Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary

I don't talk about my job much here, but today I am going to say a little because it led me to one of my new favourite places. I work with individuals with autism. My job is to supervise programs based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). I am currently working with a young man who we are transitioning from the school system to the adult world. While this young man may never have paid employment, I do believe he can contribute to society.  One of his support workers, came up with this awesome place for him to volunteer.  The place the she found was Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary.

This sanctuary takes in a host of unwanted animals and when possible finds them loving homes, and when not, provides them loving homes. 

I had the pleasure of accompanying my team there to see how it worked etc. etc. (If anyone I work with is reading this, it was a really tough shift, it was hard!). Our jobs for the day were to help water the pigs and then to sweep out stalls. (Yes, I helped do this, this princess can do hard work). The people working/volunteering there were wonderful with my client and as wonderful with all the animals. It is a place that you feel the love and respect. After our work was done, we had some time to go around and feed the animals. I took some pictures (I only had my phone as I was actually working), so they aren't the best quality, but they give you an idea.

There are llamas,

chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, 

a buffalo named Dakota,

sheep,

more llamas,

I love the colour of this one

dogs, this one Sasha is Phod's twin,

pigs, 

biggest pig I ever saw

cats, 

 ponies,

This one kept chasing the others off for the carrots

goats,

a deer,

emu, 

and not pictured, cows and rabbits and I am sure I am missing something. I fell in love and I am excited that I will get to go probably once a month at least through to Christmas (and maybe past) as my client will be volunteering there 2 mornings a week. I think it is an amazing way, for a young man who loves, loves, loves animals, to contribute to society. 

Happy Family and Anipal Appreciation Day!

Today we wish everyone a Happy Family Day!

Zaphod, Lady and Hailey - in a corner of the games room with some of Man's scary stuff. Shortly after this picture was taken Hailey threw up. 

We are also joining Bacon in Anipal Appreciation Day and sending our love to all our online pals and fellow bloggers.  Thank you all for making our life a little brighter!

Lovely

Last week I was on the west coast. I must say both Seattle and Vancouver were very dog friendly cities. If I thought Lee would like to fly, I would travel with her, but I think that would completely traumatize her, and regardless of what she says, it is not my goal in life to stress her out!

One of the things I did was take a bus trip to Whistler (4 days were work, 4 were play - the perfect trip). While my friend and I were wandering around Whistler, we ran into our tour bus driver walking a dog. Turns out, on his breaks (aka the 3.5-4 hours we were walking around) he volunteers at the Whistler Shelter walking dogs. On the day we met him he had George. George was a lovely golden coloured mutt, medium build, who clearly had a rough life before being rescued, he was covered in scars. He was so friendly and affectionate. He gave me big kisses. I wanted to bring him home. Unfortunately I have promised no new pets until we live through this whole move thing . . . so hopefully soon:)

While I had been enjoying this tour guide, I will be honest to say that finding out he spent his break time walking dogs made me love him more and it was reflected in the tip I gave him!