Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge

02/15/2025

As we think back to last year, we are so proud to have been able to continue to provide lifelong sanctuary to over 100 animals, as well as rescue new individuals in dire need. One of those individuals is our sweet sheep Hawthorne, who came to us at the young age of 6 months. His rescue was epic in that it required persistence, patience, and many concerned members of the public to finally get him to safety. We got dozens of calls about him while he was wandering through Pittsboro neighborhoods, and set up our rescue trailer in multiple locations over multiple weeks, only to hear that he had moved into a new area. Thanks to the help of one neighborhood being willing to consistently check the trailer and refresh the food and water, he was finally rescued. Enjoy this behind the scenes footage captured by our trail camera, and come see Hawthorne during our 2025 tour season (March date coming soon!)

02/14/2025

What are you doing on Sunday? Going to the Vegan Mac & Cheese Cookoff we hope!! You can still get tickets to this fun (and delicious) event. We promise you won't be disappointed! 👩‍🍳🧑‍🍳🧀🥣🏆

02/09/2025

Love Conquers All.

This week ahead of Valentine's Day, we'll be sharing some incredible love stories made possible by sanctuaries.

Sanctuaries lead with love, compassion and nonviolence - the world needs more of that.

📸: Charleston (late) resident Accredited Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
River & Matti residents Accredited On Golden Rescue
Manka resident Verified RAWR Sanctuary - Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue

02/03/2025

We are hiring!!

We are looking for a full-time Administrative Director to join our dedicated team of animal lovers! The ideal candidate is passionate about our mission, eager to advocate for animal well-being, and excited to grow with the Refuge.

Swipe ➡➡ to read about the current Administrative Director's experience!

Visit our website to learn more and to apply! https://www.piedmontrefuge.org/employment

02/01/2025

We "loaf" you!! 💖

01/30/2025

Our Vegan Mac & Cheese Cook Off in collaboration with VegFest Expos is coming up on February 16 in Durham, NC! 🍽 🎉 Do you have what it takes to compete and win? Join us as a CHEF and make your best vegan mac (no bells or whistles), just that mac and cheese you loved as a child. All chefs who participate get an awesome swag bag and the opportunity to be part of an extremely fun and tasty event!

Register as a Chef, or just get your tickets to the event here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/2025veganmaccookoff-15837/

01/29/2025

Want to send a unique and personalized card to someone special while also supporting our sanctuary? We can help with that! There are 4 designs for you to choose from, all featuring Refuge residents!

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Simply visit our online store, choose how you want your card sent (via mail or email), and we will handle the rest!

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• $10/each
• Last day to order a physical card: February 8th
• Visit our website to make your purchase: https://www.piedmontrefuge.org/valentines-day-cards

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01/28/2025

Applications for our 2025 Summer Animal Care Internship Program are officially open! 🎉

Interns are an essential part of our team and play many valuable roles in the day-to-day work at our sanctuary. As an Animal Care Intern you will be provided with the unique opportunity to learn what it is like to work as a caregiver to over 100 rescued farmed animals, including sheep, goats, cows, geese, ducks, turkeys, chickens, and (one) guinea fowl. This hands-on experience will equip you with substantial knowledge about what it takes to care for farmed animals in a sanctuary setting.

If you or someone you know might be interested, learn more and apply here: https://www.piedmontrefuge.org/internships

🐄🐓🐐🦃🦆🐑🐀

01/24/2025

Update on Peep! Little Peep was rescued last year after being found in the middle of a country road by a man on his way to work. She was unable to walk normally and we sadly found that her leg was broken in three places. But we are happy to report that after plenty of bedrest and medication, she has recovered without the need for a complicated and dangerous surgery. Since then has been thoroughly settling into life at the Refuge, which includes adventures in the Aviary with roommates Hope & Cricket, lots of enrichment to investigate, and cuddles from our staff and volunteers!

01/23/2025

01/18/2025

Our sweet Jonathan 🐐 was rescued from a county shelter and came to live at the Refuge 9 years ago. We suspect he was used by a breeder until he was no longer wanted due to his age. Upon arrival Jonathan had an nasty ear tag, a ringworm infection, a crooked horn from a botched dehorning procedure, and a persistent cough. After treatment at our sanctuary he was like a brand new goat!🌟 While he suffers from a disease that effects his lungs and has no cure, we are able to manage his symptoms with intermittent medications. As the smallest and stoutest goat in his herd, he maintains his position as leader due to a gentle and confident personality (and an epic beard!). We love that little man and look forward to many more years of providing him with a forever home! 💕

01/10/2025

Earlier this year we rescued Herman and Agatha - two chickens who were sadly being kept in small wire cages without access to food and water. Their feet were in terrible shape from constantly standing on the sharp wires. While Agatha passed away shortly after being rescued, Herman is thriving and continues to receive specialized care.He recently went for another vet visit to have his feet checked on, and they are making excellent progress. In addition to foot care, he is weighed regularly to ensure he continues to put on weight appropriately after years of inadequate nutrition. Each one of the animals who lives at the Refuge is tended to meticuously and given individualized treatments by staff and veterinarians. It's because of supporters like you that this care is made possible. Thank you for helping us provide for Herman and all of his friends! 🐓🙌

01/04/2025

Our first Volunteer of the Month for 2025! 🥳🌟💖 A big "congrats" and an even bigger "thank you" are in order! Taryn is a dedicated volunteer with a sincere love for the animals and we are beyond grateful for her commitment and warm heart!

More about Taryn:

1. When did you start volunteering at the Refuge?
"I started volunteering at the Refuge in 2020."

2. What kind of work do you usually do when you sign up to volunteer?
"Currently, my typical routine involves Sunday house cleaning and assisting guests and tour guides during tours. Additionally, I have pitched in with tasks like animal care, general tidying of indoor and outdoor areas, and construction projects."

3. What is your favorite thing about volunteering here?
"I appreciate volunteering at the refuge for numerous reasons, including the charismatic residents, the serene atmosphere, and the dedicated staff and volunteers. Through the Refuge, I have formed lasting connections with fellow volunteers and animals alike."

4. Is there a specific animal resident that holds a special place in your heart? If so, who and why?
"Oh gosh, this question is hard! Every single one of them is special. I usually talk the most with Jonathan and scratch Clover when she's feeling sociable. Jonathan reminds me of Danny DeVito, a fun fellow for sure."

01/03/2025

While it may look like Bobby is singing 🎤🎶 in this photo, he is actually displaying a unique behavior called the flehmen response! By curling back his upper lip, he is able to draw air into a special sensory organ located on the roof of his mouth. This allows him to investigate interesting smells, like pheromones, to a much deeper level. While humans lost the capacity to utilize this organ, many other animals still retain the function, which is sometimes nicknamed "the stinky face"😝. Since our goat's hormones are very active this time of year, it's no wonder that Bobby was picking up on an interesting scent......happy smelling, Bobby!

Extra tidbit: did you know Bobby is also our very special 3-legged goat?? Swipe through to see more pics of this handsome tripod!

12/26/2024

Celebrating Thomas! 🎉🦆Thomas came to the Refuge in 2018 as part of a flock of four ducks who traveled all the way from Ohio where they were destined to be butchered for dog food. A compassionate couple thankfully stepped in and saved their lives. Thomas is a shy duck who is closely bonded with his flock. He suffered an injury before his rescue that left him with an S-shaped neck. Luckily this injury does not cause him any problems in his daily life, and it is an honor to provide him with safety and sanctuary. We 🫶 you, Thomas!!

12/22/2024

Fiesta (the best-uh). Show us a better toothy smile. We'll wait....

Not really, we have a lot to do - we're busy obsessing over Fiesta.

This smiley girl came into our lives last summer when she was found wandering around Durham with an ear tag and an auction sticker on her side. Despite this, her "home" was never found - a lucky thing for her and us!

We adore this spunky goat and are so glad she gets to call the Refuge home 💜

12/20/2024

We are so incredibly thankful to everyone who has donated to our Holiday Wishlist! The packages have been arriving non-stop, and each one helps us provide the care our rescued animals need. We are truly feeling the love from you!

If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, don’t worry - our wishlist will stay up through the end of the year. Every item, big or small, makes a real difference in the lives of animals, from our biggest resident Benny 🐄 to our smallest rescue Peep 🐥

WISHLIST: https://a.co/0HLFz1X

Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us make this holiday season extra special for the animals! ❤️

12/18/2024

We just received our new candles and they smell AMAZING! Hand-poured in the VA mountains using all-natural soy wax and non-toxic fragrance, these 6-oz. tin candles are available in our online shop: piedmontrefuge.org/shop 🕯