After “this little piggy went to market,” Jack and his friend Allan went home to Sanctuary. The boys—a Yorkshire pig and Hampshire/Duroc cross, respectively—were both raised for production purposes. They met at Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, and are friendly and rambunctious boys with a bit of an eye for trouble. Mischievous behaviors aside, these are signs of social and problem-solving skills which likely helped the boys survive.

On a late winter’s day, two young steers trekked through mud and melting snow towards a sunny patch of earth to warm their backs. They paused—one in front of the other—and closed their eyes to drink in the rare light. Then, the taller one leaned over his friend to plant slow, cleansing kisses along his neck and back. Grooming is a way that cows show trust and affection—and for these two, a sense of belonging at long last.

Last October, we rescued Sadie and Autumn from a neglect situation in New York’s Mid-Hudson region. More than three dozen sheep and goats were left without food, proper shelter, and care on a rented property that their owner seldom checked. Sadie and Autumn were pregnant at the time of their rescue—and in January, they each gave birth to twin boys at Farm Sanctuary.

You might remember, a few months ago, I helped rescue a cow and her newborn baby calf.

All Mia wanted was to be with her children. At the same time, her time with them was fleeting.

Meet Pippi and Forrest: two orphaned calves who survived rough beginnings and difficult losses in life, and came out on the other side to find the love and friendship they needed in each other.

Meet Rory and Eric: two pigs who survived rough beginnings and difficult losses in life, and came out on the other side to find the love and friendship they needed in each other.

Sammy was born on a dairy farm and quickly labeled “aggressive,” but we think you’ll see why Sammy melted our hearts when Farm Sanctuary rescuers arrived.

Here’s why choosing more plant-based foods can protect life on land and at sea.

Sometimes, just one act of compassion from a kind young heart can save a life—or three!