Every year, we welcome new rescues through our doors and celebrate each milestone they reach in our care—events they were never expected to clear in animal agriculture. That’s because these industries breed them to die young: America’s food supply comes from animals killed at fractions of their natural lifespans.

Those who make it—the animals who survive and make it to Sanctuary—get a second chance at life. Here, they touch our hearts and inspire compassionate change in others. It’s because they’re simply allowed to live. And we learn so much about the beauty of life by watching them thrive and be themselves.

In many ways, however, our rescued friends never truly escape our country’s unjust food system. While we can improve their longevity and quality of life, we cannot reverse the damage already caused by breeding and exploitation. Farm animals are bred for increased growth and productivity—far more than what is natural for their bodies. There’s no consideration or expectation of a life beyond their slaughter date. As such, their bodies wear out, often faster than they should.

We’re grateful for every day, week, month, and year that these survivors have at Sanctuary. But it’s also hard to say goodbye to those we love—especially when they should have had more time.

Please join us in honoring the animals who passed away this year; you’ll find some of their photos and stories below. Find one that touches your heart and share it. Help others make the connection between the food on their plates and the beautiful lives behind them.

And here are some of their stories:

Faith: Young Girls’ Love for Cow Saves Animal’s Life

Colvin: Family of Sheep Finds Safe Refuge

Sebastian: Tenacious Piglets Make It to Safety

Francis: Lambs Slated for Auction Find Refuge at New York Shelter

Eric: Little Pig Finds Freedom

Tracey and Louise: Pregnant Sheep Receive Critical Care

Vector: A Hen’s Journey from Feed Store to Chicken Spa

Carrie: Ducks Rescued from Foie Gras Factory

Lawrence: Newborn Calves from Stockyard on Road to Recovery at New York Shelter

Jay: Transport Truck Crash Survivor Finds Refuge at New York Shelter

Otto: Lamb Born With Severe Health Issues Given Care at Farm Sanctuary

Jordan: Baby Goat Rescued from NYC

Rita: Tiny Calf who Lost So Much Finds Her Way Home

Jeanne and Marlene: A Pennsylvania Farmer’s Compassionate Decision Brings Nine Sheep to Live at Farm Sanctuary

Henrietta: Grandmotherly Turkey to Her Flock of Orphaned Chickens

Earl of Pepper: Newly-Named Grandpa Goats Retire in Style

Phoebus: Dairy Calves Rescued From Starvation

As we honor their memories, we double down on our determination to change the world for others just like them. To the 10 billion other animals who did not make it to Sanctuary this year: Your lives mattered. We honor you. We will never stop fighting for you.