critters

our companions. In keeping with our Mindful Vegan Philosophy, each animal has the
opportunity to live out his/her natural life here. Come meet the crew! They enjoy lovin'.

Phyllis & Emma (The Ladies)
Phyllis was our first companion animal. We got her from the
Humane Society in Newaygo County, Michigan. She is now 11
years old. Emma is also from the Newaygo County Human Society
and came to live with us to be a friend for Phyllis. Emma is 9 years
old. The two of them are inseparable.

Miss Annabelle & Miss Molly
Miss Annabelle came to live with us in June of 2007. Her previous
caretaker could no longer provide care for her. Miss Annie is grumpy and likes to complain
loudly to all who will listen. Miss Molly came to live with us in November of 2007 to be a
friend for Miss Annie. Miss Molly likes to sit on your lap and have her belly rubbed.

Mrs. Turkey & Esteban
Mrs. Turkey came to live at our farm in the summer of 2006. She is
approximately 25 years old and has lived various places over the years. She is
definitely the Queen of the coop. She shares a flat with Esteban, our rooster. The two
have formed a special bond.

Delta
Delta, or Delta Mama, as we like to call her, is a 12 year old, retired sled dog. She came to
live with us in 2006. She is quite a nervous dog, but super affectionate. She loves people
and is great with children.

Flock of Hens (The Girls)
We have 10 hens ranging in age from 2-8. We brought some of them with us from
downstate when we moved in 2003. A couple came from a research lab. And, a few others
were rescued from a situation where a coyote was getting in their coop. Some of them do
lay eggs. We feed the eggs to the dogs or cats. Watching them interact is both fascinating
and comical.

Ruby, Lola, Tori, Marshmallow & Eclipse
Tori was born here on the farm. Her mama is Eclipse. Eclipse is one of two feral cats that a
neighbor's granddaughter brought to the farm in 2005. Tori is a super loving, kid-friendly,
cat. Eclipse can only be observed from a distance as she is super shy. This is why we
have no pictures of her. Ruby and Lola (named by intern, Shannon) came to the farm in
the summer of 2007. Their mama or mamas (we don't know if they are biological sisters)
were strays that took up residence in Natasha's parents' barn. Marshmallow came to live
with us in April of 2008. She has some behavioral issues at her house in the city so her
family decided that country life might do her some good.

Bees
You might be wondering why it is that vegan farmers are keeping bees. By the very nature
of us keeping bees, you may believe that we should not call ourselves vegan. Please read
our Mindful Veganism statement to learn more about our beliefs.

The answer is simple. Honey bees are absolutely critical to life on earth. Honey bees have
been dying from mite infestations for the last 5+ years and are now disappearing at an
alarming rate due to unknown causes. Compassionate, earth-minded people like ourselves
need to work to keep honey bees alive. We use only organic methods of pest control in our
hives (essential oils & vinegar). Additionally, when supplemental feeding is needed, we use
organic, vegan sugar. Basically, we provide adequate food and housing to the troops and
they pollinate our crops and provide us with a bit of surplus honey from time to time.