We love that you are asking that question! Our 275 animal residents are still here, healthy and happy, and so excited to see that spring is arriving. They are missing you and they know that you are out there wishing them well and waiting for the time when you can meet them in person.

We want to thank our dedicated animal care staff  who care for our beloved animals. This display of compassion and love is a model for all of us, as we humans work together through this COVID-19 crisis. Please know that we are practicing social distancing and following all other CDC protocols as we work to care for the animals. The bond that we share with the animals, and with all of you, the supporters and friends of SASHA Farm, will help us get through this together.

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We conferred with some of our best thinkers (animal and human alike,  via email and text, of course) and here is what we came up with when asked the question, “how can I help”?:

FUNDRAISERS on Social Media

Facebook Fundraiser to Help the Animals during the COVID-19 crisis – Follow this LINK to donate (note you can also set up recurring donations with Facebook and Facebook does not charge us a fee). You will need a Facebook account to donate via this fundraiser.

Plant-based athletes running for the animals of SASHA – Support all 3 while they meet their goals,  and help the SASHA animal residents.  Click HERE to check out this GoFundMe fundraiser and learn about these three amazing athletes!

Henry Plummer’s 12^th birthday fundraiser (his 3^rd birthday GoFundMe fundraiser for SASHA Farm!). Go to this LINK to learn more about this amazing young man and to donate.

Or, set up your own Facebook fundraiser for the 275 animals – it’s so easy and great fun!

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE

Checks can be mailed to PO Box 222, Manchester MI 48158.

Make a one time donation with PayPal HERE  – you can donate in honor or in memory of a friend or for the care of a particular animal by typing your instructions in the ‘Add a Note’ box. We can also send cards on your behalf to let your friend or family member know of your donation. You do not need a PayPal account; you can also use your credit card without an account.

PayPal Mobile to donations@sashafarm.org

Venmo – @Sasha-Farm

Monthly (recurring) donation with PayPal – use the yellow Donate button on the website, check the box for monthly donations, and fill in the monthly amount.

One time donation with PayPal Giving (no fee)  All of your donation goes to SASHA Farm. Click HERE to donate with PayPal Giving ( you will need to have a PayPal account).

Facebook donations to SASHA Farm (no fee)

SHOP TO HELP THE ANIMALS – sorry, the shop is temporarily closed!

We regret to inform you that our store is temporarily closed, as our office staff are unable to come to the office where our inventory is stored. We will look forward to a grand re-opening as soon as we are able to start fulfilling orders again, and we will certainly let you know!

SPONSORSHIPS

Sponsoring SASHA animal residents is such a great way to bond with them even if you can’t meet them in person just yet. For now, instead of creating mailed sponsorship packets, we will email the sponsorship packets to the sponsor and follow up later with the regular packet of materials.

We will also update current sponsors on their sponsored animals with pictures and descriptions of how they are doing. Click HERE to start a new sponsorship, or check out our Meet the Animals tab HERE for just some of the animals available for sponsorship. For additional information, or if you need an update on your current sponsored animal, just email sponsorships@sashafarm.org.

VIRTUAL TOUR / EVENT

Stay tuned for details on our virtual tour/event. For a small entry fee, you can join us for a video tour of the farm and the opportunity to sponsor an animal resident.

WISH LIST

Our animals and humans love getting your gifts! Click HERE to go to our Amazon wish list, and HERE for our general wish list.

Questions?

1. 1. Donating? Email donations@sashafarm.org.
   2. General questions? Email office@sashafarm.org.
   3. Volunteering? Email volunteer@sashafarm.org. (Note we are not currently taking volunteers, but let us know if you would like to go on our list).
   4. Sponsoring? Email sponsorships@sashafarm.org

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Left to right above: Dawkins (potbellied pig), Bhima (Gyr ox) and Thambi (Jersey), Earth (Brown Swiss), and Ellie the emu directly above (Ellie’s photo by Joe Maroon Photography)

Pot-bellied pigs, sometimes called mini-pigs or teacup pigs, are a popular “fad pet” often purchased by people based on misconceptions about their size and needs. Humane societies and animal sanctuaries, including SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary, are constantly contacted by people trying to re-home their pot-bellied pigs after they’ve grown too large for their caretaker’s comfort.

According to one estimate, as many as 90% of pot-bellied pigs purchased as pets are later given to sanctuaries and rescues. See also this 2019 article from the New York Post on how shelters are becoming inundated with pot-bellied pigs.

Despite claims from breeders and online communities, adult pot-bellied pigs can weigh between 100-300 pounds and have a lifespan similar to that of dogs and cats, with some living as long as 20 years.

Pot-bellied pigs, including so-called therapy pigs, are illegal in many communities and require unique, and sometimes costly, veterinary care that many local veterinarians aren’t able to provide.

Additionally, pot-bellied pigs are intelligent and social animals who require companionship with other pigs and lots of outdoor space and enrichment that many people can’t provide.

Currently, SASHA is home to about 20 pot-bellied pigs who live communally, have space to roam, explore and root, huts to sleep in, straw to nest in, and toys to play with. Sadly, in many instances, pet pot-bellied pigs are not able to engage in these natural behaviors that are so meaningful and enriching to them and instead suffer from boredom and depression.

Unfortunately, there are few resources available for the pot-bellied pigs whose owners, for whatever reason, can no longer care for them. Many humane societies and animal control agencies consider pot-bellied pigs livestock and therefore will not accept relinquished pigs. This means that the sanctuaries, humane societies, and animal control agencies who respond to requests for assistance for pot-bellies are often overwhelmed by requests for help. And many sanctuaries, including SASHA, quickly reach their capacity and are no longer able to accept new pot-bellied pigs.

Because of the misconceptions about the size and needs of pot-bellied pigs, deceptive practices by breeders and lack of assistance and resources for pot-bellied pig owners, many pot-bellied pigs are neglected, abandoned and abused when they’re forced to live with owners who no longer want them.

In Macon, Georgia, a pot-bellied pig who was advertised as a pet on Craigslist was tortured by men with a pickax, polls, and rifles who were planning on killing and eating the animal. In Corpus Christi, Texas, an abandoned pot-bellied pig was set on fire and found with wounds across her body at a local convenience store.

Pot-bellied pigs are complex, intelligent animals who likely suffer in the sterile environment of people’s homes without the companionship of other pigs and the ability to engage in their natural behaviors and activities. The majority of pot-bellied pigs purchased as pets are later sent to sanctuaries or are neglected and abandoned as their size and unique care requirements become too much for their owners.

Instead of purchasing a pot-bellied pig as a pet, consider sponsoring one at SASHA. Your sponsorship helps us to feed and provide for the animals in our care for their entire lives.