NOTE: Work party volunteers, please wear boots and layers. Expect mud, more mud, with still more mud on the side. We are amazed on how many still wear tennis shoes. Yup, it's true!

Winter: Be sure to visit our newsletter section. You can download a pdf file of our newsletters and/or read some of the stories on line. Our newest addition is on line now.

Here are the on-line highlights:

News Channel 8 Portland interviews Wayne

February 4, 2010

The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary makes news again as reporters look into the devastation the bad economy has had on animals. You can watch the news video here.

Oregon Live's Pet Talk tackles chickens

January 20, 2010

An article about chickens in suburbia, by Jacques Von Lunen, explores the unforeseen consequences of purchasing what seems like a really cool pet. You can visit the article here at OregonLive.com. Wayne Geiger, LFS President/Directory, was interviewed for this article, which also features some of the chickens that are now boarders at the Sanctuary.

Road to sanctuary: Part 2

A series of articles about how the LFS came to be

Winter 2009-10

Read Part 1 here.

Dear Friends,

Wayne Geiger. Wayne Geiger

It wasn’t long after seeing the “drop” calves at the auction yard in Petaluma, CA, that I remember experiencing the same beginnings of a calf’s life take place at home. What I didn’t know at the time was that it was a common practice to separate the cow from the calf shortly after birth. I was told the purpose of this was to make sure the calf didn’t drink all of the milk; train the calf to nurse from the bottle and get the cow back into milking string.

Eventually, I realized that this didn’t make sense. For approximately the first three days of lactation following the birth of the calf, the cow’s milk contains colostrum—that very important first milk that provides the calf with antibodies passed to the calf from the cow. (This first milk is thick and yellow and not suitable for human consumption.) I was told the calf is removed quickly after birth to prevent the cow from bonding with her calf. Yet, I clearly remember the cow being very distraught over this whole process as she bellowed repeatedly looking for her newborn. The now-bewildered calf standing on wobbly legs would try to find the source of its mother’s calls. This went on for several days until the cries would eventually subside.

Being a backyard farmer with the sole intent of producing food for the family, we now had two large food sources. For about nine months, we would get milk from the lactating cow, and after about two years we would butcher the calf for meat for the freezer. This scenario would repeat itself year after year. The cow would be bred each year to produce a calf and to provide milk for the table. We would even churn the cream for butter and any excess milk would be sold to the local creamery that was still picking up the milk cans once a week as we set them out by the road.

Since the cows and calves lived on our farm on green pastures with a dry barn and the family to take good care of them (this was considered normal), I didn’t think a whole lot about it. I was just a kid doing what the family did. I didn’t know much about dairy farms, veal, and CAFO’s (Confined Animal Feeding Operations). It wasn’t until later in my life that I saw a dairy farm with those glorious herds of Holsteins, Jerseys and the Guernseys. One dairy even had the now-fairly-rare Milking Shorthorns with the deep red to cinnamon coats. To this day, they are still one of my favorites. But there were two things I saw there that I didn’t see at home. Yes, cows still were able to forage out on pasture, but the drop calves were often seen in the back dark recesses of the main barn tethered by a baling string around the neck waiting for their next liquid meal being fed out of a bottle or a bucket. These calves we so desperate for attention they lacked: the lick and nuzzle from its mom and being able to nurse when hungry or lay in the sun. Without mom, they would stretch their necks out looking for something that would come close to the comforts recently torn away from them.

The second thing, usually twice a day, the cows would follow long cement paths up to the “Milking Parlor” to have the milk forced out of them by the monotonous sound of machines. I have to say I never understood why it was called a “Parlor.” I think of a parlor as a place to relax, share a cookie and drink some hot beverage while chit chatting with good friends. Milking Parlors didn’t offer any of that to these cows.

Eventually, some things would change. Usually not for the better, as we’ll see in upcoming issues of Lighthouse Letters. There is a lot going on right now with veal calf reform. One thing’s for sure: if you are ever lucky enough to see the big dark eyes of a newborn calf, that should be enough to change your mind…forever!

Thank you,

Wayne S. Geiger, President/Director

Update on Blossom Joy

December 23, 1009

by Wayne Geiger and Lynda Amaral

Blossom when she arrived.
Blossom today. Blossom today (no plastic surgery costs, honest).

You may remember the original story in our summer 2009 newsletter about Blossom Joy written by Wayne:

We took in a little goat, Blossom Joy, that had been attacked by dogs. Originally, there were three goats. One died, one was sold by the owner, and one was injured. We took the little injured goat to a foster home that could give her injuries constant attention, and I am happy to say, it looks like the foster home is going to adopt her.

Our vet indicated she might not survive, but, so far, she has been a trooper and is doing very well. Her injuries include deep lacerations down to the bone, sloughing of infected skin and fly strike. In the photo she is wearing a t-shirt to keep the flies away from her injuries.

Here's an update by Lynda Amaral (also available in our winter 2009-10 newsletter):

The little goat, Blossom Joy, who was rescued in July after being brutally attacked by dogs, is living happily in her new home and doing extremely well.

Although the vet originally thought she might not survive her injuries, her wounds are almost completely healed, and she is putting on weight
.
Blossom is happy, looking for a playmate and enjoys frolicking with the sheep who share the pasture. Special thanks go out to the Molly Medical Fund for covering the medical expenses during her recuperation.

An exercise in compassion

Winter 2009-10

by Wayn Geiger

Download pdf version (2.7 MB)with donation form

NOTE – it would be best to use a buddy to read this while you close your eyes as you try to imagine.

Try to imagine…

You haven’t had anything to eat near sufficient to stop the hunger, yet just feet away, on the other side, there is more food than you can imagine. Your master tells you it is bad to leave his domain. You don’t listen. With all of your might and with all you have left, you escape to where the food is. Then to punish you for leaving your master’s boundary, you are tied around your legs to prevent you from leaving, the thin ropes cut into you and you start to bleed. As if that is not humiliating enough, you are yelled at and kicked for one last good measure. That will teach you. You will starve because your master says you will. You are bad and you are stupid! His name is, “Monty.”

Try to Imagine…

You live with many other horses way up in the back hills of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon.

It is winter and its been snowing hard. The forage that is available does not have enough

nutrients to sustain you during this very cold spell. To make matters worse, your life-blood is being sucked out of you by hundreds of hungry ticks burrowing into your skin. You can feel a burning sensation as they dig deeper and they crawl all over your body. Meet “Lady Maya” and “Pride.”

Two of Seventeen horses removed from the Foster Lake area.

Try to imagine…

You have stopped this inhumane treatment to these lovely creatures who now have permanent caring homes for the rest of their lives. Their bellies are full; they enjoy good nutritious food in lush green pastures and have the warmth of the sun or shelter to protect them. Unfortunately, these animals and many more still need your help. We need you to help us continue this amazing work. Although no contribution is too small, please open your hearts this Holiday season and remember those waiting for you.

Download pdf version (2.7 MB)with donation form

KOIN Channel 6 talks to the Sanctuary

November 23, 2009

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The advertisements you see before the video appears are RANDOM and are NOT under the Sanctuary's control. We do not endorse the produces or services shown (as we don't know what you will be seeing).

Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary “Gentle Thanksgiving”

November 7, 2009

Head photo of Taj the turkey.

At our Thanksgiving celebration, even Taj the turkey can enjoy the day.

Have a “Gentle Thanksgiving” this year by joining us on November 21, 2009, Saturday, at the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary, 36831 Richardson Gap Rd., Scio, OR 97374 from 1 to 3 pm.

Help us celebrate the lives of nearly 200 hundred formerly abused and neglected farm animals that now have a permanent home free from fear of starvation, abandonment or lack vet care.

We will be serving hot apple cider, tea, coffee, muffins and other goodies, but don’t forget treats for the animals such as grapes for the gobblers, pumpkins for the pigs, carrots for cows and corn for the chickens.

This event is free to the public; however, we will be collecting non-perishable vegetarian/vegan food donations for the local food bank. Other donations are always appreciated. For more information call: 503-394-4486 or email us.

Supporters show up in force to help:

Attendance and contributions exceed last year's event

October 14, 2009

Wine, glasses, and plant setting.

This annual event is very popular, but this year our expectations where exceeded.

It might have been the last warm day of the year for our annual Wine and Music at the Farm, but what a day it was to enjoy good food, great music and some wine to help raise funds for abused and neglected farm animals.

Supporters from as far south as Cottage Grove; Lincoln City to the west and Vancouver, Washington, showed up to break last year’s attendance records and contributions. This kind of support and encouragement is greatly appreciated and desperately needed as we get ready to start a long cold winter.

A big, big thank you to all who attended and to all who contributed. We will look forward to seeing you during the next events. Keep a watch out for our annual celebration coming up on November 21, Gentle Thanksgiving, tentatively schedule from 1 to 3 pm.

Again, we would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped make this year's Wine and Music at the Farm event a huge success.

Music provided by:
Joe Stoddard

Photo of beautiful food spread.

Food and a good time was not in short supply.

Wine Provided by:
A-Z Wineworks/Rex Hill Vineyards
Firesteed Winery
Pepperwood Winery
Bethel Heights
Redhawk
Oak Grove Orchards

Food & Beverages Provided by:
Grand Central Bakery
Marco Polo Global Restaurant
LifeSource Natural Foodstore
Food Fight Grocery
Kathi Riddell
Lynda Amaral
Tim Harlan

Beverage Server:
Dara Shaffer

Humane Educator:
Christi Olsen

Special thanks to:
Craig & Cherie Cline
Jerry & Earlene Claussen
Lynda & John Amaral
and all of the “Ride to the Light Century” Riders
family and crew
T he LighthouseFarm Sanctuary Board members, volunteers and supporters.

Raffle & Auction Items provided by:
Herbivore Magazine and Clothing Jessica Dadds
Veg News Trude Crow-McMillin
Dove Lewis Emergency Clinic Norah Sobek
Nancy Ferrell & Friends Chris Puopolo
Richard Long & Barb Schriener
William Paul Mettig
Earlene & Jerry Claussen
Patricia Collins
Sandy Graham
Lynda & John Amaral
Lara Godwin
Echo Hobbs, Jade Earth Acupuncture
Darin Darby
Cheryl Mulkey
Wayne S. Geiger
Craig & Cherie Cline
Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary
Capt. Paul Watson, Sea Shepard
Amy Hatkoff, “The Inner World of Farm Animals”
Safeway, West Salem
Kathi Riddell
House Painted by: Snyder United Painting, Inc.
Lighthouse Board of Directors:
Wayne S. Geiger, President/Director
Lynda Amaral, Secretary/Treasurer
Sandy Graham, Newsletter Editor
Cheryl Mulkey, Volunteer Coordinator
Kevin Snyder, Development
Lighthouse Advisory Board:
Edna Corrick Heather Hines, Indigo Rescue
Dr. Terry Gerros, DVM Holly Gibbons, Attorney
Nancy Ferrell Richard Long, Investment Advisor, Ret.

Economy adds to animals' plight:

Friends, please help us meet the challenges ahead

July 6, 2009

Dear Friends,

Head shot of Sophie the horse.

In effort to make Sophie buck, she was shocked with a “hotshot,” kicked, strapped and whipped. Now, she is mentally a mess and does not trust people.

Although many of you know we just celebrated our 2nd year anniversary at our new location, we are actually on our 9th year of working hard to prevent farm animal abuse and neglect. During these years, many of our animals have been able to live quiet peaceful lives, doing what they do best. Simply living!

Unfortunately, many of our friends who joined us from the beginning are now getting old and some have gone on to quieter pastures. I haven’t reported on some of them as it is simply too painful. Maybe that is selfish of me, but even now as I write this I find it tough. I will at least try to honor them by mentioning some of their names: Stevie, Carmen, Pearl, Marty, Bart, Baby, Adolf and Cauli. Their loss has made it possible for more animals to seek refuge at the Sanctuary, and as we have expanded to use all of our new acreage, the number of animals living here now tops over 200.

We have even added a few that have sought us out…unexpected and maybe not farm animals, but welcomed just the same. Recently, four wild mallard ducks fly in at night to eat the grain I leave for them in the driveway. A bushy tailed gray squirrel has taken up residence in a tree by the house and a relocated Acorn Woodpecker visits regularly to eat from the numerous bird feeders.

There are three things we have experienced recently requiring your help for us to continue.

Caring for geriatric animals is often unknown territory for several of our veterinarians. (And I do believe we have surrounded ourselves with some of the best.) Simply put, most farm animals DO NOT get to live out their lives to an old age!
Animals in entertainment. The horse pictured above is Sophie. She was once a rodeo horse and reportedly would not buck. She would just run. In effort to make her buck, she was shocked with a “hotshot,” kicked, strapped and whipped. Now, she is mentally a mess and does not trust people. It has taken weeks for her to allow me to scratch her on her nose.
It is a fact that we may not like, but farm animals have economic value! When demand drops, so does the value of the animal. People cannot afford many of their horses, resulting in abandonment and neglect. Many have gone to auction. Recently, a friend went to a local auction to just see what was going on. At the auction, two yearling foals were brought into the ring. These two foals sold for $35 for the pair. The TV news and the regional agriculture newspaper reported milk prices have bottomed out. Too much milk hitting the market. In order to change the supply, many already over used milk cows are being slaughtered to reduce the milk supply and raise the prices.

Our feed costs, veterinarian costs, rescue and rehabilitation costs and the basic living costs continue to deplete our funding. Competition for grants is high resulting in less assistance for non-profits. All of this while more and more animals need your help. Without your help, we will lose our voice to speak out for them and to provide them refuge. I am asking you today to make as large of a contribution as you can to the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary. Help us raise our voices for all of these innocent victims. Dig deep and we will raise our voices for you and for them!

Thank you,

Wayne S. Geiger, President/Director

President's Message | Icon Legend