How did all of this begin? Tabithia and I started out in our home in 2003 with no intentions of caring for nearly 100 animals at a given time. We never expected that we would be invited to schools, libraries, churches and other places to share what we discovered--joy! With all of the hard work and expense it really has been an exciting and rewarding journey. Yes, there are times that threaten to rip your heart out causing you to cry out the words, "I quit!" Aside from the few heartaches, the heartwarming moments far out number the bad. In 2009 we started construction on the barn, while it is still not 100% complete, it was like Noah's Ark preparing for a flood of animals that would be housed inside. Our intentions were storage and entertainment, but divine plans would prove otherwise. That is just the way life goes sometimes. We tend to look at things myopically, but God has the big picture and plan for our lives. It requires surrender and that is precisely what we did.
The beginning of Fair Haven Farms and all the furred and feathered friends was a couple of mallard ducklings we received as gifts. There were rabbits early on and our dogs and cats. But things really began to pick up with a chocolate colored donkey with a white heart shaped blaze and a heart of gold. Festus was discovered for sale craigslist. We made arrangements and brought the little guy home just before Easter of 2010. He was timid at first and stubborn as he still is. He was every it adorable like a stuffed animal you could pick up and squeeze. We brought Silver the miniature mare down from the Old Barn to keep him company. Festus was so well received that an ad was answered for another miniature donkey. We thought he would be Marshall Dillon. Well, his personality proved to me more like Dr. Jekyl/Mr Hyde. One moment he is fine and the next--not so much. Because of the rough experience I had with him and the resulting soreness the next morning, I usually call him Jack Daniels or JD when that might seem inappropriate.
Shortly after Jack came along my dad passed away. Building the farm and reaching out to animals in need became my escape. It was and still is good therapy. It seems that you can confide anything to an animal, but they share that secret with no one. Offering peace to the furred and feathered became my peace at a time of great turmoil. The farm is not only a refuge for them but for me and others as well.
One by one the numbers of tenants rose. Fair Haven Farms does not keep inventory, but rather a census. The animals here for the most part are owner surrendered or strays. We discourage breeding among everything except the chickens. We pursue that rather passively. Some of the critters here had it rough prior to coming here. The goal is to give them as much of a carefree life as possible. We allow them to live out their days here as they wish. Yes, those with people-friendly personalities are chosen to travel at times, but even that arrangement is voluntary. There are many stories and experiences to share on this blog. There are many lessons that we have learned along the way. We would love to take the time to share it all with you and sincerely hope that you will take the time to visit our blog again. Welcome to Fair Haven Farms!
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