In 2017, I decided to make a Bucket List. And on that list was going to a livestock auction to save a life. I knew it was going to be a really hard thing to do because of what I was going to see and to the fact that I couldn't save them all. I cried in the parking lot going in.
The calves were first and once the littlest calf came out and the auctioneer looked right at me. No one bid on him and so I did and I got him for $10. He was at most a day old. So I literally carried him to the trailer. I had never raised a calf before but I was determined to give him the best life possible.
I named him Bucket for Bucket List. He has been the most amazing animal, friend, teacher, advocate, and so much more. Who could ever have discarded him at such a young age, but that is what the dairy industry does.
He is one of the lucky ones to be saved and to get to get to live his life out. Bucket and my rescue dog Colton took immediately to each other. Colton loved the fact that Bucket was her size and would run and play. And so they did. They laid together, played together and it has been and still is one of the best experiences of my life. Cows have personalities just like dogs. Once I got Bucket, I knew I had to take the chance and leave a farm I put together and go bigger so I could save more Buckets.
So on May 8, 2018, a dream became a reality. I moved 5 horses, 2 pigs, 2 cows, 8 goats, 2 dogs and myself, from my home state, Maryland, to a completely new one, Virginia, in order to save more lives, offering a sanctuary/rescue to animals that need a home. Giving them the life you want to lead. My passion led me to take this leap of faith, because of the love I have for animals and knowing so many just need a chance to give their love to someone. No matter how small or big an animal is, they all have a heart they want to share. Increasing the size of my farm, would allow me to give so many more that chance to share their love, giving them the extra care they need, and providing a safe home.
Saving Bucket's life inspired by farm name - Little Buckets Farm Sanctuary.
And after making this new farm a reality, another phase started of getting our new farm not only ready for all the animals I was moving here but also for many more, adding fencing and shelters. Life has been a crazy good whirlwind and lots of hard work but so worth it. I never imagined this would happen so soon but on December 6, 2018 just 8 months after this dream started, Little Buckets Farm Sanctuary was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Another dream come true! This is just the start of making dreams come true not only of mine but also of many precious lives who will get their dream of living their life out as they should all be able to.
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Bucket and Colton became immediate friends. One minute, they were snuggling. One minute running around like two little puppies. They saw each other as the same and acted just that way. Both deserve to live their life out free and safe.
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With Hopie - Our Very First Rescue and our Miracle Goat
The first few years...
When I say long days, I mean long days. The farm you see today is not the one I came to in May 2018. With the help of my brother Larry from day one, we’ve transformed it completely. Larry repaired fences and gates, cleaned out barns and stalls, and mowed down tall grass and weeds—just to get us to the point where we could start planning for the animals’ future. We leveled out each stall and laid down 100-pound stall mats, finishing all 24 stalls ourselves.
Hiring contractors in the beginning was a nightmare, so after one poorly done fencing job, we took matters into our own hands. We’ve since repaired and built new fences, added three large fields, and created smaller areas that help with new rescues and slow introductions. I loved the existing barns when I first saw the property, but we’ve added even more shelters—three new run-in sheds, a barn/run-in combo, and a two-stall quarantine barn near the house. Nearly all of these improvements were paid for with my personal funds, using money from the sale of my previous farm to purchase and fix up this one for Little Buckets Farm Sanctuary.
Now, with the new fields and barns, we’re well prepared for the animals in our care and for future rescues. Each new animal often has unique needs, and my mind is always turning with ideas to make things better for them. We didn’t wait long after moving in—just two months later, we rescued Hopie and Chief. I was still unpacking boxes while feeding Hopie by syringe every few hours. As tiring as it can be, the work is worth it, and I’ll always be ready to help more animals in need.
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Hitting the 5 Year Mark
We have helped more animals so far that I could have ever imagined. And we would not have honestly been able to do this without the the help of amazing people that follow and help support our mission. When I say we can save lives together, it truly is that. We might take care of their daily care but your support allows us to continue to save precious lives. I will be forever grateful not only for the support we get but for all the love and messages I receive. This is not an easy life, but knowing I have so many people who believe in me and our mission helps more than you will ever know. The 45+ animals that call Little Buckets home say Thank You. As we go into our 8th year, we are so grateful that you are here to follow their journey and what the next years bring. We do know we will be sharing it with so many awesome people that we love. Thank you for being part of our family.
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Celebrating 7 Years of Sanctuary
We have helped more animals so far that I could have ever imagined. And we would not have honestly been able to do this without the the help of amazing people that follow and help support our mission. When I say we can save lives together, it truly is that. We might take care of their daily care but your support allows us to continue to save precious lives. I will be forever grateful not only for the support we get but for all the love and messages I receive. This is not an easy life, but knowing I have so many people who believe in me and our mission helps more than you will ever know. The 45+ animals that call Little Buckets home say Thank You. As we go into our 8th year, we are so grateful that you are here to follow their journey and what the next years bring. We do know we will be sharing it with so many awesome people that we love. Thank you for being part of our family.
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