So, we grabbed our boots and our friends, and our friends of friends and hit the road to tour the sanctuary and lend a hand for the day!
In addition to the main residents, the pigs, the sanctuary also has rescue goats, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cows and more. But the sanctuary took its mission one step further. In addition to rescuing abused or neglected animals with no where else to go, they do something The Girls Gone Green is 100 percent behind: they promote and encourage the vegan lifestyle. So vegans and non-vegans alike gathered after pitching in with the work, giving everyone a chance to sample delicious plant-based recipes. A perfect way to end the day!
Vegan Potluck – yum!!
If you need some inspiration for some plant-based recipes to throw your own vegan potluck or if you’re just looking for some healthy eats, download the “Recipes from the Rooterville Kitchen” recipe book. |
Rooterville was founded in 2004 by Elaine West. The sanctuary, sprawling 30-acres of land, tucked away in a secluded area, truly is that – not only a sanctuary in the sense of a place for rescued animals to live, but a place that all beings, can come and reflect and enjoy sentient beings and serene landscape. The animals roam freely amongst the property.
Today, more than 300 animals call the sanctuary home, including pot-bellied and farm pigs, goats, turkeys, chickens, cows, dogs and cats!
There’s even a butterfly garden, planted in honor of Stella, the first farm pig that came to live at Rooterville. Stella fell from a truck on her way to a slaughter house. She died in 2014, but got to experience what life was like away from cruel factory farm conditions.
The animals who come to the sanctuary are often abused, abandoned or neglected. Many of the residents are former “teacup pigs” who end up growing much larger than the breeder promised. Teacup pigs are a myth. In order for the pigs to stay small, breeders will recommend virtually starving the pigs. (Read more about teacup pigs here).
Other pigs end up at the sanctuary for various reasons. Space and mischievousness, not to mention home owners association rules and zoning laws are just some of the reasons pigs end up at the sanctuary. Pigs can be difficult to care for, if you don’t know what you’re in for. With the intelligence equivalent to a 3-year-old child, a pig’s lifespan is about 20 years and they aren’t fully grown until they are three years old.
What is Rooterville?
The pigs like the hay piled high on the sides and back of the enclosures so they can dive head first into the piles and nestle down for the night.
Not just pigs!
Food for Thought: signage around the sanctuary explains the plight of factory-farmed animals and its environmental and ethical impact.
Ways you can help
Wish List Donations![]() At the time of our visit, the no. 1 most needed item was comforters. Here are a few other items the sanctuary requested:
Rooterville's full wish list. | Rooterville's Winter Hay DriveRooterville's Hay Winter Drive runs through Jan. 31, 2018. Donation amounts:
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