The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary

The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary A small neighborhood backyard farm sanctuary. We are not a rescue and we do not adopt out .

The Backyard Barnyard Foundation began in 2010 to help support a long time neighborhood farm that was home to rescued donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs and chickens. Little did we know that two years later we would actually become a sanctuary with a motley crew of rescued barnyard animals living in our backyard. We are a small backyard sanctuary providing a permanent and loving home to the animals in our care.

It’s with a very heavy heart that we share the news of Gary the Goose’s passing. She came to us as a gosling along with ...
03/02/2025

It’s with a very heavy heart that we share the news of Gary the Goose’s passing. She came to us as a gosling along with a little
baby chick. We didn’t know what the sexes were, so we named the chick Gretchen and the gosling Gary. Well, one morning Gretchen started crowing and the one-day Gary laid an egg. We had their genders wrong but decided to keep the names.
Gary & Gretchen were a bonded pair up until we lost Gretchen a little over 2 years ago. We witnessed Gary mourn the loss of her friend; she never bonded with anyone else, preferring to be a solitary goose although she shared her pasture with Milton B***o and our new pig Nicholas.
I write this with tears rolling down my cheeks. I keep thinking one day the pain won’t be so bad and the tears won’t come. But if I’m honest, I don’t ever want that day to come. As painful as it is to lose one of these beautiful souls, we feel blessed that we are their stewards while they walk this earth and will continue to honor them once they have made that final journey. Holding her in her final moments was a privilege we will always cherish.
Here’s to you sweet Gary, may you and your special friend Gretchen soar free together again. We will forever miss the sound of your sweet honking. 🪿💔

01/06/2025

Sometimes, I wonder if our small backyard barnyard sanctuary truly makes a difference. We don’t do much on social media, don't do a lot of fundraising, or have a big presence like other sanctuaries. As humans, we have a tendency to compare ourselves to others.

But today, I realized the kind of impact we do have. A couple stopped by with their 13-year-old son, a boy who visits often and loves our animals. He’s autistic, and his parents told us how much joy the sanctuary brings him. They said he follows us every day on Facebook and knows all the animals by name. When he read about Hamish, he was devastated. He called his parents, distraught, worried about the animals he loves so much.

They told us a story about him that stuck with me. One day, he noticed something was wrong with one of the little pink pigs. Jessica wasn’t acting like herself. Concerned, he told his parents. Sure enough, she had a breathing problem that needed attention. His parents said he sees the world differently, more deeply, and he notices things others might miss.

We told them that anytime he notices something is off, to let us know right away. It struck me then how meaningful this small sanctuary is—not just for the animals, but for people like him. He’s a sensitive soul, and he reminds us that impact isn’t about numbers or visibility. It’s about connection.

So while we may not have the visibility of larger sanctuaries, we have something just as important: a safe, loving space where both animals and people—like this boy—can find joy, connection, and purpose.

Thank you Kingston for reminding me that we have made a difference for you and for others

The hardest part of loving an animal is knowing we will likely outlive them. Their lives are measured in heartbeats far ...
01/01/2025

The hardest part of loving an animal is knowing we will likely outlive them. Their lives are measured in heartbeats far quicker than our own, their years only a fraction of the time we are given. And yet, in that brief span, they teach us lessons we carry forever.
To those who live long—who grow gray alongside us, who walk slowly by our side until their legs can no longer carry them—we are given the privilege of years. Years of quiet companionship, gentle routines, and the ache of a slow goodbye.
To those who don’t live long enough—whose bright eyes are here one moment and gone the next—we are reminded of the fragile, fleeting nature of joy. Yet in their short time, they leave an imprint sharp and unforgettable, a reminder to treasure every moment, no matter how brief.
Whether their time is long or short, they shape our lives in ways words cannot fully capture. They open our hearts and break them in equal measure. And when the end comes, one truth remains: the love they gave us was infinite, no matter how finite their time.
So tonight, we raise a glass to all those who have loved and lost, who carry the memory of furred, feathered, or scaled companions in their hearts. Your grief is the echo of the love they gave you—a bond that never truly ends. They remain our greatest teachers.

On a cold, cloudy December day, we made the difficult decision faced by all who love animals. We had to say goodbye to H...
12/27/2024

On a cold, cloudy December day, we made the difficult decision faced by all who love animals. We had to say goodbye to Hamish, set his spirit free, and let him gain his wings. He had seemed a bit off for the last couple of days, so we decided to have him checked out. What we discovered was devastating: his bladder was full of stones, and he faced the risk of a complete blockage and rupture.

Some losses you can see coming—you try to prepare yourself, though you never truly can. Others blindside you and take your breath away. This one took our breath away. Hamish had just turned three—a playful, joyful soul who filled our lives with love and laughter. His sudden departure feels unreal, a heartbreaking reminder of how fleeting life can be.
Fly free sweet boy we will miss you so 💔

Thank you all for your kind words, positive energy and prayers. Jessica is feeling better today. No more wheezing and s...
12/11/2024

Thank you all for your kind words, positive energy and prayers. Jessica is feeling better today. No more wheezing and she seems to be back to close to her normal self.
Animals are so stoic and it's so difficult when they can't tell you where they hurt.

Jessica is having a difficult time breathing.We're at Midwestern having her examined.Please send love & positive energy ...
12/09/2024

Jessica is having a difficult time breathing.
We're at Midwestern having her examined.
Please send love & positive energy her way
🐷❤️.

Sweet Fawn gently crossed into the spiritual realm last night at the age of 17. She joined our family four years ago whe...
11/29/2024

Sweet Fawn gently crossed into the spiritual realm last night at the age of 17. She joined our family four years ago when her previous human lost their home, and despite never having lived among other farm animals, she seamlessly became part of the herd, quickly forming a special bond with Ivy. Sweet Fawn cherished simple joys—nestling against the warm bricks on chilly days, peeking through the window, and eagerly accepting treats from kind visitors at the fence.

In her later years, as her hearing and sight began to fade, her spirit remained strong. She could sense our presence and would stomp her front hoof with endearing determination, asking for treats. Though her time with us was brief, she left a mark on our hearts. Rest peacefully, sweet girl. You will be deeply missed. ❤

Happy heavenly birthday to Frank, the little pig who started it all! Frank's spirit continues to be the heart and soul o...
11/01/2024

Happy heavenly birthday to Frank, the little pig who started it all!
Frank's spirit continues to be the heart and soul of what we do, so we thought it appropriate to have a fun-filled fundraiser where you can let your creative juices flow and paint your own ceramic flying pig and heart. All funds raised will help support the animals in our care and keep Frank's legacy alive!
We will also have paintings for sale by our artist pigs in residence. No harm was done to the pigs in this process. The paint was covered with protective wrap and they enjoyed apple sauce and cheerios while moving paint around with their snout!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

10/28/2024

Meet sweet Clover. AZ Piggy Network needed an emergency foster for her as she was close to being slaughtered. Yesterday was the day she needed out and a place to land. So we opened our hearts and our pasture until she could be moved to a longer-term foster. She is so sweet and docile, and it is hard to imagine what her fate would have been.
So many pigs in need and AZ Piggy Network has an amazing team of volunteers to help as many pigs in need as they can. It is hard work and compassion fatigue can set in very quickly. But you do what you can and know that if you can help save a life there's always a glimmer of hope. ❤

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.”Our little Silkie Puff Ball took her journey across the Ra...
09/07/2024

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.”

Our little Silkie Puff Ball took her journey across the Rainbow Bridge. She was the oldest hen in the flock, going on 10 years. She was the smallest of all the chickens but had a big personality and didn't shy away from any challenges.
Each loss is a reminder for us to find joy in the present moment and our animal companions, no matter the species, have been our greatest teachers of that. ❤

Nothing like sharing a mud wallow with a friend on a hot summer day.
07/24/2024

Nothing like sharing a mud wallow with a friend on a hot summer day.

I think Albert is trying to tell us we need pools! We could use at least 4 large kiddy pools.
07/01/2024

I think Albert is trying to tell us we need pools! We could use at least 4 large kiddy pools.

Romeo - self-appointed barnyard cleanup supervisor. Generally requiring a treat along the way.
07/01/2024

Romeo - self-appointed barnyard cleanup supervisor. Generally requiring a treat along the way.

My Grandad's place. It was my destiny but as a rescue!
06/13/2024

My Grandad's place. It was my destiny but as a rescue!

My bestest boy, Milton B***o, is back in our pasture! He is 20 years old and he is Sweet Pea's son. He has her demeanor ...
06/13/2024

My bestest boy, Milton B***o, is back in our pasture! He is 20 years old and he is Sweet Pea's son. He has her demeanor with the gentlest and sweetest disposition. I've missed having a donkey in the pasture and are so blessed he's back ❤️

Two years ago yesterday, we lost an incredible, sweet soul. Frank was 20 years old. He had been with us longer than any ...
06/04/2024

Two years ago yesterday, we lost an incredible, sweet soul. Frank was 20 years old. He had been with us longer than any other animal we had and in many ways, he saved us.
He had a mouth infection that wouldn't heal and under anesthesia, it was determined that the infection had invaded his jaw bone. At his age with any surgical intervention, the recovery would be too long and difficult. The most humane thing to do would let him gain his wings.
Two years ago today, we learned that the trust we had with our vet clinic had been violated. A vet tech took a video of Frank during his final moments and took it upon herself to use that video as a personal Instagram post with the comment "The stench of this pig's mouth 🤮." To say that we were devastated by this action is an understatement. We received no apology nor were calls returned by the vet so that we could have a conversation regarding this behavior. We filed a complaint with the Arizona Veterinary Board, but as expected no citation was given as no rules or laws were violated. Even the Board found the behavior egregious. But at least Frank's story was told and our voices heard.
Although no action was taken, Frank's story has been shared with veterinarians, vet techs, vet students as well as others as a lesson in the appropriate and inappropriate use of social media. What constitutes a release to a clinic, does not constitute the release to an employee for personal use.
So to all who read this post, please be aware of any releases you sign with your vet and ask about their social media practices. What happened to Frank and to us should never happen to anyone.
Even though it was Frank's time, his indomitable little spirit wanted us to know what had happened and to make sure that it didn't happen to others.
So to the little pig who started it all, you will forever remain in our hearts. ❤🐷

Trying to get back on track after a rough start for this year. After the loss of Kapos and our own sweet Lab Bella, it's...
05/05/2024

Trying to get back on track after a rough start for this year. After the loss of Kapos and our own sweet Lab Bella, it's been tough. 💔
Two new members have joined The Backyard Barnyard Gang. Meet Goldie and Tina! They are both around 10 years old and just the sweetest girls. Goldie has a bum hind leg and Tina has a bit of a head tilt, but it doesn't stop them from their goat antics. They joined the herd seamlessly, like they've always been here. 🐐❤

"Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people—they always go away, sooner or later. You can’t hold them, any mor...
02/21/2024

"Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Things, people—they always go away, sooner or later. You can’t hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight. But if they’ve touched you, if they’re inside you, then they’re still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart. ~Bruce Coville

We had to help Kapos cross over the Bridge yesterday. There were underlying conditions that we could not see and realized that by putting him under anesthesia, he would most likely not survive. Although our hearts are shattered, I am at peace. As I held him as he took his last breath I asked St. Francis to guide him safely to greet his friends who were waiting for him.
There is joy and heartbreak in having animals in your life, but they have been our greatest teachers and will continue to do so in spirit. Thank you all for your love and support

Address

6252
Phoenix, AZ
85015

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary:

Videos

Meet sweet Clover. AZ Piggy Network needed an emergency foster for her as she was close to being slaughtered. Yesterday was the day she needed out and a place to land. So we opened our hearts and our pasture until she could be moved to a longer-term foster. She is so sweet and docile, and it is hard to imagine what her fate would have been. So many pigs in need and AZ Piggy Network has an amazing team of volunteers to help as many pigs in need as they can. It is hard work and compassion fatigue can set in very quickly. But you do what you can and know that if you can help save a life there's always a glimmer of hope. #adoptdontshop ❤

Shortcuts

Share