Partner Through Donation
Why We Exist...
We are honored to care for the ~100 souls who live out their lives at The Good Shepherd!
As a rescue organization, the majority of our residents come from horrific situations.
Please keep this in mind as you browse their stories and be aware that some of this information might be triggering.
Interested in Sponsorship?
Thank you for considering sponsoring one of our residents!
Sponsorships can be billed annually or monthly. Monthly sponsors will be billed at $15 per month. Monthly Sponsors receive a sticker, whereas our Annual Sponsors receive a certificate, photo, occasional seasonal update and sticker.
Please know that our annual sponsorships are priced to cover most non-emergent costs of the animal (based on size) to portray the actual needs of each animal. Thus, there is a financial achievability for every income.
Thank you for understanding!
The Compassion Wall
Donate $500 Annually to any of our sponsor animals and receive your name on our Wall of Compassion as well as all other benefits!
Thank you to our 2024 Compassion Partners.
Smith & Smith Law Office
The F&M Bank Team
Gracefulpause.org
The Westfall Family
Andre & Tate
3 Years Old | Male | Joined us in 2021
These boys were born two days apart at a dairy farm in Vermont. One of the farm workers fell in love with them. When they were pulled from their mothers and sent to the veal farm, they ended up in the same stall together where the rescuer was able to negotiate their surrender.
Since then, they have been inseparable.
Our friend Jason Bolalek at Destination Liberation transported them all the way across the country to their forever home here at the sanctuary.
We love this story because it has three happy endings in one...
Not only are these two boys safe, happy, and healthy, but our understanding is that the person who contacted us about these boys is now a vegetarian who continues to rescue animals in the farm industry!
Fun Fact:
Andre is named after Andre 3000
Andre is Sponsored Victoria I.
Tate is Sponsored by GracefulPause.org
Zuzu
8 Years Old | Female | Joined us in Oct 2022
This girl spent eight years in a backyard butchering operation. In her time there, she gave birth to eight calves. Each of her babies were butchered and their skulls were hung up in the barn where she lived. As horrible as that alone sounds, she ended up being part of a neglect and abuse case and we were granted custody of her through the Henry County Humane Society.
When we met her, she was a defeated, emaciated and lonely soul. Within weeks of being in Sanctuary, and meeting our boys Andre and Tate, we realized she couldn’t go anywhere else. She even jumped a fence line to attempt to be with them.
The boys lost their moms, Zuzu lost her babies…
But, this little trio has become the perfect family.
Sponsored by Roxanne
Cosmo
37 Years Old | Male
Our Cosmo is registered racehorse.
After years of working for his owner, he was finally deemed unworthy to race and was no longer wanted. His owner put him up for sale.
Roxy the mare is owned independently by our Founder, Elle Cox. Roxy and Cosmo were companions at the facility that Roxy was rescued from.
When we found out that the two could be together again, we reached out to the owner and were able to bring Cosmo back to his Roxy.
Once we were able to examine Cosmo, we learned that he was a very old man with severe arthritis, and bowed tendons which is common in ex racehorses.
We couldn’t be happier that these two are able to be together, again!
Sponsored by The Smith Family
Smokie & Jojo
Age Uknown | Male | Joined us in Dec 2021
These two were rescued from a slaughter auction in NE, US. The animal advocate that bid on them was so desperate to save them then realized they didn’t have anywhere to put them once purchased. They ended up reaching out to us and were able to take them in.
We are grateful they were able to stay together!
Sponsored by Kellie L.
Jalapeño
22 Years Old | Female | Joined us in Feb 2022
Jalapeño’s previous owner loved her… but, the owner ended up with dementia. Jalapeño was left in an 8’ x 8’ stall for many years. On most days, her owner didn’t remember that Jallie was there. On other days, she fed her anything from marshmallows to cookies to bread… and Jallie was hundreds of pounds overweight.
Once she was rescued, she immediately went to OSU where she spent two weeks because she had foundered so badly due to her extra weight.
Once she got back to The Shep, she immediately bonded with Smokie and Jojo.
We continually monitor Jallie’s hooves and feet, but now that she’s down to a healthy weight, she hasn’t had much trouble.
We are so happy that she is out of pain!
Sponsored by James & Shay Robinson
Aster
One Year Old | Female | Joined us in Sept 2023
On September 5th 2023, our Founder’s phone began to blow up with pleas for help. A small 10 pound truck jumping Yorkshire had been found on the turnpike beat up and bruised. State highway patrolmen assisted with her rescue and then swiftly turned her over to Northwest Veterinary Hospital for immediate care. After no one came back to claim the truck jumping piglet (likely because of the biohazard security nature), the vet office wanted to release her to us due to our experience with these large breed victims of the industrial pig farming model.
Aster suffered fractures to her joints as well as a fractured hoof wall. She had a long road to recovery.
It is an extremely inopportune time, however we knew that our community truly would not have wanted us to turn a blind eye to this baby. Our supporters who tagged us, messaged us, and alerted us to the situation have the true scope of what’s best for Aster. Which is safety and medical care.
Thanks to the community support, Aster has recovered beautifully!
She just turned one year old and is happy to bat her lovely white eyelashes at you all day long!
Sponsored by Robyn S.
Anthony
One Year Old | Male | Joined us in June 2021
Anthony came to the Good Shepherd after being found on the side of the highway in Southern Ohio. He had injuries that point to the possibility of him being a truck jumper. He received a fractured femur in his leap to freedom. He was quickly transported to TGSAS by volunteer transporters Pat and Patricia. Anthony was quickly taken to Purdue University where he received x rays and they determined the femur had already begun to heal in proper alignment. After 6 weeks of crate rest and follow up x rays, Anthony is now living his best life with all the medical issues and horrible past behind him.
Sponsored by Robyn S.
Sadie & Malinda
Three Years Old | Female | Joined us in Mar 2020
These girls came all the way from New Jersey!
An animal advocate reached out to us saying they found two piglets living in a horse trailer. The roof had holes in it, and it was pouring rain. The temperature highs were in the mid 30s and in the teens during the night.
The advocate was able to get the piglets released, but then needed to find them sanctuary. We had just taken in Charles and we knew it was best for him to have pig companionship, so we offered to take them in.
Somehow, someway... Someone from Florida offered to help us.
This volunteer had to:
1.Fly from their home in FL to NJ > Rent a minivan in NJ > Pick up the pigs > Drive them to Toledo where we met them > Drop off the van > Fly back to Florida.
This all ended up being around 29 hours of travel.
AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL.
Sponsored by James & Shay Robinson
Abby & Arnie
Age Unknown | Female & Male | Joined us in Mar 2022
These sweet, young, Duroc mix pigs were rescued by an advocate near Lima who witnessed them living outside in winter with no shelter. The advocate asked the owner what they were going to do with them. They said they were supposed to be a 4H project, but they were too scrawny. So, they were going to try and just fatten them up and butcher them.
Acting in compassion, the advocate was able to save the pigs. Arnie had already lost the majority of both of his ears to frost bite.
The advocate welcomed them into her home knowing that it would be temporary as she lives in the city and the arrangement wasn’t safe long term for pigs who can weight in excess of 600 lbs.
Thankfully, she found The Shep where we promised to never let them feel the hopeless sting of frostbite ever again.
Abby is Sponsored by Nic & Kaitlin
Arnie is Sponsored by Amy K.
Ziggy
14 Years Old | Male
Ziggy just turned 15 years old in November of 2024!
Ziggy was a product of the mini pig craze.
He was surrendered to us from a family who originally had him living as a mini house pig and were told he would be 60lbs once fully grown.
They loved him, but quickly realized that pigs need a lot of care, outdoor time, and companionship. He was smart enough to open their fridge and eat almost all of their groceries! The family wasn’t allowed to have pigs outside, so that wasn’t an option for them.
He is an older guy, but he still gets around well and is Head of the Potbelly Herd!!
Interesting Fact:
Ziggy is the oldest potbelly resident at The Shep!
Ziggy Doesn't Have a Sponsor!
Pepper
Age Unknown | Female
Pepper was also part of the “mini pig craze”.
But, she was also part of a domestic abuse case.
On several occasions, she had to watch the male in the house abuse the two women who lived there.
Thankfully, Pepper was surrendered to TGSAS, but still struggles with the trauma she saw. Because of her fear and anger, she is extremely uncomfortable around traditionally masculine men, especially those with beards.
We are very understanding of her history and don’t allow most men in her pen, especially without a female present.
Despite her history, Pepper has found a best buddy in Ziggy and the two spend most of their time together!
Sponsored by David P.
Freddie, Pippa, & Fiona
Age Unknown | Male & Females | Joined us in Spring 2019
These three were part of terrible hoarding case in Dayton.
Thirteen pigs were found in a small backyard estimated to be only 700sf. They weren’t spayed or neutered and were allowed to keep breeding uncontrollably. When they owner would find new babies, she would simply put them in a bag and throw them in the trash can.
We ended up being granted all 13 pigs and rescued them all with support of Audrey Quillen
of Good Sprout Rescue.
Thankfully, homes were found for the other 10, but these three are very tightly knit, so we
opted to keep them together here at our sanctuary.
Freddie is Sponsored by Joey Curas-Cook
Fiona is Sponsored by Terry Wrozek
Pippa Doesn't have a Sponsor!
Jazmine & Rosie
Age Unknown | Females | Joined us in 2019 & again in the summer of 2023
Jazmine and Rosie were also part of the Dayton hoarding case with Freddie, Pippa, and Fiona and were transferred to another sanctuary in Ohio as part of the “other 10”.
However, the sanctuary ended up closing its doors, so they came back to The Shep.
This is a guarantee that we uphold. If anyone we adopt or transfer out ends up in a home that is no longer sustainable, they will come back to us. We have no intention of moving these girls, again.
They will stay here for the rest of their days!
Rosie is Sponsored by GracefulPause.org
Jazmine Doesn't Have a Sponsor!
Kevin
5 Years Old | Male
Kevin is a pig who was part of the mini pig craze.
Because the breeder needed people to believe he was a mini pig, he was taken from his mother while he was much too young. Because of this, Keving was trying to “root” on his human family members. When piglets are young, they tend to root on their mothers as a source of comfort and soothing. Little Kevin was doing this to the human children in his new home and accidentally hurting them.
So, Kevin came to The Shep and as a full-grown pig, spends his days rooting around wherever he wants!
Kevin Still Needs a Sponsor!
Randall (aka Randy)
8 Years Old | Male
Randy is yet another pig who was part of the mini pig craze.
He was supposed to be a mini pig and indoor companion for an owner who had some mobility issues. His owner loved Randy, but realized that he couldn’t give Randy they full quality of life that he deserved.
After coming to The Shep, Randy was diagnosed with Dermal Sarcoma (skin cancer). We’ve been able to work with our vet and have been able to manage his disease well with topical steroids and medications.
Due to his age and his current high level of life quality, we’ve decided not to put him through surgery.
So, he and Stella just spend their days chilling together!
Sponsored by Missy Gandy
Stella
Age Unknown | Female
For unknown reasons, Stella was being transported in the back of a pickup truck unrestrained and fell out! This resulted in her fracturing her pelvis in three places.
We initially took her to OSU, but they weren’t comfortable performing surgery on her, so we then transferred her to Purdue University who was able to fuse her pelvis with plates and screws in all three fractured areas .If you look closely, you can see her scar!
Fun Fact:
You can buy merch featuring Stella on our 'Shop' page!
Sponsored by Eric W.
Tessa & Clementine
Age Unknown | Females | Joined us in 2019
In our second year, we were contacted about a hoarding case in North Carolina. There were several piglets barely of weaning age that needed homes. We ended up taking in five and got them healthy, vaccinated, and spayed and neutered once they were of appropriate age and size. Thankfully, we found homes for all of them. However, early in 2024, the adopters of Tess and Clem reached out to us and let us know that their situation had changed. They were no longer able to give the care to Tess and Clem that they know they deserved. We're grateful that this family upheld their promise to contact us, so that we were able to uphold ours: we will always take back any animals we have adopted out, if needed.
As with most things, it all worked out and these two girls are living a very happy life since they became a little family with Stony!
These Girls Still Need a Sponsor!
Stonewall (aka Stony)
Age Unknown | Male | Joined us in 2024
Toledo Police responded to a call of a loose pig in the summer of 2024 and it ended up being a very severe situation. Stony who was abandoned and left in a vacant inner-city backyard to be a “guard pig“ and was being attacked by a dog. Amazingly enough, he survived with minimal injuries. However, he was not neutered and had not seen a vet in what we definitely assume to be his entire life. We were able to get his surrender with the help of Toledo officers and became dedicated to getting Stony the care he so desperately deserves.
We want to say thank you to unit 210 for raising money toward Stony’s neuter and advocating for him, in general. It means a lot to us to see officers that have a heart for animals.
Stony was introduced to Tessa and Clementine after his neuter, vaccinations, and received a clean bill of health... it was the easiest introduction we have ever done. These three absolutely love each other and were meant to be together.
Interesting Fact:
Stony was rescued on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots which is how he got his name.
Stony Still Needs a Sponsor!
Giggles, Chrissy, Esmerelda, Samantha, & Patsy
Age Unknown | Female
These girls were in the truck on the way to their death when the truck took a corner too fast and rolled. More than 200 hens spilled off the truck and on to the highway. This isn’t an isolated incident. It happens often. We drove 6 hours one way to pick up 38 of these girls.
They came in unbearably thin and had varying degrees of injuries. We were able to keep a handful of these sweethearts and are thankful to other Ohio sanctuaries and private adopters for helping to take in
some of these girls.
These Girls Don't Have Sponsors!
Zuko, Cadillac, & Lacey
Age Unknown | Male & 2 Females | Joined us in Dec 2020
This trio was initially part of a much larger backyard flock.
Unfortunately, the flock suffered a terrible predator attack and these three were the only ones who weren’t killed.
They family who owned them was so devasted and couldn’t bear the thought of losing more chickens, so they asked they reached out to see if they could surrender them to us and we are happy to have them!
Zuko is Sponsored by Dave B.
Cadillac & Lacey Don't Have Sponsors!
Allie
Age Unknown | Female | Joined us in Dec 2022
You would never realize it now, but Allie came in with our beloved cow, Zuzu!
Allie and Zuzu were from a severe neglect case and we were granted custody of both of them by the
Henry County Humane Society.
Please check out Zuzu bio above for more details!
Sponsored by GracefulPause.org
Tina
2 Years Old | Female | Joined us in Fall 2023
Tina's previous owners had a backyard egg operation, but when Tina wasn’t laying enough eggs... she was no longer wanted.
She is of a breed called Polish known for their extra feathers on their head. However, as neat as the feathers look, they can actually be a hinderance to this breed. The feathers under their eyes can make it difficult to forage and see food/water and the feathers on the tops on their heads make it difficult to see predators above them.
We will love Tina regardless of how fancy her feathers are or how many eggs she lays.
Tina Doesn't Have a Sponsor!
Donald, Bettie White, & Bettie Page
~10 Years Old | 1 Male, 2 Females | Joined us in 2018
Most everyone has seen the big bins of adorable chicks at their local feed store in the spring, sometime referred to as “Chick Days’.
However, the rescue community only groans… it’s an annual routine that we are all too familiar with. Between people buying chicks and deciding that they no longer want them or the feed store calling us to tell us about sick chicks that we need to pick up or they are going to be thrown in the dumpster… it’s always heartbreaking.
Donald and the Betties are products of this annual and avoidable frustration.
There are so many chickens that need homes, please always consider adoption first!
We Don't Have Sponsors!
Doodle Bob
1 Year Old | Male | Joined us in Jul 2023
Our beloved Doodle Bob came from backyard breeders.
Even though he was only eight weeks old, the family repeatedly stated that he was dangerously aggressive and told us that they were planning to kill him even though he was just a baby chick.
To confirm the family’s dislike for this boy, the leg tag that was on him when he arrived had a derogatory name written on it.
However, we are happy to share that we have not seen any aggression from this “little” man which is why he was given the fun-loving name of Doodle Bob!
Sponsored by Stef Womack-Phillips
Barry, Sarah, & Julie
Age Unknown | Male & Two Females
The story of these three is very similar to that of Zuko, Cadillac, and Lacey... the owner's weren't able to provide a predator proof environment for their chickens and the majority of the flock was killed off.
The family reached out to see if The Shep could help save these three.
Barry is Sponsored by Michelle DeWitt
Sarah & Julie Don't Have Sponsors!
Doris
5-8 Years Old | Female | Joined us in 2021
Doris belonged to a lovely lady who worked as a live-in housekeeper in Swanton. It initially sounded like the perfect opportunity for her because her employer was going to allow her to have chickens. However, her employer eventually stopped paying her. When she said she was going to leave, her employer chased her with an axe and started cutting the heads off her chickens.
Thankfully, a couple of the chickens escaped to the field behind the house and the lady escaped to a women’s shelter.
Shortly after the woman arrived at the shelter, she shared her concern about her chickens. The shelter contacted TGSAS and we were able to find two of the chickens still in the field. Doris and Sammy the Rooster both came to TGSAS. Sadly, Sammy has since passed on, but Doris is still enjoying her freedom.
We think of Doris’ true rescuer frequently and are so grateful to her for sharing her story and saving the remaining chickens.
Doris Doesn't Have a Sponsor!
Shaymus
Age Unknown| Male | Joined us in Jul 2023
Shaymus was found wandering in a parking lot in Westerville, Ohio. He was approaching people in the park which told us that he was probably previously domesticated and then dumped and it was more than likely not safe for him to stay in the wild.
A Good Samaritan contacted Audrey Quillen at Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary. Audrey knew that we had other pigeons, so she reached out to us and we were happy to take him in.
Interesting Fact:
Shaymus was named after his transporter!
Sponsored by Pam Parquette
Ash
Age Unknown| Female, we think! | Joined us in Jul 2023
Ash was rescued when she was just a squab! The nest of Ash and her brood fell from where mama pigeon made it.
An animal advocate tried to replace the nest, but little Ash kept getting forced out. Due to high traffic in the area, the animal advocate tried to raise her as best as she could.
However, not being a professional wildlife rescuer, Ash became very dependent on humans and it was obvious that she would not be able to survive in the wild, so here she is at The Shep!
Sponsored by Pam Parquette
Sawyer & Keegan
Age Unknown| Male & Female | Joined us in Mar 2023
These two are Fancy Fan Tailed Pigeons and were more than likely part of a ceremony release at wedding, celebration, etc.
Unfortunately, after the beautiful release, they were found wandering around a parking lot in Springfield Township near Holland. They were very thin and covered in feather louse.
Since they were obviously not able to take care for themselves and didn’t know where home was, they came to find sanctuary at The Shep.
We celebrate them every day while keeping them safe, happy, and healthy!
Sawyer is Sponsored by Wrenly F.
Keegan is Sponsored by Pam Parquette
Audrey & Sarah
Age Unknown | Female | Joined us in Fall 2022
These two Heritage Turkeys were found on a homestead deep in eastern Pennsylvania.
The family moved and left behind these two girls and a goat.
We were able to find sanctuary for the goat at Peace Farm Sanctuary in Florida, but we couldn’t find anyone to take in the turkeys.
So, after discussing internally with our Board of Directors, we voted to bring them into The Shep as full-time residents.
Interesting Fact:
Audrey is named after Audrey Quillen, Founder of Good Sprout Animal Rescue.
Sarah is named after Sarah Stegeman, Founder of Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary.
Audrey is Sponsored by Stephanie Kuras-Cook
Sarah is Sponsored by Carol M.
Delilah
5 Years Old | Female | Joined us in 2019
Like most domestic turkeys… the purpose of Delilah’s life was solely to end up on a plate as Thanksgiving dinner.
However, the wife of a homesteading family started having second thoughts. After watch how loving, intelligent, and sentient Delilah was, she could no longer bear the thought of not only killing her, but eating her at a feast that was intended to give thanks.
Delilah’s owner found The Shep and quickly and easily surrendered her over to us where she has lived years longer than most other turkeys.
Fun Fact:
Turkeys are the absolute favorite animal or our President and Founder, Elle.
Sponsored by Paul G.
Sven
1.5 Years Old | Male | Joined us in May 2023
Our buddy Sven was just a young turkey poult when he was in a truck being transported to a fattening shed. Sven and his two brothers slipped out the door of the shed. The food industry considers this a biohazard and are not allowed to be re-joined with the rest of the flock. The farmer told his farmhand to snap their necks and toss them in the trash, and that the farm would just claim the insurance.
The farmhand was uncomfortable with this since the turkeys were young and healthy, so he asked if he could keep them. The farmer said he didn’t care as long as they disappeared and didn’t go back in the fattening shed.
So, the farmhand took them home and ended up contacting our friend
Crystal Porter at Willowbrook Farms Animal Sanctuary in Indiana and she took them in.
The Shep had recently suffered the loss of a male turkey named Roger, so we were able to bring one of the turkeys here and Willowbrook kept the other two as permanent residents.
Sponsored by Katrina Y.
Bruce, Burrito, Chip, & Toto
Male
These boys are all Pekins. Pekin ducks are the most popular duck breed because of their friendly and non-aggressive disposition…
Which makes them easier to handle during slaughter.
Most Pekins aren’t full grown until they are 10 weeks of age, but those who are raised for meat are typically butchered between 6-8 weeks.
But, the boys here are all estimated to be between 3 – 7 years!
Our Pekin drakes (other than Sarge) were all also found dumped at ponds, but now live carefree at The Shep!
None of These Fellas Have Sponsors!
Sarge
6-7 Years Old | Male | Joined us in 2019
We don’t know how he got there, but Sarge found his way on to a highway… and got hit by a car.
Thankfully, someone cared enough to stop and they were much better with directions…
because they helped him find his way to The Shep.
Our boy did end up with a beak fracture and eye injury from the car accident. So, he is blind in one eye and his head is oh-so-slightly misshapen, but he’s enjoying life and safe in sanctuary!
We are so grateful to the Good Samaritan who initially saved Sarge’s life!
Sarge doesn't have a sponsor!
Tinkerbell, Melody, Valerie, Josie, & Missi
~3 Years | Female
All of our duck hens were “dumped” at public parks. This means that someone purchased them, but decided they no longer wanted them and left them to fend for themselves. Domestic ducks are much different than wild ducks and cannot fully forage to maintain a healthy diet. They have also been bred to be to be much larger than a wild duck and cannot fly long enough or high enough to evade predators or to migrate during the winter.
Thankfully, these girls no longer need to worry about any of that!
Tinkerbell is Sponsored by Becca V.
The Rest of the Girls Don't Have Sponsors!
Jonny Quest, Hadji, Dr. Quest
~3 Years | Male
You guessed it – these guys were all dumped at a pond.
But, they now live at The Shep and get to spend every day (safely!) finding new adventures!
Interesting Fact:
These fellas were all named after Jonny Quest Characters
None of These Fellas Have Sponsors!
R. B.
Age Unknown | Male | Joined us in 2020
R. B. and a few of his siblings were rescued from a backyard breeder that quickly let things got out of hand. He is our smallest and sweetest bun!
Fun Fact:
R. B. is short for: Rescue Bun! Or Firetruck or Bun Bun, depending!
He was named by our Founder's son when he was a little boy :)
Sponsored by The Jaffe Family
Daphne
Age Unknown | Female | Joined us in 2023
Daphne was brought to us by a Good Samaritan who found her stuffed into a box outside of Goodwill with the piles and piles of donations. No one knows how long Daphne was there, but the stress of being confined in a small box with no food or water, sitting in her own excrement lead to her having a bout of stress induced stasis (where the bowels stop working correctly and can be life-threatening in rabbits). We quickly started her on stasis protocol and within 24 hours Daphne was pooping, eating and drinking like a normal rabbit. Whew!
She’s so very sweet.
Sponsored by Know Wilder
Caer
Age Unknown | Female
Caer’s companion bunny, Buddy, was surrendered to The Shep because of an impacted tooth. Buddy had gone so long without veterinary care that by the time he came to us, he had become septic and passed away. We promised Buddy when he was passing that we would do everything we could to get Caer into our care.
And we did. The family realized that they weren’t the best rabbit caretakers and knew it wasn’t going to easy for Caer to be alone after being with Buddy.
Out of all of our rabbits, she is the most likely to give you “the what for”. We are happy that this girl is healthy and content enough to show us her sassy personality!
Sponsored by The Habel Family
Wizzy
6-7 Years | Male | Joined us in Jul 2022
Wizzy’s previous owners had him for 5 or so years… one day, they notice that he had a lump on the side of his neck that continued to grow.
They weren’t able to pay for medical care, so he was surrendered to The Shep.
When Wizzy got here, the mass was the size of a ping pong ball and festering. The vet was almost sure it was cancer, but we were confident in a good recovery because it was so isolated.
We had his neuter the same day as the tumor removal and sent the mass off for biopsy. Come to find out, it was just an infected hair follicle. Sheesh and whew!
We wish Wizzy was taken care of earlier and was able to avoid major surgery, but we’re glad he is going to be okay!
He is an absolute doll and will bounce right up to you for some lovin’!
Sponsored by Allie D
Maggie
14 Years | Female | Joined us in May 2023
Maggie came to us as a hospice request.
The thinking was that she only had a few months to live due to a brain tumor. She had a large amount of swelling on one side of her face. Upon a 2nd opinion, we learned that her teeth were severely infected. After we were able to clean up her mouth, the swelling subsided and she is a happy, lively girl.
Maggie is deaf and blind and also in the early stages of chronic liver failure, but we are treating her and she is currently not sure any clinical signs. We expect that she has a bit more time with us.
She runs around The Shep like she owns the place and that is okay with us!
Sponsored by Christine Fitzsimmons
Sasha & Noir
Age Uknown | Male | Joined us in 2020
A local farmer had three black mama cats that all became pregnant at the same time… and he ended up with 12 kittens. Unfortunately, they were all sick and had ringworm.
He told us that if we didn’t take them, he was going to put the kittens in a pillowcase and throw them in his pond.
We agreed to take the kittens only if he agreed to spay the mama cats and pay for the spays as well as the kittens… which he did.
We were able to adopt out all of the cats except for Sasha and Noir, but:
They are a perfect fit for life at The Shep!
Noir is Sponsored by Nic Thies.
Sasha Doesn't Have a Sponsor!
River & Sea
Age Unknown | Males | Joined us in Jun 2024
Early in the summer of 2024, we were tipped off to two sheep in need of rescue. They were living in an inner-city back yard. The caretaker who surrendered them rescued them from an abusive situation and did her best to give them everything they needed. However, she realized in her heart that they also needed sanctuary placement. We stand by their initial rescuer, M.A., and applaud her choice to give these sweet sheep a better life. She cared for them deeply and it shows by the way she handled them and the condition they were in when they came here.
Interesting Fact:
Wanna know where these two got their names?
Tahaney Abuzarieh is the TGSAS Board Secretary and also of Palestinian descent. She grew up around lamb and sheep that were being farmed for meat which was a driving force toward her joining the vegan community! Because it was the lives of lambs that inevitably led her to join our team as well as the continued weight and severity of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, we asked Tahaney to name these precious boys.
Here is what she said as to why she chose these names:
“I’ve been given the honor of naming these beautiful boys to symbolize not only the heart of my vegan journey but also in honor of my Palestinian heritage. These young sheep have the ability to live their lives freely in sanctuary just as we hope our family in Palestine will have the opportunity to.”
From the River to the Sea ♥️PS
River is Sponsored by Michelle M.
Sea is Sponsored by Tahaney Abuzarieh
Anna
4 Years Old | Female | Joined us in May 2020
Anna was rescued Memorial Day weekend of 2020.
When a neighbor heard what he thought was a child screaming for help, he walked into his neighbor’s yard to find a tiny lamb hog tied. Horrified, the neighbor asked what they were doing with her.
They responded that she was intended for slaughter to make lamb for a cookout.
The neighbor acted on compassion and bought her off the neighbor for a handsome price. He then surrendered Anna to The Shep. Understandably, due to her trauma, Anna doesn’t like very many people. So, we allow her to live peacefully and quietly with the special needs herd up front.
We are forever grateful for the bravery of the animal advocate who initially rescued Anna.
Interesting Fact:
Anna is the face on our website!
Sponsored by Sue D.
Alexis Rose (aka Lexi)
One Year | Female | Joined us in Spring 2024
Little Lexi was born in December of 2023 and for reasons we don’t entirely know; lost substantial parts of her rear legs and hooves, and parts of her ears to frost bite. Veterinarians are amazed she’s alive today.
We thank the J.F. Family for speaking up for Lexi and surrendering her to a sanctuary. They saw her need for rescue and acted on compassion. In her short life she has seen so much, but we believe Lexi is a fighter and she is bringing joy to so, so many.
We are working with Bionic Pets for her prosthetics which we hope will arrive in the Spring of 2025!
Alexis Rose is named after our dear friend, Alexander Schneider who loved The Shep and Rose Tattoos.
Alex lost his life in early 2024 and The TGSAS Board of Directors wanted to honor him by naming our sweet little girl after him.
Sponsored by The Schneider Family
Fritzi
Age Unknown | Female | Joined us in Mar 2023
Rescued from an organic goat milk dairy farm, Fritzi developed open sores and callouses over most of her body. Because organic dairies cannot use steroids, antibiotics etc., Fritzi suffered from being milked and bearing offspring while enduring this painful condition. When finally surrendered to The Shep, Fritzi was diagnosed with Pemphigus Iliaceus. PI is a skin condition of auto immune origin. She’s on steroids and when she has a flare up, she is also on pain medication. We are happy to report she is in full remission. A stress-free environment keeps Fritzi healthy and happy.
Interesting Fact:
Fritzi is named after the grandfather of one of our board members, Amber LeFever.
We’re so honored to have our beautiful girl carry his name.
Sponsored by The LeFever Family
Axle
Age Unknown | Male | Joined us in Dec 2018
Axle was one of our first goat residents!
He was rescued when his previous owners couldn’t afford the vet care to figure out why his hair was falling out. He ended up entirely bald. Axle has an auto immune condition that makes stress cause alopecia like symptoms. His hair ultimately grows back, but he does have some permanent hair loss on his legs.
He is kept up in our private special needs pasture to avoid stress and constant herd hierarchy battles with the other goats.
We’re grateful that Axle has found peace with the rest of the Quiet Crew!
Sponsored by Allie D.
Grekin & Carl
Age Unknown | Male | Joined us in 2019
These two were purchased by a farmer who wanted them to be companions for his horse.
They were put out to pasture with the horse and were never handled. After some time, the farmer realized that he wasn’t able to properly care for them. Both boys were improperly disbudded and needed maintenance on their scurs… their hooves became severely overgrown and their hair was extremely matted. The farmer decided that he just didn’t want to deal with them...
So, they landed at The Shep.
Even after five years, we are still working to properly correct the shape of their hooves and their uncertainty of humans with routine farrier work and love and patience.
We are so proud of how far these boys have come.
Carl is Sponsored by Greer W.
Grekin Doesn't Have a Sponsor!
Maizie
Age Unknown | Female | Joined us in Jan 2018
Like most of the residents here at The Shep, Maizie has had a rough go of it.
Maizie was living life with her two babies… but, her previous owners didn’t put in proper fencing for Maizie and her little family and they were attacked by the family dog.
Maizie was injured, but nothing life-threatening.
However, one of her babies did not survive. The other was in critical condition. Our dear friend, Emilee Kosicki, has a private special needs sanctuary and she was able to take in and care for the remaining baby.
We are forever grateful to Emilee for helping so many and that our Maizie has been able to make a full recovery.
Sponsored by Kayla V.
Jagger
Age Unknown | Male | Joined us in Dec 2018
Jagger and Axel are some of our initial residents and they came together!
We ended up separating the two because Jagger is one strong-minded boy! Actually, he was so strong-minded that we thought that he may be what is called Cryptorchid (meaning one of his testicles hadn’t descended). So, we took him into surgery to find and remove his lost “no no nugget”. But, the vet opened him up in three different places and couldn’t find it!
However, his testosterone levels were so high that (for the first five years of his time here) we tested his urine routinely to make sure he wasn’t viable for reproduction. The vet said that he has what is called a vestige testicle. This means that it’s not viable for reproduction but, that’s it’s still producing testosterone.
We lovingly say that his missing “no no nugget” is attached to his brain stem!
Sponsored by Billy & Shawna
Spencer, Eddie, & Ethel
Age Unknown | Males & Female | Joined us in May 2019
Years and years ago, these three were more than likely very loved by their owner. However, she was diagnosed with cancer and her health quickly deteriorated… along with the conditions that her goats were living in.
When we came on to the property, we found this crew standing on 3-6” of their own feces. They also had urine scalding on their ears, bellies, and legs… when we got them home and gave them their first bath, it was so bad that their skin started sloughing off.
It was a very long recovery for this crew, but they are happy and healthy now!
Interesting Fact:
They are named after Spencer Tracy, Eddie Cantor, and Ethel Waters
Spencer is Sponsored by Billy & Shawna
Ethel is Sponsored by Joelle Hughes
Eddie Doesn't Have a Sponsor!
Olivia
3 Years Old | Female | Joined us in Nov 2021
Olivia and Bennett were Boer goat twins born in 2021…
Bennet was born with multiple deformities which lead to their initial caretaker and rescuer to seek long term advanced care placement in a sanctuary setting.
Having bonded closely with his sister (who was healthy, but very small), the caretaker decided to make the noble choice of surrendering them together so Bennett & Olivia could live out their days together.
Unfortunately, our hearts were broken in January of 2022 when Bennett passed away unexpectedly. His necropsy later showed internal congenital issues.
However, our Olivia was doing fantastically… although we know she missed her brother as much (if not more) than we did.
But, as the world would have it… we were contacted about another young Boer goat who needed rescue shortly after Bennett’s passing… Please continue on to read about Wednesday!
Sponsored by Ashley H.
Wednesday
3 Years Old | Female | Joined us in Mar 2022
Our sassy Wednesday is a Boer goat who was the runt of quadruplets and born with a disability involving her right front limb.
The thinking is that she didn’t have enough room while in utero since there were so many kids.
Her family were homesteaders who were going to use her for 4H, but she now wasn’t up to show standards and she was too young to use as meat.
She was the same age and breed as Olivia, so this looked to be the perfect fit. And it was.
After six long months of physical therapy, red light therapy, and lots of additional care, you would never know this girl ever had problems.
She and Olivia are the best kind of little terrors and they are best of sister friends.
We couldn’t be happier with how this story turned out.
Sponsored by Allie D.
Lucius
Age Unknown | Male | Joined us in Dec 2023
One random day, we were told about this boy…
We received an email at 4PM that said he was going to be euthanized the next day at 11AM for supposed aggression.
The organization who contacted us was using this goat as a therapy animal said that people were terrified of him. Our team dropped everything and rearranged our schedules because the organization wasn’t willing to postpone his appointment despite our commitment to rescue him.
After arrival, we discovered Lucius suffered from Cryptorchidism which is a condition where the testicle does not fully descend or accidentally becomes absorbed into the body due to improper neuter practices.
This is why our boy was showing “aggressive” behavior. He was only acting out his Billy goat personality which he cannot physically or mentally control.
After a correct neuter and a bit of recovery, this boy is an absolute angel and has become best friends with Olivia and Wednesday!
Sponsored by Maria Leone
