These past holidays brought MFS some very generous donations that have gone toward hay, straw, shavings and grain. With all of the needs in the world today it's difficult for us to ask for donations. But, we've made commitments to animals we have taken in and as they age their needs change and often increase. Winter causes us to change and use more bedding, feed more hay and sometimes treat illnesses. The price of hay is between $6 - $8 per bale. We feed 12 bales of hay per day for all of the animals. We need to order a tractor trailer load of shavings every 3 months at $5,000 per load. So, MFS must continue to depend on the generosity and caring of anyone who can send $1 or whatever amount is comfortable. We appreciate every single donation, no matter how small in size!

Thank you for your past donations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you for caring.

~Cheri & Jim~

 Please consider making a financial contribution to help the animals at Maple Farm Sanctuary. MFS is a registered 501(c)3 charity and your contribution is 100% tax deductible.

Please mail checks to:
Maple Farm Sanctuary
101 North Ave, Mendon, MA 01756

We rely entirely on your generosity to continue providing a safe haven for the animals living at Maple Farm Sanctuary and for the new animals who are in urgent need of our help. By making a donation you will help us to provide veterinary care, improve housing, feed and maintain a happy life for the rescued animals living at Maple Farm Sanctuary.

Please help us by making a donation!  

Winter Newsletter 2010

Meet Kali!

By Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis
Co-founder of Maple Farm Sanctuary

 
Kali was first heard but not seen at a garden center in western Massachusetts.
A lady who we'll call Linda was going to this garden center to buy a few plants for her garden. As she shopped for her plants she could hear a calf calling out. Linda began looking for the source of all the crying. She was lead to a locked equipment shed. After locating a garden center worker Linda found that Kali had been locked in this shed for lack of a better place at the end of the day.

The shed was opened and there was Kali, trapped under some heavy equipment that had fallen over. With great effort Kali was freed from the tangle of equipment. Linda wanted desperately to get Kali out of this abusive environment and asked if she could have this now injured calf. The owners of the garden center would not let Kali go until Linda paid $300. Kali was now safe with Linda but as Kali grew a new home was needed. Linda found a farm thinking it would be a good home with other cows. Unfortunately, as a young heifer, the other adult cows would beat her up and keep her from the food. Another search for a forever home for Kali began. Linda found two wonderful people, Marnie and Bob who, in turn, found Maple Farm Sanctuary. After a few phone calls Kali was driven to the Sanctuary. As Kali was lead off the trailer it was obvious she knew that the people that now surrounded her cared for and loved her. Kali's eyes are soft and gentle but there is a sparkle reflecting a joyous spirit.

Kali, the brown Swiss calf who came to us this summer, is now Kali the young, extremely happy cow. She is so excitable and full of life. I'm still trying to get a good picture of Kali sleeping and cuddling in the barn with her new friends Jonathan the pig and Lucky the miniature horse!

Everything in her life seems to give her reason to celebrate. When Jim gives her hay, Kali jumps around and tosses her head. We do need to be vigilant and make sure she doesn't get too close during her moments of celebration! When a new visitor comes into the barnyard and Kali spots them, she comes running for attention.

This spring she'll be receiving her spring shots and getting wormed. Then, we hope to get her out with the other cows. This will give her more friends (after some social adjustment), more space and green grass. With her serious lust for life this will also be safer for barnyard visitors!.

Goodbye to Billy The Goat
By Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis
Co-founder of Maple Farm Sanctuary


Our dear Boer goat, Billy, lost his relentless battle with urinary tract infections. Billy was one of several goats rescued from slaughter by a compassionate lady who eventually had to bring all of them to MFS. Before coming here Billy got into some chicken feed and was also fed a diet high in grain. For a neutered male goat this can be deadly.

On February 1, 2005 Billy was brought to Tufts Veterinary Clinic with a high heart rate and difficulty urinating. He was treated and released on February 4th. On February 7th Billy was returned to Tufts for the same problem. This time he was treated and released the same day. Then, on November 11, 2005 he was admitted to Tufts for surgery that would ultimately cure his urinary retention but it would also cause a lifetime of infections, skin problems and discomfort.

When Billy and his buddy Lucky arrived at MFS he was in fair health. We clipped and cleaned his "dirty butt". As he improved he made so many friends....the llamas, other goats, pigs, and he enjoyed good hay and loved his new human friends.

We did have to keep a close eye on Billy for behavior changes. As every infection set in you could see his attitude change and reluctance to eat. Treating him quickly was always our key to success. Despite having to endure the occasional course of shots, most of Billy's days were spent as a happy goat surrounded by friends and love.

On February 5, 2010, Billy's age and infections caught up with him along with arthritis in his hind legs. His quality of life was now severely compromised. Giving him every chance with more antibiotics and inflammatory therapy we finally had to come to grips with Billy's life. We consulted with our wonderful vet and she agreed with our painful decision, humane euthanasia. I held Billy in my arms and, as I've done with so many others, told him what a good goat is his and how much he is loved. Billy peacefully passed over the rainbow bridge as is missed by all of us.

By Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis
Co-founder of Maple Farm Sanctuary

Thank you Volunteers!

As some of you may know, I had total knee replacement surgery this past November. It has been a long, difficult recovery with another surgery possible is some issues aren't resolved. Thanks to some outstanding volunteers, the animals have been lovingly cared for. Winter is always a difficult time to find help at the sanctuary but a few brave souls have been kind and generous to help with the animals. During the week Joanne has been so very dedicated preparing critter meals and cleaning. Also showing their kindness and compassion are Lisa, Beth, Judy, Laura, Anne, Julie, Trish and Aimee. The weekend crew also come to endure the frigid temperatures to sort and prepare critter food and clean. Eva has been keeping the website going. Pete, Karen, Steve, Fran, Cheryl, Melody, Alyson and Taylor have all been of outstanding help. If your name is not listed here, I may have forgotten, but the animals have not! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Cleaning and filling water dishes and buckets can be painful in the cold! Spilled water, poop and pee all become frozen to the barn floor and it is a challenge to clean. Jim and I have been doing it for many a winter and fully understand the work and dedication it takes to help with these chores. Thank you to all who are volunteering your heart and time!

While we have a few folks giving their time at MFS, we are still in need of more volunteers to help either weekdays or weekends. There are morning chores that are often partially covered. Afternoon chores are primarily done by Jim and a little bit by me. Please let us know if there are any times you can help and we'll set up a volunteer orientation!

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