“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.” ― Alfred A. Montapert
WHEEL OF FORTUNE RANCH
Years ago I had a dream. I dreamed of one day owning and operating a working farm facility that would do both animals and people some good. The problem was that I worked all the time and had a family. There was neither time nor money to put my plan in motion.
I wanted to rescue animals that needed a loving home and good care. Since horses are my first love, naturally I wanted to rescue and help horses as much as possible. I also love dogs, and knew there was much need for finding them homes and getting the word out about how important it is to neuter them. Millions of them are euthanized each year because pet owners are either unknowing or plain just don’t care how many animals suffer because of over-population.
Then it happened. I was able to retire from the Court system at age 62. Then right after that I had the good fortune to win enough money on a game show and was able to purchase the acreage now known as Wheel of Fortune Ranch. When I moved onto the property it needed lots of TLC and it was not organized to the point that I could have enough shelters and lots to accommodate the animals.
It all began to come together, with the help of several people who helped tear down old fence and build new ones. We built shelters and runs for a variety of domesticated farm animals. Today the property is set up so that we can rescue and re-home many animals that would otherwise be neglected. We have had as many as 20 horses and 15 dogs being cared for here. Generous people have kept us going by volunteering their hard work, donating hay and money to help out.
Now the place is teeming with happy animals -- dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, a goose, a mini pig, various milk and mini goats, horses, mini horses, rabbits, peacocks, guineas and a mammoth donkey.
We sell chickens, rabbits, ducks, guineas, turkeys, goats and other farm products. All proceeds pay for the large feed bill every month. We see that all the animals we sell go to good homes and people who know how to care for them. Every animal comes with a guarantee: if you can't care for it, bring it back.
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. IT'S ABOUT THE ANIMAL.
Not only do we have large feed bills, but we are very mindful of the other needs of these animals in our care. We see they are de-wormed on a regular basis, have the vaccinations and medical care they need, and that the horses, donkey and goats have regular hoof care.
Some of the things we offer here at the ranch are riding lessons (for kids and adults, plus we work with special needs children), a petting zoo, an egg hatching program (working with teachers in the public school system) and free fishing for our volunteers in our back pasture pond. We also have a small facility for birthday parties and family get-to-gathers. The fees charged for these services are minimal.
Our largest goal, however, is to teach. We teach by doing -- such as parents bring their kids out and teaching them what farm work is, and the kids learn how to act around various animals as well as how to care for them. This facility also help kids realize where the food on their family table comes from. Besides learning what hard work is, they learn compassion for animals. It is always a thrill to see a child who has a learning or physical disability be uplifted by interacting with an animal.
As I am a rated Cowgirl Poet and have written several poetry books, I am also able to entertain groups with my poetry readings. Here again, fees are nominal (we usually just pass the cowboy hat and monies donated from the readings go toward animal feed and health care.
So, at last, the dream I had of such a facility has been mostly realized. Not that we are through improving, adding on, tweaking, etc. There is always something else to do here at Wheel of Fortune Ranch.
Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this dream? It is not hard. Contact us. We’ll put you to work on some project -- and probably one you will really enjoy.
PLEASE FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND MY BLOG.
I wanted to rescue animals that needed a loving home and good care. Since horses are my first love, naturally I wanted to rescue and help horses as much as possible. I also love dogs, and knew there was much need for finding them homes and getting the word out about how important it is to neuter them. Millions of them are euthanized each year because pet owners are either unknowing or plain just don’t care how many animals suffer because of over-population.
Then it happened. I was able to retire from the Court system at age 62. Then right after that I had the good fortune to win enough money on a game show and was able to purchase the acreage now known as Wheel of Fortune Ranch. When I moved onto the property it needed lots of TLC and it was not organized to the point that I could have enough shelters and lots to accommodate the animals.
It all began to come together, with the help of several people who helped tear down old fence and build new ones. We built shelters and runs for a variety of domesticated farm animals. Today the property is set up so that we can rescue and re-home many animals that would otherwise be neglected. We have had as many as 20 horses and 15 dogs being cared for here. Generous people have kept us going by volunteering their hard work, donating hay and money to help out.
Now the place is teeming with happy animals -- dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, a goose, a mini pig, various milk and mini goats, horses, mini horses, rabbits, peacocks, guineas and a mammoth donkey.
We sell chickens, rabbits, ducks, guineas, turkeys, goats and other farm products. All proceeds pay for the large feed bill every month. We see that all the animals we sell go to good homes and people who know how to care for them. Every animal comes with a guarantee: if you can't care for it, bring it back.
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. IT'S ABOUT THE ANIMAL.
Not only do we have large feed bills, but we are very mindful of the other needs of these animals in our care. We see they are de-wormed on a regular basis, have the vaccinations and medical care they need, and that the horses, donkey and goats have regular hoof care.
Some of the things we offer here at the ranch are riding lessons (for kids and adults, plus we work with special needs children), a petting zoo, an egg hatching program (working with teachers in the public school system) and free fishing for our volunteers in our back pasture pond. We also have a small facility for birthday parties and family get-to-gathers. The fees charged for these services are minimal.
Our largest goal, however, is to teach. We teach by doing -- such as parents bring their kids out and teaching them what farm work is, and the kids learn how to act around various animals as well as how to care for them. This facility also help kids realize where the food on their family table comes from. Besides learning what hard work is, they learn compassion for animals. It is always a thrill to see a child who has a learning or physical disability be uplifted by interacting with an animal.
As I am a rated Cowgirl Poet and have written several poetry books, I am also able to entertain groups with my poetry readings. Here again, fees are nominal (we usually just pass the cowboy hat and monies donated from the readings go toward animal feed and health care.
So, at last, the dream I had of such a facility has been mostly realized. Not that we are through improving, adding on, tweaking, etc. There is always something else to do here at Wheel of Fortune Ranch.
Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this dream? It is not hard. Contact us. We’ll put you to work on some project -- and probably one you will really enjoy.
PLEASE FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND MY BLOG.
