Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary Begins! Way back on December 4, 2013 a small unknown pig named Esther was launched onto a Facebook page from a small suburban home in Georgetown Ontario. And on November 23, 2014, less than a year later!, Esther-the-Wonder pig stood in her new Campbellville Ontario pasture and watched as the very first barn inhabitants moved into Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary officially beginning the rescue dream for Esther’s dads Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter. Steve and Derek undertook this big first step a mere two weeks after relocating from Georgetown, all the while still attempting to settle into their new home, still working their own jobs, trying to fix and install farm fencing, and still selling, packing and shipping all of the wonderful items in the Esther store. And on the top of all those jobs was the full time task of caring for Esther and her four fur- siblings. Dad Steve laughingly stated they must be gluttons for punishment. Indeed. So despite the lack of time, sleep, and even previous equine experience, these two jumped in with gusto and determination. They were both giddy with excitement awaiting the Sanctuary’s first tenants, BJ the donkey and Escalade the horse. These two animals were at one time scheduled for slaughter auction by a farmer until a wonderful couple convinced the farmer to sell them. Owners Kim and Christina loved these animals dearly. However serious health troubles arose in the parents, both being diagnosed with terminal illnesses, so their mission became to find a wonderful home for BJ and Escalade, a home where they would be loved and would live out their days surrounded by kindness. And what better two fellows to provide just this than Esther’s dads. Now anyone who has ever had equine animals knows that they are a great deal of work. But the dads didn’t care, and agreed a few months ago to take these animals in. But relocating to the farm just two weeks ago they then discovered how much work the barn required. So in addition to all of the jobs listed above that were already on their overflowing plates, they decided to heap on the tasks of readying the barn, cleaning out years of discarded straw and dirt, cleaning the rafters, insulating drafts, installing lighting and pasture fencing, all to ensure that BJ and Escalade would arrive to a wonderful new forever home. Sleep? who needs sleep when you’re on a mission like these two Dads are. So unlike the last trip to the farm where Derek and Steve rode in the horse trailer with Esther, this time the Dads had the chance to view the trailers arrival from the outside. Escalade the horse was extremely nervous and did not want to leave the trailer. But after some soothing words and with the lure of fresh carrots in Steve’s outstretched hand, he was finally led into the barn where he paced nervously up and down the aisle not wanting to go into his stall. BJ was then led into the barn and he went into his new stall with minimal coaxing. Escalade, spotting his best friend in the stall, then went into his own and placed his head over the boards to nuzzle his friend. The two stood in their stalls with soft fresh cedar chip bedding and then turned around to look warily at the many faces peering in on them. Steve’s soothing voice and gentle presence appeared to immediately calm both animals, and they happily took some carrots from him. Derek stood close by with a huge smile on his face and then offered up some apples which BJ and Escalade readily took from him. After some time had passed who should wander into the barn but Miss Esther herself. BJ and Escalade immediately sensed her presence and their ears went on high alert with Escalade trying to look down at Esther. But Esther’s was oblivious to the new barn dwellers and instead took it upon herself to do what she does best and immediately located the horse treats and swiped a few bites. Derek, ever the doting dad just laughed and said “good find”. How can one scold such a beautiful happy pig? Finishing off an apple, Esther checked out all the equine equipment that had arrived, looked around at the guests, and then happily trotted back outside to root some more in her pasture. BJ and Escalade’s former parents then passed over ownership and it was a bittersweet moment, Kim and Christina now have the piece of mind to focus on their health instead of worrying about their animals, and BJ and Escalade leave their former care-givers, but gain a new loving home where they will live out their years with Esther and her crew and their wonderful Dads. As for the dads the smiles on their faces could not have been more radiant. It was a dream come true and they both stood there in awe of what had transpired. BJ batted his beautiful long eye-lashes at Steve and Escalade gave kisses to Derek. Later that night the Dads took Shelby and Reuben down to the barn for a meet and greet, and both dogs wiggled with excitement and Reuben woofed out a few hellos at his new brothers. As for Esther, well, she was all snugly in the dad’s bedroom, buried under mounds of floral blankets. Doing what a pampered pink princess does best. It was an amazing day where a farm officially became a Sanctuary, where a barn became a Home and where two city boys officially became Rescuers. Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary is now a dream come true.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 02:30:00 +0000
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