Sanctuary of Friends

Sanctuary of Friends Animal sanctuary and rescue focusing on neglected livestock He died in 1991, on the farm, while shoveling corn to take to the local mill. We did it!

In the early 1950's, Grandpa “Oliver” (born Olavi {O-lah-vee}) built a farm for his family in Jefferson, Ohio. My uncles stepped up after Grandpa’s unexpectent death and, with my Uncle Steve at the wheel, the hay continued to be made and the memories continued to roll in. Then, make way for 2010 and the screeching halt. Uncle Steve passed away unexpectedly. He spent his last day on earth working a

nd dying on the same land his Dad, my Grandpa, once had. He died on a beautiful August day during the year 2010. Fast forward 3 years and through many long conversations, forms, loans, attorney appointments, and contemplation, the farm was to stay in the family and this time, with Grandma’s blessing, the third generation was at the wheel. After loads of money, buckets of sweat, ounces of blood, and, oh, the tears, I, as the proud new owner, continued to make hay and memories. I guess that wasn't enough:

In the late winter of 2015/2016, me, along with my sister and dear friend, set off on the daunting task of starting a 501(c)3 non profit animal rescue. In March 2016, while the hay fields were covered in snow and the rescued horses and cats happily tucked in their warm barns, it was official. My farm would become the home base for our animal rescue. We did it for all the animals the three of us have saved and loss over the years and for all the animals that will cross our paths. Their stories will be told and, with the public support, we will be able to to save more. Today, the farm has a name, appropriately, Sanctuary of Friends (SOF), continues to make hay, continues to make memories, and now has a new purpose: to offer animals in need a SOF place to land.

Last night, July 26th, around 11:40pm a SUV failed to stop at Overly Rd and South Denmark Rd in Jefferson/Denmark area. ...
07/27/2026

Last night, July 26th, around 11:40pm a SUV failed to stop at Overly Rd and South Denmark Rd in Jefferson/Denmark area. The driver plowed through our horses’ fence, drove through the pasture and took off heading east on South Denmark Rd. Thank God the horses are ok. They easily could have been hit or, if not for the quick actions of our neighbors, escaped onto our dark country road. We are forever grateful for our neighbors. After hearing the crash, they immediately went to work by contacting us, fastening boards up to keep the horses from escaping, looking for car parts, nails, and broken wood boards in the pasture. So much tragedy was prevented by their quick actions.
Please share this post in hopes it reaches the person responsible. We are a non-profit and the cost to repair the fence will likely be what it costs to feed our livestock for 2 months. The SUV in question is most likely a gray/beige 2007 -2013 Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon with front end damage, possibly blown tire, and missing part of driver side view mirror and fog light. A report has been filed with the Ashtabula County Sheriff. Also, if anyone on Overly Rd or South Denmark Rd east of Overly with cameras facing the road could please check footage from that night, let us know if you see a vehicle matching this description around the time of the crash. Maybe, just maybe, it will help bring restitution.

We have the best farrier! He even color coordinated with Stella today. 😂
07/21/2026

We have the best farrier! He even color coordinated with Stella today. 😂

We all are very sad here at SOF. Day 3 without “Sal” and his absence is palpable. His best friend “Lucy” seems to be doi...
06/22/2026

We all are very sad here at SOF. Day 3 without “Sal” and his absence is palpable.
His best friend “Lucy” seems to be doing ok and understands Sal is not waiting around the corner. He is gone. We can’t help to notice an ever so slight change in her: she’s trying to be a tad less timid. Perhaps, she’s trying for us. She senses our hearts are heavy every time we enter the barn and Sal isn’t there to greet us first. Perhaps, we are reading into her interactions. One thing is for sure, the cats are now vying to be her new best friend.

Yesterday, we laid to rest one of the kindest, friendliest animals I have ever known. “Sweet Sal” (Sal, Sal Sal, Salad) ...
06/20/2026

Yesterday, we laid to rest one of the kindest, friendliest animals I have ever known. “Sweet Sal” (Sal, Sal Sal, Salad) was slowly declining over the past few months. At 9 years old, a rough start to life, missing teeth and despite veterinary care, medication and diet, he was struggling to thrive. He went markedly downhill in less than 24 hours. Yesterday morning, I knew it would be his last. We never made it to the vet appointment. He laid down by my truck, his head in my lap and that was it.

We were blessed to have shared his life for over 8 years. His closest companions, human and animal, were able to say good-bye. Homer, the pig, softly grunted and nuzzled him and Lucy, the goat, stood vigil by his side after he passed. We all stood at his grave in reverence.

He was surrounded by the love which only comes from a human’s true understanding what a blessing animals are. They are a mirror of a human’s selfless effort, empathy and soul.

Stella and Leo were judging Brett’s stall cleaning technique. Leo had to go consult Sal over the gate for the final deci...
06/17/2026

Stella and Leo were judging Brett’s stall cleaning technique. Leo had to go consult Sal over the gate for the final decision on how the human did.

06/07/2026

All 800-ish pounds of Arthur wanted to lay on my lap.
I hope this short video reaches the anonymous donor who generously supported us through our Facebook donation button May 28. I can’t thank you enough.

SOF received 2 anonymous donations on February 28, 2026 via PayPal. Whoever you are, many thanks! You keep us going. Enj...
03/27/2026

SOF received 2 anonymous donations on February 28, 2026 via PayPal. Whoever you are, many thanks! You keep us going. Enjoy these captured late winter moments walking Homer, Arthur, Marigold (Mary), Lucy, Sal, Leo, Flick and Griswold. All of them were once severely neglected, some near death, and now, because of you, they are living out their best lives with us here at Sanctuary of Friends.

My dad. He never said no to all the stray animals I took in over the years as a kid. He even bought my sister and I a po...
02/08/2026

My dad. He never said no to all the stray animals I took in over the years as a kid. He even bought my sister and I a pony.
And as a final act of support, my family has asked donations be made to SOF. A rescue he, in an indirect manner, helped start.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

Happy New Year’s Day!Brisk walk with these party animals.
01/01/2026

Happy New Year’s Day!
Brisk walk with these party animals.

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Jefferson, OH
44047

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