General

Second Chance Ranch

Diane is one of the many amazing people who help make PSGR what it is. She has assisted us in countless ways; adopting numerous goats and 3 alpacas from PSGR, fostering animals, transporting, donating and serving on our board of directors. She has created a forever home called Second Chance Ranch for a variety of rescued animals. Diane has also turned her passion, and her daughter's, into a business that not only helps kids unplug from the technology of today but also helps give them an awareness of rescue animals and the wonderful creatures that they are. Here is her story:

"My love for animals, particularly those needing homes, began as soon as I could walk. I remember a picture of myself as a small child holding a tabby cat underneath its forearms as the cat dangled down in front of me, almost as long as I was. I grew up on an acre with a small barn in our backyard, which, over time, I turned into a sanctuary for stray cats, rescued rabbits, injured birds and a stray boxer dog. My first experience with a goat was with a neighbor that had a large Saanan. I thought this goat was really cool and I even got to take care of him for a few months. I always knew that someday I would want goats. Having three brothers who were so involved in organized sports, this barn was where I spent most of my afternoons after school. My parents had an idea that there were more than just my two horses living in that barn but turned a blind eye and let me pursue my passion for saving animals.

After marrying, having four kids, and living in West Bellevue for a dozen years, I really began to miss having animals and convinced my husband to get goats. We adopted two pygmies and then soon acquired chickens and rabbits as well. It didn’t take us long to realize we needed more space so we bought a house on six acres in Sammamish. I was thrilled!

Over the last 15 years, I have created a rescue farm for homeless animals called Second Chance Ranch. We have adopted, fostered and rescued cats, dogs, alpacas, llamas, horses, bunnies, and of course, goats. This year we even took on a large steer that many wanted for meat. He is as sweet as can be and brings great joy to the neighbor kids who come to the bus stop early each morning to bring Cowboy carrots. I get such a great feeling of fulfillment when I look over my pastures and see the once neglected goats climbing the rocks, the alpacas chasing and playing with each other and the kids visiting daily to see Cowboy and the farm. Sharing the farm and teaching children to appreciate and care for these wonderful animals is very rewarding.

I met Barbara, founder of Puget Sound Goat Rescue about 12 years ago when I was looking to adopt a friend for my elder goat. I have fostered many of Barbara’s rescues and have adopted goats, alpacas and Cowboy the steer through her. I think of Barbara as the Goat Angel as she has such a heart and commitment to saving these sweet pets. I have been on the PSGR board since the beginning and have enjoyed all the wonderful members and volunteers that have contributed to this passion.

My daughter, Julie, also has acquired this love for neglected animals; in particular, cats. She fosters and rescues cats missing tails, an eye, teeth, and senior cats. But they are never missing hearts and the ability to reward her back with their love. Julie and I recently started a business called Unplug and Create. We make activity boxes for children that also incorporate our love for our rescues. Each box has rescue trading cards featuring the various rescue animals living on the farm or foster animals we have worked with. It also has short stories about the rescue of a particular animal and shows actual photos of that rescued animal. The boxes have pictures around the outside of our special pets. The five activities boxes have different themes: Farm, Garden, Write-On, Sport, and Spy. All introduce kids to the rescue farm.

In addition, I have begun to write and publish children’s stories about rescued pets from our farm. As a child, I wrote stories and poetry, often inspired by my work with animals and I always knew I would like to write books one day. As our youngest graduates this year from college, I have begun to fulfill this dream. So far, we have four books in what I call, “The Rescue Series”, and two more in the works. These books are thetrue stories of a rescued pet, told by the pets themselves. At the end of each story, I have added actual photos of that animal, making the story very real to the child. Kids and adults alike have shared their love of the books and have given them great reviews. Although my books and our business is not a non-profit organization, it does help us fund the ranch and give to the goat rescue, where I have found Barbara and other special people and volunteers.

I don’t work with rescues out of obligation. To me, it is a privilege to be able to give them a better life. I don’t look in the neglected pets’ eyes and have pity; I see an angel needing a second chance, a home and a human to love and be loved by. Many have broken limbs, broken tails and broken hearts, but we can fix that by intervening and giving them a second chance. They need us. When we give these little angels a better life, they make us a better person." -Diane

We truly can not thank Diane enough for all she has done and continues to do for PSGR! We are lucky to have her as a part of our PSGR family and the animals that have found their way to Second Chance Ranch are very lucky rescues!

It takes a village

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart"-Elizabeth Andrew

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There is a saying "It takes a village". That could not be more true for PSGR. With a founder who works a full time corporate job, no staff and no money growing trees to be found, the rescue relies on generous volunteers, supporters and donors to enable the work that we do.

Vounteers are an essential part of the day to day operations of the farm. Laurie is a part of our small core group of volunteers and was kind enough to share her story and what keeps her returning to PSGR month after month:

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"The first time I visited the rescue was in March of 2013. I kept hearing about it via a friend of a friend (Rachel, a former PSGR volunteer), and had always wanted to find out more. Rachel gave me Barbara's number and I called her one day when I was in the Maple Valley area on another errand. Even though she was busy Barbara was nice enough to give me a brief tour of the place and tell me a little about its purpose. The first animal I got to meet was Olivia the giant sheep. I'd never seen such a big sheep before! She had only just arrived and the wool was just dripping off of her. But what a gentle sweet presence she had. It really struck me that Olivia sensed she was going to be OK now.

The other two animals I remember from that day are Emile and Klondike. They were just babies then and so adorable. I met several others as well. At one point we were standing in the driveway talking and Barbara said, "I think Levi wants you to pet him". I turned slightly and sure enough, Levi the big white goat was standing quietly just behind me, waiting for some pets!

Long story short, after that visit I decided to become a volunteer. My first day as a volunteer was a doozy! I got splattered with pee (babies on my lap), milk (feeding babies while they were on my lap), poop (cleaning), and. . . hot sheep's blood. Yes, you read that right. There was a ewe there who'd recently had surgery on her foot, and Barbara needed to change the dressing on the wound. She showed me how to "rump" the ewe so she could get to work. Trouble was, when she finally got the bandage off, the blood started spurting, which was not supposed to happen. After trying a few things she said,"Laurie, could you just keep pressure on her foot for me while I go in and get the phone to call the vet to make sure I can get this under control?". So I awkwardly kept balancing this 150 lb. ewe on her rump while hanging on to her forelegs, and putting pressure on her foot to stop the bleeding, until Barbara returned and got it under control. The bandage was changed, the ewe limped off, and we both said, "whew!". The next words out of Barbara's mouth were: "Are you going to come back?" We both burst out laughing as I answered yes, because I had truly had a baptism by fire. For a city girl with zero experience handling farm animals it was quite a day!

Ever since, I've been hooked. I look forward to "going to the goats" every month, and wish I could come down once a week instead of once a month (it's a long drive from NE Seattle, alas). I love being there. It has become a sanctuary of sorts for me. Away from the city, in the beauty of the countryside, I can spend an afternoon with the friendly, curious, always entertaining, and lovable residents of the rescue and leave feeling renewed and recharged. It's lovely to work outdoors in the fresh air (even, to my surprise, through the cold and rainy winter -- and here I thought I was such a weather wimp!). I can exist entirely in the moment, whether doing my chores, comforting a frightened new arrival, snuggling with a darling baby, or just hanging out with the herd and enjoying their company. I have learned so much, not only about the animals, but also about myself. I'm glad to be a part of the amazing work Barbara and all her helpers do to give these wonderful creatures the chance to live happy and healthy lives.

I hope these words help to convey my deep gratitude and joy in volunteering at the rescue!"

-Laurie

Thank you for sharing your story Laurie, we're lucky to have you as a part of our PSGR family!

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Bromance

Our herd dynamic is always changing and I love seeing the friendships that form amongst the animals. In our current herd Daisy seems to have an affinity for Dove, the 3 Nubian kids stick together like glue and Amara and Calista are like two peas in a pod. Literally. They squeeze into an upside down crate top big enough for one to be together. But no friendship is as entertaining and endearing as Cowboy and Finn.

Cowboy is a dwarf cross that was rescued and bottle raised at PSGR. He is entering his senior years as a member of the PSGR resident herd. Finn, also a dwarf cross, was born at a local slaughterhouse last Christmas and was rescued with his mom Faye the day he was born. Finn, being the oldest of all the kids this past season, was always the man in charge and instigating trouble. When Finn graduated to the main herd this summer he was more of a low man on the totem pole and had some learning to do.

With mom Faye recovering from foot surgery Finn turned to Cowboy for guidance in being a "big goat". I started noticing that wherever Cowboy was, you could find Finn. When Cowboy got up to eat, Finn got up to eat. If Cowboy got a drink of water, Finn got a drink of water. If Cowboy shooed someone out of the way with a head butt, Finn would mimic his exact movements. At first I thought Cowboy was just being tolerant of this pesky little goat shadowing him. But the more I paid attention, the more I realized Cowboy seemed to realize his newfound role of mentor. If someone picks on Finn in Cowboy's presence, Cowboy is quick to come to his defense.

We will never know what draws certain animals to one another. What we do know is that Finn and Cowboy's friendship and Finn's absolute admiration of Cowboy is undeniable. I like to think that the senior members of the resident herd are passing their wisdom and roles on to the younger ones. Or maybe it's just yet another phase in an ever changing herd. Either way, there is no question, it's bromance!

The Meaning of Success

Success means different things to different people. Success in its simplest form for us, is healing the animals we bring to PSGR and facilitating a chance at life that they wouldn't have had otherwise. To find good lifelong homes for them so we can continue the cycle of the work that we do. For two little lambs born in a hauling trailer at a slaughterhouse, left undiscovered for a day, the road to success was a little longer but they made it. Now, they're living on a 5 acre farm with other rescue animal friends and very loving new "parents".

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"They spend their days playing together and grazing. Recently, they discovered that they can pull down the chicken wire surrounding our raised vegetable beds which has resulted in the end of our broccoli, beans and calendula but that's okay. It's already the end of the season, so they did our cleanup for us."

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They have lots of new friends including rescued cats, dogs, goats and two little mini pigs. "They have become accustomed to our mini pigs, Charlotte and Olive, who come out to the back yard to lounge after meals."

"Every now and again they still come looking for a bottle, but it's hard to believe they were so small just a month ago. Instead of a bottle, now they get chin scratches and cuddles."

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Even the smallest victories make us incredibly happy. Bongo and Halle, weren't a small victory, they were a pretty big one. They had a rough start but they fought their way through. Bongo even became a celebrity sporting a Seahawks jersey featured as the "12th lamb" on local news stations. Now they are healthy, happy and thriving. They have been rewarded with a safe and loving new home. To us, this is success.

"Even though the world is full of suffering, it's also full of overcoming it " -Hellen Keller

The Road to Picture Perfect

As the wonderful women who come out to take photos for us will tell you, goats are not the easiest of photo subjects. They would rather nibble on the camera straps. Stand next to the photographer for some attention instead of in front of the camera for a picture. They're always moving, eating or looking the other way. It takes hundreds of pictures (not to mention a lot of goat herding, hand waving, can shaking and funny voice making) to get a handful of good ones. A few weeks ago PSGR friends Lilly and Emily came out with some Halloween props and their amazing photographer mom Jerrinne. When Rocket saw the props he decided to stay put and observe from the dog house.

Soon he could not resist partaking in the fun

He was drawn to Bingo's hat, obsessed is more like it

Others were simply perplexed by Bingo in his hat

Peach was quick to figure out that a tip of her head would knock her hat off

A few others found the props to be tasty new treats

Emily helped get the headbands on the goats while Lilly tried a new vantage point to help get the goats attention

Finally it worked!

Many thanks to Jerrinne, Lilly and Emily. Their spirit, photography skills and some cooperative goats made for some great Halloween fun and some picture perfect photos!

Maisey makes a darling little witch

Maisey makes a darling little witch

Athena, the most photogenic girl on the farm

Athena, the most photogenic girl on the farm

Olivia has passed the sheep participation on to Klondike

Olivia has passed the sheep participation on to Klondike

Sweet Mona

Sweet Mona

Our blue eyed boy Finn

Our blue eyed boy Finn

"Boo" Happy Halloween from Jet and everyone at PSGR!

"Boo" Happy Halloween from Jet and everyone at PSGR!

Friendship

"Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together"-Woodrow T Wilson

"Friends find the sweetest sense of happiness comes from simply being together" -Unknown

"Friends find the sweetest sense of happiness comes from simply being together" -Unknown

"A day spent with friends is always a day well spent" -Unknown

"A day spent with friends is always a day well spent" -Unknown

"Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest, it's about who came and never left your side" -Anonymous

"Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest, it's about who came and never left your side" -Anonymous

"Friends are the sunshine of life" -John Hay

"Friends are the sunshine of life" -John Hay

"Are we going to be friends forever?" asked Piglet "Even longer" Pooh answered -A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

"Are we going to be friends forever?" asked Piglet "Even longer" Pooh answered -A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

"Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends" -Hafiz

"Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends" -Hafiz

Little Mia in one of her favorite places, in the ring sling, snuggled against me. Her friendship is missed everyday.

Little Mia in one of her favorite places, in the ring sling, snuggled against me. Her friendship is missed everyday.

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" -A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

Life Lessons

10 Life Lessons from the PSGR herd: 1: Dream Big Finn has dreams of following in Russell Wilson's footsteps

1: Dream Big Finn has dreams of following in Russell Wilson's footsteps

1: Dream Big Finn has dreams of following in Russell Wilson's footsteps

2: Be the Black Sheep

2: Be the Black Sheep

3: Embrace your uniqueness Even if you're pocket sized

3: Embrace your uniqueness Even if you're pocket sized

4: Do your homework

4: Do your homework

5: Add variety to your diet

5: Add variety to your diet

6: Be brave, conquer new things

6: Be brave, conquer new things

7: Friends are the family you choose for yourself

7: Friends are the family you choose for yourself

8: Rest is essential, no matter where you choose to do so

8: Rest is essential, no matter where you choose to do so

9: Stand your ground

9: Stand your ground

10: Enjoy the simple things in life.....like sun on your face and friends by your side

10: Enjoy the simple things in life.....like sun on your face and friends by your side

PSGR Kids, Class of 2014

Summer is upon us, the days are long and warm (more like hot lately) and most of the kids that came through the rescue this kidding season have left us for their forever homes. I'm thrilled that such great homes have been found for them all but I'm always sad to see them go. It'simpossible not to bond with these little ones that arrive only a few weeks, if not just days old and helping to bottle raise them. There was Oliver, my first "lap baby" of the season, always wanting to just curl up in my lap and snuggle. Winnie, who always insisted on being on me in some capacity, often standing on my shoulders or head when my lap was full. She still tried that maneuver long after being a size that made it easy to do. Rocky, who would literally launch himself at me, jumping off a table onto my back when I got a few feet away. Rocket, who loves just to be close to his people, always following someone around looking for a leg to lean on. He often walks me to the gate when I leave for the day. Loki, my most recent "lap baby" who is content to just sit with me for as long as I will hold him. He loves bananas, I always bring him some, he hears my voice and comes running, searching me for bananas.

I could go on endlessly about what a fabulous group of kids came through the rescue this year, each unique and special in their own way. But there's a few who make the yearbook highlights:

Most Athletic: Bode He arrived during the Winter Olympics and quickly lived up to his athletically inspired name. First to figure out all the climbing structures he would jump off flying and twisting through the air. He then went on to master balancing on his back legs to pull down tree branches for him and his buddies.

Bode

Bode

Mr. Congeniality: Rocky and Rocket Two of the sweetest boys. Mellow, affectionate and always by your side. 4th of July they were perfectly content wearing their festive attire

Rocky and Rocket

Rocky and Rocket

Cutest Couple: Jet and Loki No pictures can do their cuteness justice. The last of the bottle babies to arrive, they are absolutely darling. Every time I see them I can't help but get the biggest smile on my face. They are just too cute, it's as simple as that.

Jet and Loki

Jet and Loki

Most Likely to win an Oscar: Wiley Goat folks know that Nubian kids are often the noisiest. This little Saanen kid gave them a run for their money. He talked, all the time. And loudly, he could be heard anywhere on the farm. 2 minutes after his bottle he would start again, trying to convince you he was starving. Dramatic little guy.

Wiley

Wiley

Class Clown: Finn Ahh, Finn. He wasn't a bottle baby (you'll learn more about him in my next post) but he is one of a kind. So full of personality and spunk. Always up to something, stirring up trouble and putting on a show. He provided us so much entertainment. We could have had a reality show featuring Finn and his antics.

Finn

Finn

This amazing group of kids aren't the last the rescue will see this year but there is just something special about the bottle babies. A bond formed that is indescribable. This was my first full kid season volunteering at the rescue and I feel lucky to have been a part of the lives of so many. I can't wait to see what next year brings us. They have some big shoes to fill.

And not to be forgotten.....there were a few we lost along the way, most being babies born at a local slaughterhouse. Despite doing everything possible to save them, it just wasn't meant to be. It's heartbreaking but I take solace knowing that they didn't die there. They had tummies full of milk, they were warm and they had a life, albeit short, full of love.