The Entire Family Will Love Visiting This Fantastic Farm In Washington That Rescues Animals

While in a local shop the other day, I picked up M.H. Clark's book, When You Love A Dog, and, much to my partner's amusement, teared up by the second page. It's safe to say I love animals. If you're anything like me, you value supporting organizations that advocate for creatures, whether through habitat conservation or offering sanctuary. There are many ways to learn about this crucial work, but few things teach us better than in-person experience. If you'd like to visit an animal rescue in Washington, check out Roy's Heartwood Haven.

Despite its limited property of just two and a half acres, Heartwood Haven has saved over 200 animals. Founders Hope Hilman and Kate Tsyrklevich were inspired to start their rescue after hearing about a group of roosters who desperately needed homes. Rescuers had confiscated the birds from a cockfighting ring, but few families were willing to take on their long-term care. Though they had no experience, Hilman and Tsyrklevich stepped up and adopted one rooster. Before long, he'd won the pair over with his larger-than-life personality.

Named Porter, this one rooster ignited a passion in Hilman and Tsyrklevich. Heartwood Haven was born. Today, the organization works to rescue and rehabilitate animals. An equally important goal of theirs is education. After all, an informed public is more likely to support animal rights.

Heartwood prepares some animals for adoption, but others call the farm their lifelong home. A wide range of characters populate the lively property. Dogs Mila and Shadow have their work cut out keeping up with 45 pigs, a posse of ducks, and a bevy of chickens!

While donations are always welcome, there are other ways you can get involved at Heartwood Haven. Volunteers play a vital role in meeting the daily demands inherent to farm life.

Located just an hour from Seattle and Olympia, Heartwood is an accessible option for folks seeking personal encounters with adorable barnyard creatures. Though I'm not above fawning over petting zoo goats, it enhances the feel-good factor of the experience to know you're simultaneously supporting a good cause.

Tours are small, allowing you ample opportunities to ask questions and spend time getting to know Heartwood's varied and various residents. Kids are welcome to participate, but adults will also have a fantastic time.

It's easy to separate animals into groups— the ones we feel called to protect and those we dismiss as "other." But witnessing the individuality of creatures firsthand collapses these divisions. And, with those separations gone, our world gets bigger. We're better able to appreciate the fullness of life and the fullness of experience belonging to each being we share that life with.

People can create incredible connections with animals by approaching these interactions with an open heart. If you'd like to visit an animal rescue in Washington that does incredible work, check out Roy's Heartwood Haven. This organization provides sanctuary to hundreds of deserving animals and hosts public tours, allowing people to get up close and personal with creatures they might never interact with otherwise.