River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

Dancer was rescued from a slaughter auction, arriving at River’s Wish with a wound on his hind leg and fear in his eyes. Tucker’s mother Leisl, a former Premarin mare, would have had every baby prior taken from her before she too was sent to auction. Already pregnant, she arrived at River’s Wish and Tucker entered the world knowing only the joy of the sanctuary and his mother’s love, growing into a gentle giant. Dancer received veterinary care and kindness, allowing his high-spirited nature to blossom, his fear transformed into a confidence that has led him to be a leader of the herd.

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

A local family found a small piglet in their front yard, but there was no sign of how he arrived there. It is possible that he was being raised for backyard slaughter or someone’s kitschy idea for a luau centerpiece; however, the young pig escaped and the family took him to River’s Wish. Named Vincent van Pig, or Vinnie for short, he was introduced to other pigs and humans, and one rambunctious young dog named Bernie who became Vinnie’s friend.Vinnie and Bernie spent their teens running amok around the sanctuary, playing chase and bothering the elder pigs. As he has gotten older, Vinnie’s palpable joy for life has continued full steam as he eagerly bounds around the pig yard.

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

A former Premarin mare, Leisl had been continually pregnant so that her estrogen-laden urine could be collected for use in human hormone therapy. After enduring horrible conditions - a collection bag chafing her, confined to a small stall for more than half the year, and each baby taken from her to be slaughtered - Leisl was to be sold off for meat. However she is one of a few mares to find sanctuary, and for the first time in her life, Leisl was able to give birth in safety at River’s Wish. Her trust of humans has understandably taken time to heal, helped in part by her loving son Tucker, who has only known the kindness of humans, and her free roaming herd.

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

A former Premarin mare, Leisl had been continually pregnant so that her estrogen-laden urine could be collected for use in human hormone therapy. After enduring horrible conditions - a collection bag chafing her, confined to a small stall for more than half the year, and each baby taken from her to be slaughtered - Leisl was to be sold off for meat. However she is one of a few mares to find sanctuary, and for the first time in her life, Leisl was able to give birth in safety at River’s Wish. Her trust of humans has understandably taken time to heal, helped in part by her loving son Tucker who has only known the kindness of humans. Together they joyfully roam the sanctuary with their herd.

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

A local family found a small piglet in their front yard, but there was no sign of how he arrived there. It is possible that he was being raised for backyard slaughter or someone’s kitschy idea for a luau centerpiece; however, the young pig escaped and the family took him to River’s Wish. Named Vincent van Pig, or Vinnie for short, he was introduced to other pigs and humans, and one rambunctious young dog named Bernie who became Vinnie’s friend.Vinnie and Bernie spent their teens running amok around the sanctuary, playing chase and bothering the elder pigs. As he has gotten older, Vinnie’s palpable joy for life has continued full steam as he eagerly bounds around the pig yard.

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary, Spokane, Washington