Bear River Sanctuary

07/16/2024

When you first joined us Enki, you quickly let us know you were the boss of farm. I can't even recall how many times you chased Connor and I and oh how you hated the lawn mower. But over time, you showed us you really were not a "bad" rooster, just opinionated.

Your passing hurt and surprised us but I am so happy that we got time together where we saw and enjoyed the bestest boy that you were.

We will miss you Enki. 🌈

06/15/2024

Jésus. That day you showed up on our back deck lost and scared I never imagined you’d become such an important part of the family. I am still in shock that your gone. 6 years of your cooing and somewhat inappropriately timed laughs and now silence from your cage. I’ll miss you my perfect Christmas star. Fly free Jésus. 💔

05/26/2024

Love it when these cuties join me while I’m working out back.

02/12/2024

Today I am doing something I am not fond of...asking for help.
An update on the sanctuary to start. Myself and my son Connor have taken over full responsibilities for our 7 rescued roosters and 1 muscovy duck, which includes the financial responsibilities. We are still at the same property as we have not had much luck selling as of yet. Of course, with any marriage breakdown there comes financial issues but ensuring the health and welfare of our sanctuary animals also takes money and with the loss of that second household income but no decrease in financial responsibilities, we are struggling immensely.
I am asking for some Valentines day love and help with purchasing feed for the roosters and River as well as some shavings for the barn to help keep those feet warm on that concrete ground. Bags of feed are around $22 and shavings are $8.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and can be sent via e-transfer to [email protected] or via PayPal at https://paypal.me/BearRiverSanctuaryNS?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US

Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support and love. Peace and love for all kinds❤

12/26/2023

I am heartbroken to have to share this. On Christmas Eve my beloved Foggy passed away. Foggy came to us last October after being picked up by the SPCA wandering on his own. Foggy was the most gentle soul, and he absolutely loved coming into the house to spend time with his human flock. The last 2 weeks, Foggy has been spending most of his days in the house with Connor and myself, coming to the door every morning and staying until his bedtime. Foggy, you showed me how smart, loving and goofy roosters can be and I will miss you always. Fly free Foggy. ❤

10/23/2023

Hello everyone. As one of the co-founders of Bear River Sanctuary I am sharing that due to a marriage breakdown between myself and Rob, we are forced to sell the farm/house were we were working to build our sanctuary. With that being said, I plan to move the sanctuary to the a new location that myself and my son, Connor are currently trying very hard to find. Unfortunately, this is becoming a difficult task due to the financial constraints. At this time, the plan is not to add additional rescues and I will be looking at my ability to continuing rescuing after we secure a home.
Please note that the well being of the current animals we care for is my main priority, and I am working hard to find somewhere that my boys can love as much as they love where they are now. Thank you all for your support and I will post updates as I have them.
Peace and love for all kinds ❤

10/19/2023

We here at Bear River Sanctuary were devastated last night to hear of Esther the Wonder Pig's passing. Rob, Connor and I had the absolute pleasure to attend a volunteer work day at Happily Ever Farm Sanctuary prior to moving to Nova Scotia and were able to see Esther out and about near the house. To say she was larger than life is an understatement. The profound effect that Esther has had not just on us, and the reason why we wanted to start a sanctuary for farmed animals, will never be forgotten. We love you Esther and our thoughts are with Derek, Steve and all of the people who loved you so much. Fly free beautiful girl. ❤❤

08/01/2023

Ronny loves the fresh raspberries from our bushes. I love his happy little rooster sounds.

07/27/2023

Food for thought...

07/07/2023

Our roadside farm stand is growing! Will have garlic scapes and kale for sale this weekend. Tomatoes, peas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, potatoes, pumpkins all to come and all to support our sanctuary!

3151 Clementsvale Road, Bear River

07/06/2023

Even River has had enough of this rain! He's stomping off for drier grounds 😆

06/22/2023

We’re happy we can provide a safe environment for our barn, tree and cliff swallows that call Bear River Sanctuary and our backyard home.

06/06/2023

Oh Enki, you may be the one that took the longest to actually tolerate me (although you still chase Connor 😆), you are a handsome boy. Enki was the most stereotypical rooster of all our boys; if you all recall the first video of him attacking Rob. It has taken almost a year for Enki and I to come to an understanding. That doesn't mean he doesn't try to chase me or act up but it does mean it's minimal and generally he listens to me when I ask him to go to bed etc. And yes...you can tell a rooster to go to bed, they are damn smart. We never give up on any of our amazing animals, even if they push our buttons...a lot!

Peace and love for all kinds...even the cranky roosters!

05/31/2023

Si: Why are you in the house again?
Foggy the Rooster: “Cause mama says I’m too cute to say no to. “

Pretty much 😂

05/26/2023

I apologize I have not posted updates on Ronny since his arrival. Rest assured he is doing well. He is still separated from the rest of the boys as they have not been the most welcoming. He doesn’t mind too much. He has a coop meant for many all to himself 😄. Roosters during springtime make for some interesting times that’s for sure. We are hopeful that he will join Foggy eventually but we do not pressure any of our rescues to integrate faster then they want to, If ever. We love you no matter what Ronny. Your so stinking cute.

05/23/2023

Today we welcome this spicy young lady and her brother to Bear River Sanctuary. These 2 approximately 6 month old siblings are feral and because of their discomfort around people, they are not suitable for regular adoption. After being humanely trapped, they were vetted, spayed and neutered, dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped by the shelter and we have adopted them to live on the farm as barn cats. For the next 4 weeks they will stay in an enclosed large set up that we have for them in the barn to acclimate them to us and the barn. Although we personally do not encourage cats to live outdoors, in cases like this, these cats would have been living outdoors, with no regular vet care, food or protection from the elements and left unsterilized, would have introduced so many more kittens to the world to live as feral. Please remember, spaying and neutering is the best thing you can do for your pets.
Name ideas would be greatly appreciated (the brother is pure black)!
Peace and love for all kinds ❤

05/21/2023

I promised them I had to brag about their food. Second time at Mama Evelyn pizzeria in Greenwood, N.S. For our local followers, you need to go here. I’m heading back for breakfast Tuesday when I’m in the area. They have a vegan menu and vegan breakfast options. So friggin good!

05/05/2023

We’ve gotten into a new routine…after I get home from work this silly boy wants to spend some quality time with mom inside the house. I don’t mind at all.

05/01/2023

We welcomed a new addition to the sanctuary today! Meet Ronny!
Thanks to Daniella and her husband Mike, this sweet boy is going to get the chance to live out a full life here at Bear River Sanctuary. Ronny was found living in a ditch near their home last October, presumably dumped in the woods. After learning that they were not going to harm him, Ronny moved over to their yard and eventually became a permanent resident at their home. Although he had 2 horse friends there, Ronny started to let them know he needed some friends like himself. Because they did not plan on having chickens at their home, they knew it was time to help him find a permanent home. We are happy to welcome you home Ronny. ❤

04/19/2023

Found you Foggy! He thought a big pile of leaves would be a good napping spot today. His friend River the duck thought he was nuts 😆We just think he's super cute no matter what he does. Love you Foggy ❤

04/19/2023

Let's play a guessing game!

Foggy's playing hide and seek! Can you see him? River knows where he is.
Let's see if anyone else can find him. I'll post his hiding spot later!

04/03/2023

Foggy joined us the other evening to watch supper prep for our 6 cats and 2 dogs. I didn’t want him to feel left out so he had his fav oatmeal and berries on the deck while all the others had supper. Spoiled rooster.

03/26/2023

03/26/2023

Foggy's patience finally wore out and he was not taking no for an answer anymore 😆 I also cave easily when it comes to him. He was such a good boy exploring, and when he was finished he went back to the door and politely waited for me to open it and off he went. Smart boy.

03/19/2023

I don’t get many chances to get pictures of Curly standing still but when I do he sure knows how to pose like the handsome boy he is.

03/05/2023

We are working on plans to expand the sanctuary to allow us to rescue larger animals and we are hoping our community can help us out. We are hoping there may be some amazing people out there who may have some animal fencing that they no longer need or have replaced that they are looking to get rid of. We would love any fencing material that is still in good shape that we can use to start building some fences in the spring. As well, any donations of shingles for the barn roof (we have quite a few leaks) or donations of time to repair the roof would be amazing!
There is a huge need to help so many animals but without a safe, secure space to house them we are at a stand still, so we are hoping to rally the troops to allow us to help those animals in need. Thank you!
Peace and love for all kinds ❤

03/03/2023

Great news!

Simcoe Terrace, Ryszard Kaczmarczyk will meet weekly to review upcoming menu to accommodate his dietary needs

02/28/2023

This is in the previous city we lived in. We have reached out to him to provide our support and advocacy. As a nurse who notes that in facility living, whether in group homes, nursing homes or even hospitals, vegan options are literally non-existent, although a diabetic or heart healthy diet is available because it's for the "good of the health of the patient", but a vegan diet is not because its a "choice".

'I don’t know if I am getting anything or what I am getting until I go down (to the dining room),' says Simcoe Terrace resident

02/17/2023

I sure do love this boy.

02/17/2023

As you may recall we had a severe cold snap here a few weeks ago, which prompted us to bring Foggy in the house for a few days as he was the most at risk. The last few days have melted the last of the snow and Foggy has been making it very well known that he would like back in the house on a regular basis now, along with morning oatmeal and berries. He goes door to door trying to let me know that this outdoor living is not his preference 😆Oh Foggy, we love you so but you're too smart and sassy for your own good.