Alberta
Alberta’s story
Alberta, the 2-year-old female Flemish Giant rabbit, has a remarkable story of resilience and transformation. In December of 2021, Alberta was one of 14 rabbits living in horrific conditions. A small rescue found the rabbits through a neglectful hoarding case in Pennsylvania. The rabbits had endured unimaginable conditions, living in stacked cages filled with filth, receiving inadequate nutrition such as cracked corn, old bagels, and ice. Sadly, two rabbits had already lost their lives before rescue.
Alberta enjoying her yard outside.
The remaining rabbits were placed at a small rabbit rescue, until Woodstock Farm Sanctuary made a call asking for a companion for their rescued rabbit, Frankie. That’s when we learned about Alberta and brought her home to sanctuary. When Alberta first arrived at Woodstock Sanctuary, she was emaciated and terrified, a reflection of the neglect she had endured. Despite the loving care provided by the small rescue organization, Alberta initially experienced depression in her environment. However, since her arrival, Alberta found joy and solace in the Sanctuary's spacious outdoor yards.
Alberta snuggling up on Frankie inside.
Frankie snuggling on Alberta outside.
Approximately a year old when rescued, Alberta had faced immense hardship, devoid of the opportunity to grow old in a nurturing environment. Despite all this, with the support and love provided by our care team, Alberta has embarked on a journey of healing and recovery, embracing a life filled with love, compassion, and freedom. She now can be found snuggling by her best friend Frankie, or exploring around her yard for clovers and dandelions.
We’re so thankful you’re now safe in your new forever home, Alberta.
Click below to sponsor Frankie!
Want to learn about our other bunny residents?
Click below!
Drew
Drew’s story
It was nearing Thanksgiving Day in 2022, and we were anxiously waiting for a call letting us know we would be able to rescue some baby turkeys from a horrible fate. It wasn’t long before we were able to take in three baby turkeys, all only months old and days away from being slaughtered to be someone’s Thanksgiving dinner.
Lesley, Drew, and Monisha shortly after rescue.
When they arrived at Woodstock, we were saddened to see that they had already been debeaked and de-toed—painful, permanent mutilations that are common practices in farming, most often done without anesthetic. Because they were exposed to so much at such a young age, our care staff swooped in to give them immediate and necessary medical treatment. Thankfully Lesley, Monisha, and Drew were able to be rescued and experience life in sanctuary.
Drew enjoying her pasture.
Like all babies, these two just wanted comfort, warmth, and care. They deserved love and kindness, and we’re so thankful we were able to say yes and provide that for them.
Monisha passed away in 2023 due to a chronic hock infection that eventually left her immobile. We’re grateful she was able to spend her final year in safety and surrounded by friends. We miss you, Monisha.
Want to sponsor Drew? Click below!
Want to learn about our other turkey residents? Click below!
Lesley
Lesley’s story
It was nearing Thanksgiving Day in 2022, and we were anxiously waiting for a call letting us know we would be able to rescue some baby turkeys from a horrible fate. It wasn’t long before we were able to take in three baby turkeys, all only months old and days away from being slaughtered to be someone’s Thanksgiving dinner.
Lesley, Drew, and Monisha shortly after rescue.
When they arrived at Woodstock, we were saddened to see that they had already been debeaked and de-toed—painful, permanent mutilations that are common practices in farming, most often done without anesthetic. Because they were exposed to so much at such a young age, our care staff swooped in to give them immediate and necessary medical treatment. Thankfully Lesley, Monisha, and Drew were able to be rescued and experience life in sanctuary.
Lesley enjoying her pasture.
Like all babies, these two just wanted comfort, warmth, and care. They deserved love and kindness, and we’re so thankful we were able to say yes and provide that for them.
Monisha passed away in 2023 due to a chronic hock infection that eventually left her immobile. We’re grateful she was able to spend her final year in safety and surrounded by friends. We miss you, Monisha.
Want to sponsor Lesley? Click below!
Want to learn about our other turkey residents? Click below!
Mr. Smith
Mr. Smith’s story
Mr. Smith, a large Chinese Goose, was purchased as a baby in California and spent the early years of his life as a companion to a human. When his human companion fell ill and went into hospice care, they sought a home for him. Mr. Smith was initially rescued by a sanctuary in Virginia, where he spent his days happily bonding with a group of rescued ducks. When this sanctuary shut down in 2022 due to financial hardship, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary offered to give this older goose a home. Sanctuary is a lifelong promise, and we knew we could provide him with exceptional care. Mr. Smith adjusted to his New York accommodations quickly and has befriended many of our duck residents, as well as a few fellow geese! He is an extremely friendly goose, often climbing onto caregivers’ laps to be pet, and is very talkative. He may just have the most powerful voice of any resident!
Mr. Smith during “lap time”.
Mr. Smith enjoying outdoor pond time.
Want to sponsor Mr. Smith? Click below!
Want to learn about our other residents? Click below!
Ash
Ash’s Story
Ash was originally rescued by a sanctuary in Virginia. She received amazing care there, but sadly, the sanctuary was closing and needed to rehome some of their residents. Woodstock Farm Sanctuary welcomed eight of their birds in August of 2022. Sanctuary is a lifelong promise, and we were happy to help keep that promise by providing them with a new and safe home.
Like so many thousands of chickens, Ash was being sold to customers at a Tractor Supply Store. However, she was considered a “reject/throw-away” by the store because of her wry neck. Ash’s neck tilts to the side, but she now receives physical therapy to help her muscles find relief. She is extremely close with fellow chicken, Esther, who traveled with her from their previous sanctuary. Esther is very protective of Ash and an amazing friend! Ash enjoys being held by her caregivers, especially while she receives her laser therapy, and is quite fond of treats!
Ash enjoying fresh water with her friends.
Ash carving a pumpkin with her friends.
Want to sponsor Ash? Click below!
Want to learn about our other chicken residents?
The Band
The Band’s story
In July 2022, we were contacted by a supporter who knew about a mother sheep, 5-6 years old, who lost her eyesight through labor (this is known as pregnancy toxemia) and was likely going to be killed if she didn't get her eyesight back once her babies, all around 12 weeks old, were weaned. This little sheep family lived on a meat farm— so routines like this are common, and sadly the babies would have been either sold young or used for further breeding.
Despite their willingness to surrender the mother sheep, the farm owner was still going to keep all three babies. We were able to convince them that the mother’s transition to sanctuary life would be easier with her babies by her side, given her lack of eyesight and knowing they deserved to all be saved together. Her babies are all she knows, and babies need their mother. The whole family would now be safe.
The Band prior to rescue, at the meat farm.
Mother sheep, Patti, at the meat farm prior to rescue.
When the sheep family arrived at Woodstock Sanctuary, they were very shy and the mother’s babies stuck to her side while they took in their new surroundings. We quickly realized that the mother still had some vision left and could see shadows and shapes. This is something we have to closely monitor and track, but we are hopeful that she won’t lose her sight entirely. While giving the family lots of tender loving care, we made sure the babies were fed enough after arriving malnourished, as well as making sure they were provided with all the necessary nutrients they needed for their small growing bodies.
After a few weeks, this sweet little family started to trust their new home and started opening up and becoming more friendly to visitors. After all they’ve gone through, it’s so special to see this family going into sanctuary life and becoming more comfortable with humans again. It was obvious how brave this little sheep family is, and one word that kept popping up in conversations is how punk these sheep really are. That’s why we named them after 70’s punk artists! Mother sheep is named Patti after the incredible Patti Smith, and her children are named Lux (after Lux Interior of The Cramps), Darryl (after Darryl Jennifer of Bad Brains), and last but not least little Poly (after Poly Styrene).
The Band grazing in their new pasture after arriving at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.
The Band (or should we say, The Baa-nd?) is now a part of our main herd and we’re so excited to see them grow up around their new family, safe in sanctuary.
Click below to sponsor a member of The Band!
Want to learn about our other sheep residents?
Click below!
Heathcliff
Heathcliff’s story
In June of 2022, a little male calf was born on a small dairy farm. There is the misleading idea that small dairy farms are more sustainable and have more compassionate care for their animals, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. No matter the size of the farm, male calves are usually considered useless, and are killed outright or are sold to be killed soon after, and this is the fate that little Heathcliff was sadly destined for.
Heathcliff prior to rescue at the farm site.
Heathcliff during rescue, getting settled in the rescue van.
Our friends at Happy Compromise Sanctuary handled the initial rescue—they knew about this little calf and quickly made the trip to rescue him. When they arrived, Heathcliff was visibly malnourished and was tied by a chain to a small hutch outside. They finally freed him from the farm and made the trip to the animal hospital to make sure he got immediate treatment for any illnesses or parasites he might have had.
After spending a short period of time at the hospital, Heathcliff was then cleared and in great condition. We were so happy to hear this and soon picked him up to bring him home.
Now at Woodstock, little Heathcliff has grown into quite a big personality! He’s very playful and loves befriending all humans. His favorite activities are playing with his large outdoor beach ball in the pasture (which actually used to be Fawn’s, an incredible special needs cow who touched the hearts of thousands of people but passed away due to complications with her injuries in 2020) finding quality sticks on his daily adventures around his area, and of course zoomies. Lots of zoomies.
Heathcliff playing with his favorite ball in his pasture with Executive Director, Rachel McCrystal.
We’re so happy that this sweetheart is now safe in sanctuary and able to run freely around, never fearing being tied to a hutch ever again. Welcome home, Heathcliff.
Heathcliff snuggling up with Executive Director, Rachel McCrystal.
Click below to sponsor Heathcliff!
Want to learn about our other cow residents? Click below!
Judy
Judy’s story
Judy and her friend Maximus were rescued in January 2021 from a horrific neglect case outside Albany, New York. They were kept in a tiny shed, exposed to the harsh winter elements, with only a small amount of straw on the ground to keep them warm. They had no food or water and they were alone. Judy was only around seven months old when she was rescued—and we had no idea where her mother was. When Judy and Max came home to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, they were so excited to meet the herd they share their pasture with, like Colin and Woody. Now Judy enjoys her days in sanctuary grazing in the fields, napping in the woods, and playing with the rest of the herd. She is still a little bit shy around humans, but as she gets more comfortable, her personality shines! We can’t wait to watch her grow up.
Judy enjoying the pasture in the summer.
Click below to sponsor Judy!
Want to learn about our other cow residents? Click below!
Sheri Moon
Sheri Moon’s story
When we got a call in October 2020 that a dainty Muscovy duck was found in a Harlem park, we knew we couldn’t say no to her. Wild Bird Fund in NYC took her in originally and this little survivor found her way to us shortly after. We noticed right away at her arrival that her beak was clipped (a very harsh, very painful form of abuse done to farmed birds) and she had an infection in her foot. We don’t know how long Sheri Moon was lost in the park, or where she came from, but we’re so glad she is safe with us now.
Sheri Moon after arriving in Sanctuary.
Sheri Moon enjoying a fall day by the pond.
Sheri Moon is named after Rob Zombie’s wife Sheri Moon Zombie—major animal activist, vegan, producer, and actor. Sheri the duck spends her days with her friends, usually swimming in their pond, and will never know a life of fear or neglect again.
Want to sponsor Sheri Moon? Click below!
Want to learn about our other duck residents? Click below!
Nora
Nora’s story
In early January 2022, Woodstock Sanctuary was asked to help another local sanctuary with a case of neglect nearby. The owners of the property had goats and sheep but were only feeding them once a week as they lived in New York City. The owners were trying to sell the house and wanted the animals gone. It was a time-sensitive situation—the owners were planning to send all the animals to slaughter if the sanctuaries couldn’t provide placement. Sadly, some were sent to slaughter before help could step in. We worked quickly with two other sanctuaries to help save all the lives we could.
Nora after arriving in Sanctuary.
When we arrived to help, all the sheep’s wool was very matted and knotted. Their water bowls were dirty, their food bowls too. There was barely any shelter to protect from the harsh winter temperatures. These poor animals were forgotten about and viewed as trash by the owners. Thankfully, all the remaining animals were placed in sanctuaries, and Nora was the last sheep who needed a home. We had intended only to help with medical triage and transportation with this rescue, but we knew we couldn’t say no to her. We took her home to Woodstock right away. Despite it being winter, we gave her a haircut because her wool was so matted and heavy alongside the immediate care she needed to overcome this neglect.
Nora receiving a much needed haircut after arriving in Sanctuary.
Nora after her haircut.
Want to sponsor Nora? Click below!
Want to learn about our other sheep residents? Click below!
The Muppet Flock
The Muppet Flock’s story
In December of 2021, we had one of our biggest rescues of the year. Our team traveled to Pennsylvania to help our friends at Lancaster Farm Sanctuary with a huge neglect and hoarding case at a farm.
That day we took in a total of 29 animals—including four geese who we named after The Muppets! Gonzo, Fozzie, Beaker and Kermit would soon be taken to Woodstock Sanctuary and be able to get the care and love they deserved.
Once they arrived at Woodstock, they were so excited to not only have their own beautiful coop and pasture, but that they would join our only goose resident at the time, Wu! As an older goose (25 years old!), Wu was able to be the leading elder of the group. She showed them what life at sanctuary was like and inspired the flock to grow into their new home.
The Muppet Flock after arriving in Sanctuary.
The Muppet Flock enjoying their sunny pasture.
Although Wu passed on in 2022, this flock is still very closely knit and they love being outdoors! You can find them enjoying the shade on sunny summer days, often creating an adorable goose pile. We’re so happy this flock is now safe and living out their lives knowing only love and security at Woodstock.
Want to sponsor the Muppet Flock? Click below!
Want to learn about our other residents? Click below!
Penny
Penny’s story
In December of 2021, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary assisted Lancaster Farm Sanctuary and other rescues to help place hundreds of animals who were struggling at a neglected farm in Pennsylvania. Our sanctuary said yes to 22 chickens, four geese, two ducks, two goats, and one cow. The cow, who stood out because of her beautiful markings and curious demeanor, was a first cautious of humans but would soon learn she was safe. We named this spot-eyed sweetheart Penny and were so excited to see her finally be with a cow herd—at this farm, she was on her own.
Penny eating a snack after arriving in sanctuary.
Penny is settling in well here in sanctuary—she spends her days with Mikey, Jo, and Maybelle and is no longer shy to some human affection. Click here to see her arrival at Woodstock on Instagram!
Click below to sponsor Penny!
Want to learn about our other cow residents? Click below!
Emerson
Emerson’s story
Emerson and his best friend Longfellow were rescued in December of 2021 from a neglected farm in Pennsylvania. Woodstock Sanctuary rescued 29 animals that day, and when we met Emerson, he was a small adorable goat who was never far from his goat buddy. Despite living in terrible conditions and experiencing neglect, both Emerson and Longfellow were immediately friendly with us. We originally met Longfellow first, and soon realized we couldn’t leave the property without his best friend. Emerson’s big eyes make any heart melt, and we’re so glad to provide a forever home to this sweet friendship.
The farm site Emerson was rescued from.
Emerson in our medical barn.
Want to sponsor Emerson? Click below!
Want to learn about our other goat residents? Click below!
Longfellow
Longfellow’s story
Longfellow and his best friend Emerson were rescued in December of 2021 from a neglected farm in Pennsylvania. Woodstock Sanctuary rescued 29 animals that day, and when we met Longfellow he was the tallest goat at the farm—his height, along with his twisted horns, made him stand out. Despite living in terrible conditions and experiencing neglect, both Longfellow and Emerson were immediately friendly with us. We originally met Longfellow first, and soon realized we couldn’t leave the property without his best friend. Longfellow loves to sniff with his greetings and will happily say hi to new people first on behalf of him and his shorter friend. We’re so glad to provide a forever home to this sweet friendship.
Longfellow at the rescue site.
Longfellow at the rescue site.
Want to sponsor Longfellow? Click below!
Want to learn about our other goat residents? Click below!
Remy
Remy’s story
In December of 2021, we were notified about a very young goat residing at a fellow sanctuary in Virginia who was born with severely bent front legs. We soon found out that this poor goat previously lived at a dairy and meat farm, but unfortunately was put aside due to his leg condition. Thankfully our friends at this fellow sanctuary stepped in to take him into safety, however the amount of care required for this young goat amounted to a very large amount of money, more than this little sanctuary could afford. We offered to help and brought the little goat to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.
Once home with us, we made sure that Remy was as comfortable as possible. Due to his front legs being bent, this made it really difficult for Remy to get around and we knew we had to do something quick to adjust this. After numerous surgeries, Remy ended up having a partial amputation on both front legs and put into a special wheelchair that allows him to be at a more comfortable position as he heals.
Remy shortly after arriving, getting medical attention in our med barn.
Remy enjoying some dandelion greens outside the med barn.
During Remy’s healing process, we looked into many different options in which he would have a better quality of life along with more mobility and independence, one of them being prosthetics! We quickly contacted Ark Ortho to create custom prosthetics. After the completion, Remy absolutely loved them! It was a little awkward at first, but he quickly got the hang of it. He had another recent surgery which has put a hold on using the prosthetics but we’re so excited for when he will finally be able to free roam with them on.
Remy’s story is one of true resistance and he has quickly become a sanctuary star, gathering support from thousands of people. His story is really similar to that of Fawn, a beautiful disabled cow who passed away in 2020, and we see the same spark she had in little Remy.
Remy getting fitted for his new prosthetics.
Remy enjoying his new prosthetics.
Here’s to a new life in sanctuary, Remy, we love you!
Want to sponsor Remy? Click below!
Want to learn about our other goat residents? Click below!
Annabelle
Annabelle’s story
In August of 2021, we stepped in to help a very injured sheep who was found covered with wounds all over her body. The wounds were most likely from being attacked by dogs or coyotes, and they weren’t fresh, which meant this sweet sheep had been wandering around lost on her own for a while. We rushed her to the animal hospital right away where we learned that these wounds were severely infected and that she needed surgery for mastitis—an infection in her udders. Her tail was also broken. Annabelle spent a month at the animal hospital before we were able to bring her home. She is a petite girl with a big heart, and her kindness radiates despite everything she’s been through. We’re so glad she will only know a flock to roam with, all the grass she could ever eat, and a safe barn to sleep in from now on.
Annabelle shortly arriving to the Sanctuary and meeting the other sheep residents.
Annabelle enjoying a snack and the company of others in the sheep barn.
Want to sponsor Annabelle? Click below!
Want to learn about our other sheep residents? Click below!
Bunny
Bunny’s story
In July of 2021 we welcomed home Bunny, a sweet and gentle pig who had been born and raised on a pig farm not too far from the Sanctuary. She, along with 11* others, were originally raised to be killed for human consumption, but the people who ran the farm became bonded with these intelligent, kind beings and decided to end their pig farming all together. Bunny was all by herself in one of the barns—a group of pigs she shared the space with had rejected her. We didn’t have room at the time for a full-grown pig but we knew we couldn’t leave Bunny alone. We were able to extend our pig pasture with new fencing (thanks to the help of our supporters like you!) and Bunny soon became a part of our pig herd.
Bunny being cozy in the pig barn.
Bunny’s favorite snack is apples, and she loves a good nap! She is so sweet; you’d never know everything she had been through. We’re so glad she is safe with us.
Want to sponsor Bunny? Click below!
Want to learn about our other pig residents? Click below!
Juniper
In December of 2020, our Shelter Director Hervé and Volunteer Coordinator Sean drove seven hours to rescue a young cow named Juniper Red. Juniper’s human companion rescued her when she was born, sparing her a life as a dairy cow, but this person could no longer care for this sweet little cow. We were so happy to bring her to safety and warmth here at Woodstock Sanctuary, where we could provide her lifelong care and safety. Since her arrival, she has already become comfortable and happy with her new herd. The first day Juniper met the rest of the cows, she couldn’t contain her excitement as she started jumping around the pasture, completely overflowing with joy. She is still shy around humans, but we are confident that with a bit of patience and love, she will grow more comfortable with people. Juniper really enjoys laying down in the pasture sunbathing with the herd, jumping and playing with Colin and Woody, and receiving alfalfa cube snacks. We can’t wait to watch her grow up in sanctuary.
Click below to sponsor Juniper!
Want to learn about our other cow residents? Click below!
Dionne
Dionne’s story
In January of 2021, Woodstock Sanctuary responded to a severe neglect case at a farm near Albany. When we arrived, we found animals living in horrifying conditions, locked in small, freezing sheds with no access to water. Dionne was rescued with more than 50 farmed animals, including two of her turkey friends, Cher and Tai.
The site Tai, Cher, and Dionne were rescued from.
Dionne getting lap cuddles from our Social Media Coordinator Riki Higgins
Now that Dionne is living at Woodstock Sanctuary, her bold and outgoing personality really shines! She enjoys her days living with Tai and Cher, and like all turkeys, is intelligent and social.
Want to sponsor Dionne? Click below!
Want to learn about our other turkey residents? Click below!
Cher
Cher’s story
In January of 2021, Woodstock Sanctuary responded to a severe neglect case at a farm near Albany. When we arrived, we found animals living in horrifying conditions, locked in small, freezing sheds with no access to water. Cher was rescued with more than 50 farmed animals, including two of her turkey friends, Dionne and Tai.
The site Tai, Cher, and Dionne were rescued from.
Cher and Tai with Executive Director Rachel McCrystal
Now Cher enjoys her days at Woodstock Sanctuary living with her friends Dionne and Tai. She is bold, intelligent and independent!