Not only do we offer safety and a forever home to as many rescued farm animals as possible, but we also teach the public about more compassionate lifestyle choices, starting with food. In 2008, I became active in dog rescue, volunteering and fostering dogs with a local rescue organization. Then, in 2016, I heard about a Cornish Cross hen that needed a home. Considering whether or not to might expand rescue efforts to chickens, I contacted the person that had originally rescued Lady Gaga. It was painful to learn that Cornish Cross chickens, commonly known in animal agriculture as “broilers”, are raised to grow abnormally large within a matter of weeks. Bred for their “meat”, these creatures’ lives are ended when they are a mere 6 weeks old. With roughly 60 billion butchered each year (9 billion in the U.S. alone) they are the most killed animal in the world. In addition to these sad numbers, the Cornish Cross chicken’s obesity can lead to extreme health detriments, just as with humans. Because of this, I knew the amount of time with Gaga could be limited, but still wanted to give her the best life possible. I coordinated the pickup and drove over three hours to meet her. Gaga settled in well, and a few short months later, I rescued several more hens. It was clear that I needed to find more land in order to expand rescue efforts. About a year later, while driving east of our then-home, the perfect location was spotted that had the makings of a beautiful haven for a variety of farm animals. The property had been a small ranch in its former life, with the name Yesahcan Ranch. Almost immediately after settling in, we received multiple rescue requests. Knowing that individual and community support would be critical to long-term sustainability, we became a 501(c)(3). Because so much of the ranch displayed the words “Yesahcan”, I felt it should become the name of the sanctuary. It was almost a play on words, with “Yesahcan” sounding like “Yes, I can.” This phrase became a motto of sorts, both for the animals who would live here, and the humans who would care for them. Yes, I can start a sanctuary. Yes, I can help a creature in need. Yes, I can live wild and free. Yesahcan Sanctuary was born! Here, we are committed to creating and maintaining a space that allows our residents to live their best lives with plenty of room to roam as they please. Not only do we offer safety and a forever home to as many rescued farm animals as possible, but we also teach the public about more compassionate lifestyle choices, starting with what we put on our plates. Yesahcan Sanctuary is designed to be a refuge for everyone who steps foot on its grounds. We feel fortunate to be able to share our days with so many loving creatures and to delight in this little sliver of paradise with each of you!
