Volunteers are vital to Barn Sanctuary’s work. From giving tours to socializing with the animals, volunteers help our Animal Care Team immensely, and we are so grateful for everyone who donates their time to care for our rescued residents.
We spoke with Leah, one of our long-time dedicated volunteers. Leah is one of our tour guides and has helped us with animal care, events, and so much more. This month we also celebrate her birthday! Happy birthday, Leah!
Leah and Steve
Q: How long have you been volunteering at Barn Sanctuary?
A: Four whole years!
Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering your time at Barn?
A: I do a lot of tours in the spring, summer, and fall, and I love introducing people to the residents at Barn. I get to tell their stories and educate our guests on the animal agriculture industry, while providing a positive experience for everyone. I’m a therapist by profession, so I’m very familiar with cognitive dissonance and how to approach it. I feel like giving a tour allows me to make the biggest impact on the greatest number of humans. Plus, it is super fun to be able to visit all of my animal buddies every time!
Q: What is a memorable moment with a resident(s) from your volunteer experience?
A: Too many to count! When I first started, DJ the cow was a tiny baby and had to be bottle fed. One day, I think maybe my second volunteer shift, he didn’t feel like eating for the Animal Care team, but I was able to get him to drink from his bottle. So yeah, I bottle fed a baby cow. And now four years later, DJ still comes up to me every time I’m at Barn and will try to give me kisses. Of course I let him!
Q: Who is the Barn resident that stole your heart?
A: You really expect me to pick ONE? All of them stole my heart! But I’m going to go with Blanche the turkey. I don’t think I had ever met a turkey prior to volunteering at Barn, and I definitely never expected one to steal my heart. Blanche is the sweetest little cuddle-bug (especially in the winter) and there have been multiple occasions where I “accidentally” sit in the turkey coop for two hours past my volunteer shift, just hanging out with Blanche on my lap. She’s old and doesn’t get around very well, but the second I finish cleaning and sit down near her, she hobbles over to sit on my lap and snuggle, just like a cat. I’m gonna throw in some honorable mentions though: Steve, Lola, DJ, and Dewey.
Leah and Blanche
Q: What has surprised you the most about working with and around farmed animals?
A: This is such a cliché answer, but they have a range of individual personalities and quirks and differences as wide as your cats and dogs at home. Humans don’t really get to see this because farmed animals aren’t often kept in environments where they can be themselves, but if you ever get to know them when/where they feel safe, secure, and loved, it’s really quite amazing. Cows are grass puppies. Goats and turkeys remind me of cats. Pigs are smarter than dogs. I could go on, but instead I’ll encourage you to see for yourself.
Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with Barn Sanctuary?
A: Do it! It might seem like a lot of cleaning up poop at first, because it is. But it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Because of all the poop I’ve cleaned, I’ve been able to form connections with over 100 rescued animals, and I’ve met some of my absolute best (human) friends in the world. Volunteering is a commitment, but it’s so worth it. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life, but when I’m at Barn I feel good, centered, calm, and happy. Every single time. Which has been so important over the past two years. Volunteering at Barn is not a replacement for actual therapy, but it’s a good supplement if you’re struggling and want or need to make connections with humans and/or animals. Everyone there is friendly and welcoming and we would love to have you volunteer with us!
Leah with Baby Elsa and Anna
Q: Which species do you feel most connected with?
A: I’m gonna go with the goats for this one. They are hilarious and can be kind of aloof at times, and they are always snacking — just like me. But really though — they’re probably the friendliest species overall (or at least the most demanding of attention) so I can always count on them to give me some love whenever I may need it. Especially my buddy Steve.
Q: What words of encouragement would you give someone who’s thinking about going plant-based?
A: Oh my gosh you gotta do it! Now is the most exciting time to be plant-based or vegan because so many new products are coming out every single day. When I was a teenager I could choose between ‘Spicy Boca Chik’n nuggets’ or ‘Regular Boca chik’n nuggets’. And now there are 20 choices of nuggets alone, and you can even find plant-based options at big fast food chains. It’s never been easier to swap things out for cruelty-free alternatives, and every time you do it makes a difference. Try swapping out your ice cream for a dairy free alternative next time you’re at the store, try oat milk in your coffee, or try a Beyond Burger instead of one made of cow. All of your favorite foods have plant-based alternatives, and they’re only going to keep getting better and better. It’s really such a cool time to be vegan!
Q: What are some ways people can help Barn Sanctuary and the rescued residents if they cannot volunteer?
A: I love the rescued residents at Barn, but in a perfect world they wouldn’t need rescuing, and places like Barn wouldn’t need to exist because animals wouldn’t be exploited or commodified to begin with. The residents at Barn are lucky to have escaped the animal agriculture industry, but nearly 60 billion other animals will never get that chance. Every day you make choices about the food you eat, the makeup you use, the shoes you wear, etc. — you have the power to choose compassion. Buy cruelty free products, eat plant-based food, actually live your life according to your values. And don’t be silent about it! Spread the word, whether it’s telling your friends about Barn Sanctuary or making them vegan cheesecake, the animals need our voices to advocate for them any way we can!