Thanksgiving Toast to the Turkeys

This past weekend, my friends and I headed to Harvest Home in Stockton to visit an animal sanctuary.

It was my first time visiting an animal sanctuary so I was very excited. I had seen photos before but meeting the rescued animals up close and personal no doubt gave a different experience. For one, I got to pet them, feed them, and discover their individual personalities.

Mohawk, the hog for example was very friendly and social. Monica on the other hand, was very weary and aloof. Apparently, Monica was rescued at a university after a group of frat boys made a big prank and abused her. I could understand why she doesn’t trust humans anymore.

The most recent rescue were the chickens and the turkeys who were bought out from being slaughtered.

 

On top of interacting with the animals, my friends and I also enjoyed a vegan buffet, a silent auction fundraiser, and speeches from Harvest Home’s Christine Morrissey and guest speaker, Miyoko Schinner.

Toward the end of the event, all guests were given an apple cider drink and we all gave a toast to the turkeys.

The silent auction winners were declared (I won one bid!). Afterward, we enjoyed a lovely spread of vegan desserts and ice cream.

The video below summarizes my experience.

According to Harvest Home, this year produced the biggest turnout yet. Hopefully next year the attendance would be even bigger.

Have you been to an animal sanctuary? How was your experience like?