherever we go, Sal and Grindles are sure to follow. So many would be surprised at how human orientated Turkey's can be. They love spending time with people, and they are forever curious about everything! Not to mention having hilariously awesome personalities that keep us giggling every day 💚

10/01/2025

✨️Moose Update✨️

Dr Adam arrived yesterday to perform Moose's surgery, We were all prepared and ready to go, however upon examination, Dr Adam noted changes to the third eyelid compared to a previous examination, that led him to believe that instead of being a tumour as first thought, it's actually possible Moose has suffered some sort or trauma that requires time to heal.

All though there is no certainty of this, and surgery is still a possibility, for now Moose has evaded going under the knife, much to all of our releif. If Moose, in fact, does have a third eyelid tumour, its size is currently small enough to give us time to be confident that surgery is required and avoid unessesarily putting Moose through the trauma of surgery if it's not required

During Mooses appointment yesterday, we were provided an abundance of information that has empowered us to closely monitor Moose for sinister signs that a third eyelid tumour is developing.

Thanks as always to Wangaratta Veterinary Clinic for helping us take care of the crew. They are skilled, innovative, and passionate about what they do, and we are so grateful to have access to amazing medical care for the SE critters ❤️

We raised just over $400 for Mooseys surgery, It will almost be enough to cover his appointment yesterday, however I know that the intention was to donate for his surgery, so if anyone wishes their donation returned, I completely understand, just reach out 😊

09/01/2025

Tomorrow is SURGERY day for big Moosey boy!
Moose is a Holstein-Freisan steer rescued as a bobby calf over 5 years ago.
After coming in well short of our end of year appeal target of $3000 to pay off our vet bill last month, this unexpected surgery is a worry in more ways than one, but we will never delay urgent procedures like this or put Mooses wellbeing in jeopardy

Many bovine of Moose's Breed have pink third eyelids, which are very susceptible to becoming cancerous. Moose has one black third eyelid and one pink one, and sadly, he has developed cancer in the pale one.

The treatment for Mooses cancer is to have the third eyelid surgically removed by a vet, which is happening TOMORROW morning. The photos don't quite do Moose's size justice, but he is a whopper. Weighing in at well over a tonne and standing much taller than any human I know, Moose's size complicates things a little as he is far too big for a standard size crush

In order to safely sedate Moose with as little stress as possible, a tranquilliser gun will be used to administer the sedative that will allow Moose to receive his surgery and treatment. We are so grateful to have skilled vets to assist in treating our animals even with obstacles in place

Surgery is always a risk and always scary, but we are very hopeful all will go well tomorrow, and Moose can return to his carefree life, including eating all of the celery!

We are projecting Mooses bill to come in at a considerable cost. If you are willing and able to donate and/or share, we would be so grateful ❤️

www.shearexistencesanctuary.org

Shear Existence Sanctuary
Bsb ~ 013017
Acc ~ 433226988

Or sponsor Moose here ✨️🌸
https://shearexistencesanctuary.org

Many thanks x

04/01/2025

The Free Spirits Sheep Sanctuary Air Bnb is back up and running! Spread the word 🎉

By booking a night or 2 you will not only stay at a magical place greeted by rescued animals, you will also be supporting the care of all the beautiful residents 💜

02/01/2025

Happy New Year!!!

Thanks so much for every single donation, share, comment, and well wish sent this way for the Shear Existence gang in 2024!

It was another intense year full of ups and downs, but we made it through thanks to you! We are hoping 2025 will be a year of action and forward motion for us, and boy, are we working hard to make that a reality!

May this year bring more kindness to all animals 💜

Wishing you all an incredible 2025

❤️ Angie and Jem x

📸 Models ~ Kazoo up top, Elka on the right and Paddy's butt

www.shearexistencesanctuary.org

31/12/2024

🎉TALLY UPDATE! 🎉
$1220 of $3000 target Raised
2 of 10 reoccuring donors/sponsors signed on

As you can see, we have fallen well short of our end of year goals, It's not too late to help us inch a little closer. New one of donations and ongoing reoccuring donations/sponsorship are both so important for the Sanctuary right now.

So much of what we have raised thus far has come from people who have already been supporting the Sanctuary for some time hiving more, thank you so much! If you are a new Shear Existence comrade, welcome aboard, we are so grateful to have you here 💓

🌿 End of year appeal 🌿

🎉TALLY UPDATE! 🎉
$1220 of $3000 target Raised
2 of 10 reoccuring donors/sponsors signed on

Could this be the best or the worst time to launch an appeal? We aren't sure, but here it goes anyway!

Despite having closed doors this year and focusing on caring for the over 70 permanent residents that call Shear Existence home, along with working hard towards a future in which we can purchase a property of the animals dreams, we still said hello to 4 precious little Quail factory farm rescues and beautiful Grace who was a scared and sad downed Ewe Mama who lost her Lambs, and is now thriving...somehow the door never fully closes as tight as we intend.

Alongside a few amazing regular donors, we fund most of the Sanctuary ourselves from our own wages, which is an insanely large amount of money and a monumental, seemingly impossible feat given our wages are NOT insanely large 😅. Yet, somehow,we scrape through by the skin of our teeth every week 🙏

BUT... we are really hoping to achieve big things for the animals in 2025, and the way we are going will not pave the way to success. More support for the Sanctuary is essential, especially if we are to achieve opening our doors again

Did you know that most of our fundraising and sponsorship posts equate to no new donations, donors and few shares? Most people assume others donate, but the truth is that donations are drying up for many sanctuaries, and we are struggling, especially with the amount of animals needing assistance growing.

To end this year, we are hoping to raise the funds to pay off the $3000 remaining on our vet bill, (We have racked up almost $10,000 since October), and welcome some new sponsors to our 'Flockmates' program as a monthly or weekly animal sponsor. Reoccuring donations are the true key to sanctuary stability ❤️

Achieving this means so much, and big things for the future of the Sanctuary. We are tired of barely keeping afloat and being unable to rescue, saying NO to offering a lifeline is the pits!

Please help us create a prosperous future for the sanctuary and animals by donating, sponsoring, or sharing our posts!

Many thanks for reading this far and so much love for those who support us, you're the best 🥰

✨️Donation over $2 are tax deductable is Australia ✨️

Donate ~ www.shearexistencesanctuary.org

Become a 'Flockmate' ~ https://shearexistencesanctuary.org/become-a-flock-mate/

29/12/2024

📢📢📢LAST CHANCE📢📢📢
Score yourself a night at the incredibly magical Free Spirits Sheep Sanctuary OR win a merchandise pack filled with cute items from both Sanctuaries by purchasing the winning raffle ticket!

All proceeds support the animals at the Sanctuaries!

Sharing is such a powerful way to help make fundraising initiatives a worthwhile endeavour and success, so of you wouldn't mind hitting that magic button, I'd be so grateful 💓🌸

Last chance - Winner drawn tomorrow!! 😮

Airbnb is back at Free Spirits in Glenrowan and to celebrate we are giving away an overnight stay in the new Airbnb room, valued at $160, plus a private tour to meet all the friendly rescues animals.

Second and third runners up will receive some cool merchandise from both Free Spirits Farm Sanctuary and Shear Existence Sanctuary, with all proceeds going to support both charities in continuing their work.

Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased on Shopify - https://50qg9j-cg.myshopify.com/products/raffle-ticket-december-2024

Thankyou for your support so far, and if you can continue to share that would be much appreciated. Good luck everyone!!! ❤️

27/12/2024

Evening snuggles with Leila, and Aura is truly one of the most special things we get to experience here. No day can't be brightened by these sweet little ladies 🌸🌿

Little black and white Leila was born with contracted tendons in her front legs, which were unable to be straightened when she arrived in Sanctuary. 2 vets deemed surgery not a viable option especially as her quality of life living with her disability was and continues to be excellent, the risks were too great to gamble that 🥰 Leila reminds us that our differences are just our magic 💗✨️

Aura, the very pretty Merino, was born at a rural slaughter house and was smuggled out by a worker. At 4 weeks old, she arrived at the Sanctuary emaciated. She had clearly not received all the nutrition and care a small Lamb needs. Auras Mum did not make it out, but we promised her that we would always love and care for her. We could never make up for her Mumma, but we gave it our best. She is the epitome of resilience and remaining gentle despite living a nightmare🌸

Then there is big boof head Jem, the proudest of Sheep Dads ❤️

Did you know you can sponsor beautiful Leila? She is looking for her next 'Flock mate', and let me tell you, she is the sweetest and most affectionate soul in the world.
Click the link below to help us to care for Leila 🥰

https://shearexistencesanctuary.org/become-a-flock-mate/

26/12/2024

📢 End of year appeal update 📢

A hugemungo THANK YOU to all who have supported us so far, we have made some serious ground on our target ❤️
We do, however, have a long way to go, and the end of the real is rapidly rolling closer!

For those who don't know, we are a little ol' Sanctuary who have been doing it pretty tough financially, and it's really holding us back from rescuing and doing the absolute best we can.
We are determined to turn that around, and we have set the modest short-term goals of...

🐑 Raising $3000 to contribute to the almost $10,000 of vet bills we have been battling since October, with several animals requiring more vet treatment early in the new year...

AND

🐑 Signing on 10 new sponsors/recurring donors to help with ongoing feed, bedding, and medication costs!

We have big goals for 2025, but we need some big support now for those to become real. If you wouldn't mind helping us to hit our target by the New Years cheer, we would be so grateful.

✨️️Donation over $2 are tax deductable is Australia ✨️

Donate ~ www.shearexistencesanctuary.org

Become a 'Flockmate' ~ https://shearexistencesanctuary.org/become-a-flock-mate/

📸 Model ~ Neo, born at the Sanctuary 4 years ago to Mumma Fern, after being rescued in utero from a local pound ❤️