10 Reasons Why Less is More...
Written by: Angie Voss, IFAS Founder and Caretaker
A farm sanctuary is a representation of equality for all beings.
Upon embarking on this journey of animal rescue and providing sanctuary to farm animals, I first planned to rescue and provide a forever home to as many animals as I possibly could. The first 3 years I did just that, one after another...feeling stressed, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and being financially drained is an understatement. During those 3 years, I spread myself so thin, desperately trying to give each animal the love and attention they deserved. After all, each animal that was taken in became a family member and a child to me. I felt the pressure from humans that to be justified as a farm sanctuary and non-profit organization that "a certain number" of animals saved would earn a "certificate of achievement". I felt this would be the only way we would get support and donations to support the care of the animals. I still feel this expectation is placed upon farm sanctuaries, although it is a mindset and expectation that is doing more harm than good. The harm includes to the animals being rescued in large numbers. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing more than I dream of and desire than to see every single animal in need, given the life and love they deserve.
When you picture this scenario as one big family...it is easier to grasp and understand why less is more, and quality over quantity is what works best. Imagine having a family of 34 children...basically children that never grow up, and continue to need the same level of support and care as toddlers their entire lives. Now picture having random humans coming in to your home multiple times a week, trying to help care for these children, often not knowing anything about the child or their personality, and wants and needs. The children would be stressed right? The children would feel insecure and always on guard, wondering who is coming in to their home next, right? This is exactly how the scenario presents itself with a sanctuary family. They need consistency, surrounded by those that know them and that they trust...and the very best way I feel this can be achieved is through a reasonable amount of family members, especially when they are all forever toddlers. :-)
Once I learned that we would not be following the standard farm sanctuary path, it took courage and confidence to stand strong for what I believed was right and best for the animals that lived here. That included making a decision to stop taking in new rescues, and instead focusing more of our attention as an organization on helping other humans to do the same, and to help pave their paths to a healthy road of animal advocacy. Compassion fatigue and chronic illness is extremely common for the humans involved in animal rescue. I refuse to let my health be destroyed, when it was only 10 years ago that I got my health back after a very scary time in my life. Not only because I love myself too much to not take care of me, but also because what happens to all of the animal family if I were to die or become very sick? I'm pretty sure none of you reading this would say...yep, I'm ready right now to take over!
So with this said, I want to summarize the 10 reasons why I feel with all my heart, that less is more, and I will never let another human try to convince me otherwise. I am doing the very best I can as one human...and remembering that it is one human who has the 24 hour a day job, 7 days a week, without vacation or sick time, all unpaid...I hope you too can see that less is more.
When you picture this scenario as one big family...it is easier to grasp and understand why less is more, and quality over quantity is what works best. Imagine having a family of 34 children...basically children that never grow up, and continue to need the same level of support and care as toddlers their entire lives. Now picture having random humans coming in to your home multiple times a week, trying to help care for these children, often not knowing anything about the child or their personality, and wants and needs. The children would be stressed right? The children would feel insecure and always on guard, wondering who is coming in to their home next, right? This is exactly how the scenario presents itself with a sanctuary family. They need consistency, surrounded by those that know them and that they trust...and the very best way I feel this can be achieved is through a reasonable amount of family members, especially when they are all forever toddlers. :-)
Once I learned that we would not be following the standard farm sanctuary path, it took courage and confidence to stand strong for what I believed was right and best for the animals that lived here. That included making a decision to stop taking in new rescues, and instead focusing more of our attention as an organization on helping other humans to do the same, and to help pave their paths to a healthy road of animal advocacy. Compassion fatigue and chronic illness is extremely common for the humans involved in animal rescue. I refuse to let my health be destroyed, when it was only 10 years ago that I got my health back after a very scary time in my life. Not only because I love myself too much to not take care of me, but also because what happens to all of the animal family if I were to die or become very sick? I'm pretty sure none of you reading this would say...yep, I'm ready right now to take over!
So with this said, I want to summarize the 10 reasons why I feel with all my heart, that less is more, and I will never let another human try to convince me otherwise. I am doing the very best I can as one human...and remembering that it is one human who has the 24 hour a day job, 7 days a week, without vacation or sick time, all unpaid...I hope you too can see that less is more.
- With one primary 24 hour caretaker, it is not humanly possible to provide quality care unless the number of animals are within reason. It is of utmost importance that every single animal that resides here receives individualized care. This includes daily health and well being checks, proper expansive habitats, and high quality food (all organic when possible). Individualized care includes getting to know each animal on a personal level...being in tune to each animals typical behavior, their personality, their quirks, their likes an dislikes, and to offer one on one time if and when they want it.
- We believe in a holistic approach to the sanctuary life, creating a balance within our small ecosystem. With smaller numbers of animals, equal attention can be placed on protecting the environment by committing to a chemical free and organic sanctuary. The bees and butterflies are just as important as all those who live here.
- Growing an abundance of organic fruits and vegetables is of equal importance to be as sustainable as possible and to share the harvest with our community. Being a small sanctuary allows for time to dedicate to growing food.
- We are able to assist in animal rescue situations within the community by offering our time, resources, and networking to help animals in need, without adding more residents to the sanctuary.
- We are able to spend time educating and encouraging others within the community by offering free classes on the proper and humane care of farm animals.
- We are able to spend time doing vegan outreach, teaching cooking classes and offering mentorship to those interested in transitioning to a vegan life style.
- Smaller numbers of animals means less financial burden overall, which means reaching our goal of 100% sponsorship of the animals is realistic and possible.
- Chaos, desperation, a constant state of stress and compassion fatigue are all way too common in the world of animal rescue. This is not healthy for anyone involved, including the animals. By setting limits and boundaries a balance can be found in order to protect the health and well being of the sanctuary residents and the caretaker.
- Caring for less animals allows for greater individualized care for those who need special attention if they are injured, ill, or needing greater assistance through the aging process.
- Being the first farm sanctuary in the state of Idaho, it is critical that we remain successful so we can pave the way for others in our state. So many sanctuaries all over the country close down within a few years due to lack of funds and simply getting themselves in over their heads. Leading the way in the small sanctuary concept allows for greater chances of others realistically doing the same.
