The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary

The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary A small neighborhood backyard farm sanctuary. We are not a rescue and we do not adopt out .

The Backyard Barnyard Foundation began in 2010 to help support a long time neighborhood farm that was home to rescued donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs and chickens. Little did we know that two years later we would actually become a sanctuary with a motley crew of rescued barnyard animals living in our backyard. We are a small backyard sanctuary providing a permanent and loving home to the animals in our care.

The AHS girls enjoying their freedom and integrating well into the flock!
12/21/2025

The AHS girls enjoying their freedom and integrating well into the flock!

It is with a weary heart that we share the passing of Dazzle.While holding him in my arms, whispering words of love into...
12/16/2025

It is with a weary heart that we share the passing of Dazzle.
While holding him in my arms, whispering words of love into his ears and feeling the final beat of his heart, he slipped gracefully into another realm, surrounded by peace and love.

We knew his time was coming. His arthritic body had been bearing the toll of a long and well-lived life, but we hoped we would have more time. Even so, there is solace in knowing his transition was gentle, guided by love, and free from fear. It was simply his time.

Dazzle now joins his beloved herd mate, Big Mike, who crossed over less than a week before, along with the rest of his herd who passed before them. We take comfort in imagining the Magnificent Seven reunited once more, whole, free from pain, and running together in a place where age and suffering no longer exist.

Dazzle’s spirit, kindness, and quiet strength touched every life he encountered. His presence taught us patience, compassion, and the sacred bond between human and animal. All of the animals in our lives have taught us so much. They have and always will be our greatest teachers, and we will forever be grateful for the wisdom they share so freely.

Though his physical form is gone, his essence remains woven into our hearts and the pasture he freely roamed.

You were deeply loved, Dazzle, and you always will be. Your legacy lives on in the love you gave, the lives you shaped, and the eternal imprint you leave behind.

His final message to us is to live your life and run free like someone left the gate open ❤🐐

If you would like to donate in honor of Big Mike, Dazzle, and all those who have gone before, and for the care of those who are still with us, we would be grateful

PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WGUKJRFWNUCZU&fbclid=IwY2xjawOucmxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDMzNwMUJUcTRCT1NwT1hmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpY50HtAohyUDYFhi-lfxughIkagzTdy_YZFNNfIFXtzmDgHjsEjhH9jsh-F_aem_lXnwZ0nonXYjrFuP2o_52A
Zelle: (602)695-4498
Venmo:

As the first light of dawn touched the sky, a beautiful soul slipped away in the quiet of the night. This morning, we di...
12/12/2025

As the first light of dawn touched the sky, a beautiful soul slipped away in the quiet of the night. This morning, we discovered that Big Mike had laid his weary head to rest.
Big Mike was part of a herd of seven that came to live with us back in July of 2020. We didn’t know their exact age, but we guessed they were all around ten years old. When they first arrived, they were unsure of the place that would become their forever home.
They had never walked on grass. They had never roamed a large open pasture. And they had barely interacted with people.
Big Mike was the timidest of them all. But with time, patience, plenty of love (and a few tasty snacks) he began to change. They all did. Slowly but surely, they became the lovable group we called the Magnificent Seven.
Big Mike learned to trust. He came to enjoy being brushed. He looked forward to his treats and the friendly faces who greeted him at the fence.
Over time, his original herd mates passed on, one by one, until only he and Dazzle remained. The two were bonded right to the end. When we took Big Mike away, Dazzle let out a mournful bleat, a heartbreaking sound that echoed the grief of losing a lifelong companion. Though Dazzle still has goat friends in the pasture, some bonds are irreplaceable. We have been a witness to animals experiencing loss and grief. They mourn, perhaps not like humans, but without a doubt they do. Something we've learned to honor and respect.
In this time of loss, we feel immense gratitude. Grateful that we had the chance to open not just our pasture, but our hearts to these beautiful souls.
Big Mike, thank you for your quiet courage, your gentle presence, and your trust. You will always be part of this place. ❤🐐

Good morning - Doug asking for his breakfast and enjoying some dried dandelion. ❤🐰
12/06/2025

Good morning - Doug asking for his breakfast and enjoying some dried dandelion. ❤🐰

Happy Thanksloving Day from Johnny & Shirley long term residents of The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary. Living free and wi...
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksloving Day from Johnny & Shirley long term residents of The Backyard Barnyard Sanctuary. Living free and with love for the last eight years.

This week, we welcomed 10 young Rhode Island Reds from the Arizona Humane Society. They were part of a flock that had be...
11/16/2025

This week, we welcomed 10 young Rhode Island Reds from the Arizona Humane Society. They were part of a flock that had been abandoned, and we’re so grateful to give them a safe place to land. ❤️
We have a feeling two might actually be roosters… but whether they lay eggs or greet the sunrise with a song, they’re family now.
Here’s to fresh starts, soft landings, and second chances. 🌅🐔

Waiting for peanuts!
10/19/2025

Waiting for peanuts!

Goldie the smiley goat catching the morning sun!
10/18/2025

Goldie the smiley goat catching the morning sun!

Happy to report that Big Mike's eyes have healed up nicely from his little nip & tuck and Dazzle seems to be having a po...
10/17/2025

Happy to report that Big Mike's eyes have healed up nicely from his little nip & tuck and Dazzle seems to be having a positive response to the Adequan injections for his arthritis!

Sweet Little Miss Olive is doing well. All labs seem to be within normal range. At this point the seizures seem to be ...
10/17/2025

Sweet Little Miss Olive is doing well. All labs seem to be within normal range. At this point the seizures seem to be idiopathic (no known cause). They don't seem to be severe, she just seems to stiffen up and be disoriented for a couple of minutes, then goes on to be her perfect little self.
Little Miss Olive is 8 years old and was born blind. But she's never let that stop her. Her other senses are heightened and she certainly knows if you have a treat!

Sweet Little Olive could use some positive energy and love sent her way. We noticed she has had a couple of seizures. On...
10/13/2025

Sweet Little Olive could use some positive energy and love sent her way. We noticed she has had a couple of seizures. On our way to Midwestern to have her evaluated. 🐐❤️

Big Mike is recovering like a champ after his entropion eye surgery 👁🐐 His lower lids were turning inward, causing irrit...
09/17/2025

Big Mike is recovering like a champ after his entropion eye surgery 👁🐐 His lower lids were turning inward, causing irritation, seen in younger goats, but at 14-15 years old, our senior guy needed a little “nip-and-tuck.” 💖

He was the best boy at the vet, got a fig newton treat for being so brave, and is now resting comfortably in his kennel. I asked if I could get a little nip-and-tuck too... they said Big Mike was a better patient. 😄

We will always do our best to make our animal residents feel safe, healthy, and loved. ❤️

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6252
Phoenix, AZ
85015

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