Pickles (8, Jan. 13)
The youngest and most dramatic of the four pigs at the sanctuary, Pickles was passed around between family members before being neglected. She was confined to a small pen, morbidly obese, and living in poor conditions. After being threatened with slaughter, West Place stepped in, gave her a new life with proper care, and helped her lose weight. Now, Pickles is healthy, happy, and loves exploring, exercising, and getting belly rubs.
Photos by Richard W. Dionne Jr.
Daisy (7)
Daisy the goat arrived at West Place in 2024 after being relocated due to eminent domain, where she faced predators and harsh conditions. Daisy is playful, gaining confidence, and enjoys head scratches. She's also a bit of an escape artist.
Clover (5)
Clover the emu joined the sanctuary in August 2024 from a dangerous situation after her owners’ land was seized. She lost her friends to predators and was left to fend for herself. Now, Clover enjoys fresh greens, new foods, and splashing in water. She’s smart, remembers well, and loves her summer baths.
Sadie (10)
A survivor of the 2016 Westport cruelty case, Sadie the goat was in poor health when rescued but has since become a friendly, social butterfly. She’s the oldest of the goats at the sanctuary, loves mentoring new arrivals and sharing her wisdom. She also loves her companion, Colby the sheep.
Charles (6, miniature) and Timothy (6)
Rescued from a kill pen in Texas, Charles and Timothy faced serious health issues but have thrived at West Place. They’re the first donkeys at the sanctuary. They are playful, confident, and vocal. They love tug-of-war, tag, and attention.
Amber (5)
Rescued from a hoarding case in 2023, Amber was severely malnourished. Now, she’s healthy and happily mingles with other animals, vocalizing all day, especially around mealtime.
Diane (15)
Diane and her brother, Jack, were the first pigs rescued by West Place in 2019 from severe neglect. Diane, highly intelligent and a bit of a diva, has thrived and is known as the “queen of the sanctuary,” often demanding belly rubs.
Barnaby (6, left, mouth open) and Shaw (9, right)
Barnaby was rescued as a lamb in 2019 after being tied up and neglected. He grew up at West Place and, before turning 1, became a father to Zane and Zander. Shaw, also a survivor of the 2016 Westport cruelty case, gave birth unexpectedly to Barnaby’s lambs in 2020. Shaw is a loving mother, and their sheep family is very close-knit.