The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary

09/23/2025

Some animals arrive at The Happy Herd quietly… and then turn out to have the biggest personalities of them all. That’s Haymie. 💙

Haymie came to us after being diagnosed with CAE, a virus that can affect goats’ joints and immune systems. His breeder didn’t want to send him to slaughter (thankfully!) and turned down a $400 offer from a meat buyer, choosing instead to find him a loving home.

From the moment he arrived, Haymie acted like he’d always belonged here. He walked into the field like he knew where everything was. Like he knew he was safe.

He’s one of the quirkiest, most affectionate little guys on the farm. Whether he’s flopping into a wheelbarrow full of hay for a nap or following volunteers around like a loyal sidekick, Haymie makes sure he’s never too far from the action or the snacks.

He’s got a sparkle in his eye and a goofy streak that keeps everyone smiling. He’s also proof that with a little compassion and the right people looking out for you, even a sickly goat with nowhere to go can end up with a forever family.

Haymie, we’re so glad you’re home. 🐐🏡

💙 https://www.happyherd.org

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09/22/2025

Happy First Day of Fall! 🍂

We may not have our pumpkins just yet, but this throwback to 2021 reminds us of how much our pigs love them. In this photo, W***y and Monroe are fully focused on a giant pumpkin that was almost as big as they were. 🐷

These two brothers were born right here at the sanctuary, and they have been inseparable ever since. When this pumpkin arrived a few autumns ago, they knew exactly what to do. Each of them took a side and started munching, completely committed to meeting in the middle. It was classic pig teamwork.

W***y and Monroe are more than just adorable. They are a reminder of everything we love about this season at the sanctuary. The mornings are getting cooler, the pigs are fluffing up their straw beds, and the whole farm feels just a little cozier. 🍁

Big thanks to our friends at Taves Family Farms Apple Barn for their annual pumpkin donation. These seasonal treats bring so much joy to The Herd (and a lot of hilarious photo ops). 🎃

If you are feeling inspired by Fall and looking for a meaningful way to spend your time, we are always welcoming new volunteers. Whether you are helping prep feed or tidying up barns, your presence here makes a real difference. You can sign up by filling out a form on our website (link below). 💙

🚜 https://www.happyherd.org/volunteer/
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09/21/2025

When you need a job done..here is who to call! Thank you for donating your time and skills to keep us safe!

09/20/2025

Snoot Saturday belongs to one very special someone: Desi the cow. 🐮

Desi came to us as a baby calf, barely a week old, legs like noodles and a moo that could melt hearts. He lived indoors while we learned the ropes of calf parenting (spoiler: it involves a lot of cleaning). He even made friends with our donkey, Baby, over the stall door, and became best buds with a piglet named Lucy. Iconic, honestly.

Fast forward to now, and Desi is massive, like, can-block-your-car-from-leaving-the-sanctuary kind of massive. But don’t let his size fool you. He’s a total sweetheart. Loves a forehead scratch, knows exactly where the fruit trees are, and has perfected the art of lounging like a pasture prince. 🐄

If you’ve ever dreamed of sponsoring a snoot with legendary status, Desi’s your guy. Your support helps us keep this gentle giant living his best life, with fresh hay, top-notch care, and all the fruit his heart desires.

Give that snoot the love it deserves. He’s available for a monthly sponsorship now, link below. 💙🐮

🐮 https://www.happyherd.org/sponsor-an-animal/

09/18/2025

Meet Justin, one of our new volunteers! ☀️

He found his way to The Happy Herd through a simple search and a big love for animals.
In just a short time, he’s become part of the family, helping with daily care, soaking up the sunshine, and getting licked by Sparky on the regular. 🐮

“I just love the environment,” he says. “Everyone’s been super nice and welcoming. It’s been great helping out the animals, and Diane and Steve!”

We asked Justin what he would say to someone who’s thinking of volunteering at the Happy Herd, and he had one thing to say: just go for it! 💙

If you’ve been curious about getting involved, now’s the perfect time.

We’re currently looking for volunteers for Monday and Friday mornings, and we’d love to have you join the crew. Visit our website through the link below and fill out the volunteer form to get started. 🐐🌻

🚜 https://www.happyherd.org/volunteer/
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09/17/2025

Some goat dating profiles you didn’t know you needed until now. 🐐

Whether you're into the bold type who runs the pen (hi Finnigan), the one who’ll make you laugh so hard you spill your feed (looking at you, Haymie), or the quiet sweetheart who just happens to do goat yoga on his knees (Curtis, we see you)...we’ve got a match for every heart. 💙

Swipe through to meet our herd’s most eligible singles and tell us which one stole your heart.

Comment your fave and consider booking a tour to meet these heart-throbs in real life!

☀️ https://happyherd.iiasserver.com/visit-the-farm

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09/17/2025

09/16/2025

Thanks to Kal Tire, our wheels (and hearts) are full. 🚐💙

This week, The Happy Herd made a pit stop at Kal Tire in Surrey for a tire refresh, and not just any tires! Thanks to their Tires for Good program, we’ve got brand-new wheels that’ll help us get fresh produce, supplies, and emergency care to the animals who call this sanctuary home.

From Lulu and Lily’s fruit snacks to Pickles’ watermelon moments, every trip we take matters. And now, those trips are safer and smoother than ever. 🐷🍉

Kal Tire has been quietly supporting heroes in healthcare, food security, first response, and now, animal rescue, and we’re honoured to be part of this incredible family. Since 2020, their Tires for Good program has supported 165 non-profit organizations across Canada, and we’re honoured to be one of them.

Thank you for helping us keep The Herd happy, healthy, and fed. 🐮

Let’s keep the kindness rolling.

🤝 Learn more about : kaltire.com/en/tires-for-good/

💙 Donate to the Happy Herd: happyherd.org/donate

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09/15/2025

This week isn’t just about awareness, it’s about change.

Farm Animal Awareness Week (Sept 14–20) reminds us that real protection for farm animals doesn’t start with a rescue; it starts with a shift in how we see them.

The goal is to create a future where no animal is left to suffer in silence.
Where conditions improve, not just at sanctuaries, but on farms, in policies, and in people’s hearts.

At The Happy Herd, we’ve seen what happens when animals are given space to heal.

🐖 Garth, the runt they thought wouldn’t live, now struts with strength and purpose.

🐐 Smudge and Puddin, once trembling and pregnant, now raise their babies in peace.

🐖 Pickles, once feral and frightened, now demands her belly rubs like the confident queen she is.

🐑 Maggie, who arrived collapsed, gave birth to Chloe and Humphrey, a family that never should’ve survived, and yet, they did.

Their stories shouldn’t be rare.
They should be normal.

Because protection doesn’t just mean survival, it means dignity, safety, and a life worth living.

Let’s build a world where animals aren’t just rescued from cruelty, they’re never exposed to it in the first place.

Share their stories. Support sanctuaries. Speak up. Share this post and help their voices be heard.

For a future where every farm animal is seen as someone, not something.

🤝https://www.happyherd.org/donate/

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09/12/2025

Did you know chickens can form friendships just like us? 🐔💙

Chickens recognize and remember individual members of their flock, and they can even become depressed after the loss of a close companion. Their strong social ties come with real emotional depth, including empathy and grief-like behaviours.

Toby (white) and Hen Solo (brown) are a perfect pair. You’ll often find them foraging side-by-side or taking dust baths just a few feathers apart. It’s a quiet friendship, but a meaningful one and a reminder that love lives in the little moments.

We see so many bonds like this across The Herd, but there’s something especially heartwarming about watching chickens, who are so often underestimated, show us just how loyal, clever, and loving they can be. 🌾

Next time you pass by the coop, take a peek. You might just catch a pair of besties sharing a snack and settling in close together. 🐓

💙 happyherd.org/

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