Carl E. Dahl House

06/05/2026

Meet Junior, our brave and clever donkey who taught us a thing or two about patience and trust. Junior is cautious by nature, prioritizing his safety above all else, which makes routine care a bit of a challenge. But thanks to Corrine, the assistant clinical director at ROOTS at Evergreen Grove, and her dedication to positive reinforcement training, Junior had a breakthrough moment. No halter, no lead rope, no anxiety—just Junior taking his dewormer like a champ. We’re so proud of our compassionate animal care team who meet each animal where they are, ensuring the best care possible. Here’s to teamwork and a BIG shoutout to Junior! 🎉

06/04/2026

During a one-on-one session today, Andrew found a moment of peace through caring for one of our animals. It's in these simple acts—brushing, feeding, and just being present—that we discover the profound impact of care farming. These connections help build trust, encourage mindfulness, and foster a sense of responsibility. In recovery, it's often these small, tangible routines that leave the biggest mark. Here, bonds form without words, offering grounding and growth.

Milkshake definitely enjoyed the attention too! 🐮✨

06/03/2026

Who's feeling bold enough to brave the belly of the beast? Watson dares you! 😾😇✨

06/02/2026

Last week, Rob completed our Human-Animal Interaction curriculum. His biggest takeaway was a transformed perspective: he went from seeing animal care as a chore to experiencing it as a relationship-based responsibility rooted in empathy, attentiveness, and mutual trust. Amazing work, Rob!

06/01/2026

Meet Hope, our critically endangered Newfoundland Pony c**t, born August 2024. He's shedding his baby fluff and looking more and more like his mom, Dreamer, every day!

05/29/2026

This week, we had the incredible honor of celebrating Ozzy's graduation from the farm. 🎉🎓 The send-off was a beautiful mix of a lot of laughter and a few tears as we reflected on his journey here. Ozzy's humor, big heart, and positive attitude have left a lasting impact on all of us. He tackled every challenge with courage and came out stronger on the other side. While we'll miss him dearly, we are filled with hope for his bright future in recovery. Amazing work, Ozzy, we couldn't be prouder!

05/28/2026

Our residents have been busy as bees, tending to the garden and planting the seedlings they started in spring. Gardening isn't just about growing plants; it's about nurturing patience, persistence, and the joy of seeing hard work blossom. Here's to new beginnings and the growth that comes with them! 🌱✨

05/27/2026

Look who is getting the attention she deserves 👀✨🐷 We are so excited for this feature in the Human-Animal Interaction Summer newsletter - it will go into our decision making process we go through when adopting a new animal, as well as Miss Rosemary’s story. Check out this post for more information on how to get the newsletter and read the story when it drops in June!

Meet Rosemary—a potbelly pig with a job most people wouldn't expect a pig to have.

She's training at a therapeutic farm community that serves people in recovery, where her calm, social presence helps residents learn patience, build responsibility, and find footing as they process complex emotions and trauma. For someone rebuilding a life, caring for another living being can be one of the most grounding things in the world.

But here's what makes her story matter: not every animal is meant for this work. And taking that seriously—really seriously—is the heart of ethical farm Animal-Assisted Services (AAS).

In the Summer 2026 HAI Newsletter, we take a closer look at animal fit, welfare, and the often-overlooked question of choice. Whose well-being are we serving when we bring an animal into therapeutic work? The answer, it turns out, has to include the animal.

📅 The full story drops June 17:
🔗 https://www.human-animal-interaction.org/newsletters-resources/

When you picture a "therapy animal," what comes to mind—and does Rosemary changed the picture? 👇

05/27/2026

Caught in the act! Mark and Watson sharing a moment that's as sweet as it gets. Watson might have a bit of a reputation, but to us, he's always our lovable little angel! 😾🩷

05/26/2026

Neil completed our Human Animal Interaction curriculum this week! 🎉 His standout moment? Taking Travis the goat for a walk and discovering that life's curveballs can turn into the best lessons. Adapting on the fly is all part of the journey. Well done, Neil!