Erin's Farm ~ Animal Sanctuary

"Erin's Farm" has always been the goal of the "Natures Creatures Animal Show", a business that I started in 1998 with friendly reptiles, birds & mammals that needed homes for one reason or another.  "Recycled" animals accompany me to school classrooms and events, teaching & educating kids & exposing them to nature with the goal of making our next generation better stewards.

Two years ago, my dream became a reality. I opened the doors of "Erin's Farm"- a farm I was renting, named by all the children who came to visit. A farm for unwanted and rescued or donated animals that I opened to strangers & friends allowing visits to experience the love & respect I have for all animals and their important role in nature.  My years of hard work had paid off.

Then the worst day of my life. January 26, 2013. 6am. A Tragic fire, an entire building lost. Dozens of animals trapped inside, dying. The firemen were holding me down, as I struggled to get free and save my friends. Citywide, thousands of children & adults hearts were broken- in less than 10 minutes.

Read the full story in the Beverly Review Newspaper http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/featured_news/article_f0540a41-0911-5d37-9f6f-d048b3941c51.html

Since losing so many animals, saving the "Natures Creatures" business... the business that provided funding for all of the additional creatures & experiences at "Erins Farm" has been a day-to-day struggle. I go to bed every night & think to myself... how can I keep this farm going? How can I keep this home for these animals? How can I keep my promise to them? The total loss of animals, business & farm equipment totaled over $95,000.

Despite this great loss, I've continued on, improving slowly. I've made the Farm better and given a home to new animals in need. Unfortunately, the fire has taken its toll. Our Renters insurance policy only covered a small fraction of the damage & our savings has been exhausted in the months since the fire.

Not willing to give up on these beautiful creatures, my goal is to purchase a NEW farm.  A larger farm with the potential to be even better! A new farm, where as the legal owner I can officially get our 501 (c) not profit status & open my doors as a rescue & teaching farm & nature center for farm & exotic animals. A place of our own to continue to hold events exposing children and adults to animals in my unique way, hoping this love for animals & nature will continue & multiply.

Erin's Farm needs your help and support!
Please come for a visit & see the magic for yourself! Our website is in the process of adding new content, including stories of the animals we've saved or adopted. In the meantime, please visit our facebook page to see photos of our wonderful friends!

Why is our goal high?
Well, everyone suggestred to just dream big!
Your donation towards the $250,000 will help:

--recover the costs from the fire ($95k)
((--help us purchase a tractor ($20-30k) which allows us to spread our manure & grow our own hay, which will save us $500-$700 monthly in expenses currently spent buying hay & getting manure hauled out.))
**We were able to purchase the tractor thanks! **
--tractor attachments (manure spreader ($2k), bailer ($5k) Raker $1k), flat bed hay rack(s) ($2k)
--help us put up proper fencing at the new farm so that the animals can continue there peaceful play & turnout in new pastures. ($5-10k)
--help us upgrade electric & climate control needs in the new reptile/parrot space. ($2-5k)
--purchase a decent used pick up that can haul our trailer to move animals or pick up bulk supplies when needed. Our current vehicle is slipping a transmission & cannot haul. ($5-10K)
----($Remaining)will help us put money down towards improvements for living conditions for the animals to make them more comfortable or for feed & supplies during the slow /tough winter months. Anything remaining will be put toward the deposit on the new farm and give us the flexibility to erect animal barns or buildings where necessary to ensure that the animals transition comfortably through the move.

Thanks so much for any support! Please share if you can to help spread the word. I'm so grateful for the many farm guests & people that love the animals that support what I do and encouraged this venture because I never would have done this on my own.

For more info on "Natures Creatures Animal Show" visit:
www.naturescreatures.net

For more info on "Erins Farm" visit:
www.facebook.com/erinsfa