Smokey Chestnut Farm Rescue

01/22/2025

Happy hump day!
Yesterday morning when I came out to feed at 6:30, it was 1 degree BELOW zero!!! This morning, it was 1 degree ABOVE zero. I am so happy that this is going in the right direction! Everything is relative for sure. This afternoon feels amazing with the warmth of the beautiful sun!
The Smokey herd is hanging in there! The cold weather means extra hay, extra shavings, extra treats, and of course, extra love!!! 💗
We thank all of you who send prayers our way! We receive them, and we are grateful!
Enjoy the pics of these beautiful boys!

01/21/2025

Happy 61st Birthday, Bobby!!!
We want to take a moment to thank you for everything you do — both as a husband and father — and as Smokey’s handyman! From overseeing the day-to-day operations to making sure every project runs smoothly, your leadership and hard work make the farm what it is today. You've built something that will last for generations, and we're all so thankful for your passion and commitment to the farm! Not to mention he’s artistically creative, funny, and so sweet!!!
We couldn’t think of a better man!!!
Please join us in wishing Bobby a Happy Birthday! 🎈🎉🎂

01/20/2025

Spring Craft Fair Applications are OPEN!
We hope to see you on Saturday, May 3rd at the farm!!!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkGpTblaKHU5qldaHiFBMOrq7vYzdN-UjNQqgAj84wHHUlcg/viewform?pli=1

01/17/2025

Hello everyone!
Enjoying this beautiful day and the warm sunshine and praying Mother Nature shows mercy next week and that the cold will be gentler than is being forecast.

🩷💚💛🌻💐🌻💛💚💜

01/16/2025

Merlot chilling with the turkeys!
🦃🦃🐈‍⬛🦃🦃

01/15/2025

Desert Rose has an announcement to make, but since she is enjoying a mouthful of hay, I will let everyone know that if you ordered merchandise during the most recent pop-up shop we had in November it is here at Smokey and ready for pickup!
Please text me, Heidi, at 508.962.7027 to make arrangements for pickup. And not to worry. If you cannot make it right away, your merchandise is safe and sound here. Just let me know when you plan on stopping by.
Thank you to everyone who showed their support for Smokey! 💜🐴💜

01/12/2025

Happy Sunday! Just wanted to update you all on Rascal!
She is settling in very nicely. She loves hanging out with all of her neighbors, and she especially is enjoying Dory! A beautiful friendship is unfolding . . .
💞🩷💞

01/11/2025

“Hope springs eternal . . . “
Grateful the storm did not come to Massachusetts!
Hoping everyone who was affected by it is okay!
🤎🖤🩶❄️🩶🖤🤎

01/06/2025

Hi everyone!
We would like to share some news that will hopefully warm your heart on this very cold day.
We would like to introduce you to the newest Smokey herd member. Her name is Rascal! She arrived late yesterday afternoon.
As a young girl, she was brought to the MSPCA. It was suspected by the MSPCA that she was a Premarin foal. Premarin is a drug made from a pregnant mare’s urine. It is given to women during menopause to supposedly help with symptoms. It is a form of factory farming. The byproduct foals that are produced are often sent to auction, bought, fattened up, and sent to slaughter.
Rascal was one of the lucky ones. Someone surrendered her to the MSPCA where she lived for nine years at which time a wonderful lady from New Hampshire offered her a beautiful home where she has lived happily for the past six years. The lady is now facing some health challenges and asked if we could offer Rascal sanctuary. We said yes!
Rascal and Dory are using the well loved space of Gregory and Freddie (💞). They are getting to know each other. Rascal, like Dory, is a Quarter horse, extremely sweet, around 20 years old, and we hope these two enjoy many years of friendship together! Please welcome Rascal to the herd and send her lots of love and well wishes!
Welcome to the Smokey herd, Rascal!!!
🩷🐴🩷

12/31/2024

Hi everyone!
As some of you may know, today is my birthday! 61 years old! For me, my birthday is a day filled with reflection . . . a day to think of all the life experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today! One thing I can say without a shadow of a doubt is that I have remained tried and true to my authentic self . . . that little curly red haired girl who could not think of anything other than making sure every animal within her reach was loved and cared for!
You also know this past month we have experienced significant losses . . . Gregory, Freddie, Bud, and Snickers. When I commit myself to the care of an animal, it is a “for ever”commitment. I care for them here on earth. I do my best to help them transition into Heaven peacefully, and yes, I still check in on them after that point. As energetic beings, I believe we all continue on our journey, and I feel the eternal reciprocity of love that we shared here at Smokey!
As sad as things get, I will always hold on to Hope and Faith and Love!
I am beyond blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people who help lift my spirits when I am down. Thank you to all of you who have been sending prayers and positive intentions! You make a powerful impact on all of us here at Smokey!
We wish you all a wonderful New Year! May you be happy and healthy!
If you would like to make a year-end donation, it would be very much appreciated!
Smokeychestnutfarm.com

12/28/2024

Dear Smokey community,
We have had a tough few weeks here at Smokey.
In addition to saying farewell to Gregory and Freddie, we have unexpectedly had to say farewell to two more Smokey herd members . . . Snickerdoodles and Bud.

As some of you may know, Snickers has been living in our heated garage since the beginning of November. Her old, delicate body simply could not tolerate the cold. We absolutely loved having her close to us. We spend a lot of time in the garage, and Snickers would often tool around while we were doing things. Despite being protected from the outside cold, her body still struggled with the natural aging process. She was very accepting of the changes and chose instead to focus on all the love and attention she received from everyone who went inside to visit with her. Her mind was sharp as a tack, but her body just couldn’t keep up. Last Sunday, surrounded by those who loved her dearly, she peacefully made her transition into Heaven . . . Rest in Peace, sweet Snickerdoodles! We love you so very much!

Yesterday Bud was showing signs of colic distress. Dr. Kendyl came right away, and he was offered every medicine and every diagnostic treatment to see if we could pinpoint the source of his discomfort. We tried and he tried, but unfortunately things were not in our favor and we had no choice but to release him with love and kindness. Our hearts are beyond sad. Bud was a trooper, a one-of-a-kind gentle giant so grounded and full of grandfatherly love . . . yet always at the ready to fight for his high standards and values!

Most of the animals here at Smokey find their way to us because they are older and harder
to place. We love them because they — like older people — have a story to tell! To us, they are worth their weight in gold! What this means, though, is that we don’t have a lot of time with them. We know that every day with them is a gift! As hard as saying farewell is, we consider it an honor and a privilege to help them with their transition. The Smokey herd has been supporting each other. They have all been quiet and respectful! Lucas is struggling with the loss of his dear friend Bud. We welcome your prayers and well wishes and positive vibes. As always, we thank you for caring and sharing your hearts with the Smokey herd! Love you forever and always, Bud!!!

12/25/2024

We here at Smokey Chestnut Farm wish you all a peaceful holiday filled with love and light . . . 🕊️

12/24/2024

Bonnie and Clyde and the rest of the Smokey herd want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who contributed to our Yay For Hay Giving Tuesday campaign!!! You made this delivery possible!!! Thank you . . .
♥️💚♥️💚♥️💚♥️💚♥️💚

12/18/2024

Dear Smokey Community,
We would like to share some news with you.
For several months, Gregory has been asking me to release him with love and kindness before winter sets in. Freddie added, Where Gregory goes, so too do I.
My first response was, Please, No!
I asked them to rethink their request. They told me that although this life is kind and gentle now it was not always that way. Both Gregory and Freddie have had such hard lives . . . racing for people’s entertainment and pulling buggies year after year after year. The conditions under which they worked were harsh, and their hard work was expected of them and very seldom appreciated. As a result, they have both been experiencing serious health concerns.
I struggled with what to do for months!
I pride myself on giving each animal a voice, and yet, the pain of life without them was more than I could bear. After arguing with myself for months, I decided that I would experience “less regret” if I conceded and made their wish my command.
I built up my courage and reminded myself that my ultimate service is to them and that even the mildest of winters are tough on an older, tired body and spirit.
And so . . . Monday morning, we set them free! They entered Heaven’s gates side by side . . . two beautiful, strong, noble kings! Adorned with so much love and adoration . . . where they will freely run and buck and buck and run, frolic in the vast fields, and then rest in the gentle, warm sun.
The lives they touched are innumerable, and the lessons they taught me I will keep with me forever! I love you with every fiber of my being, Gregory and Freddie! I will keep you safe in my heart always . . . Heaven shines brighter because of you two dear friends together forever! Until we meet again . . . I love you!

12/15/2024

Thank you to Karson and Kennedy for having Smokey Chestnut Farm on Mix 104.1! 🐴❤️🐴 Click the link below to read and listen!

This morning we spoke with Heidi, the founder of Smokey Chestnut Farm Rescue! Smokey Chestnut Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization located in Norton, Massachusetts

12/14/2024

Hi everyone! Many of you know our daughter, Bri, who helps us here on the farm with events, marketing, and more. She loves to bake in her free time and is in a national online baking competition hosted by Buddy Valastro of the TV show Cake Boss!

She is in the quarterfinals and needs to be in first place by December 19th in order to make it to semifinals. Can you show your support by voting for her? We know the Smokey community can make an impact!!! Thank you!

https://greatestbaker.com/2024/brianna-medas?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1ZhldsGZmb_nvh6u3DUEwYY_h8TcUfrwuakNH1CM_MenL1yWUIGlQG2CY_aem_5b7sRWfomivKAoLCwgsJqg

One baker will take home the title, a feature in Bake From Scratch Magazine, and $20,000!

12/12/2024

Recharging our batteries after yesterday’s incredible storm!
Hoping you all are doing well too!
🧡🤎🧡🤎🧡🤎🧡

12/04/2024

We have amazing news! 🎉

Today, we have seen an INCREDIBLE outpour of support by many people who believe in our mission.

Thanks to you, our generous Smokey community, we have SURPASSED our Giving Tuesday goal of $10,000! As of this evening, we have raised just over $14,000, totaling just over $15,000 with the very generous donor match.

We are humbled and so grateful for your support. The winter months are taxing for multiple reasons, but knowing we have funds to care for the herd brings us a sense of security. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every one of you! ❤️

Additional contributions are still welcome and very appreciated. Your donations support animals like Snickers, pictured below, who was surrendered by a gentleman that was grateful to know that Smokey would offer her a safe and loving forever home.

https://smokeychestnutfarm.com/yay-for-hay-giving-tuesday