Members of the Twentieth Century Club of Garrettsville met at the home of Linda Fitt on November 2, 2023 to learn about the Happy Trails Animal Sanctuary from its director, Ilona Urban and to enjoy harvest bounty provided by the hostess and her co-hostesses, Shirley Danku and Sharon Miller.
First came roll call, which was answered by naming one’s favorite animal; the results were heavily skewed toward dogs but also included horses, fish & hummingbirds, cows, elephants, cats, a kangaroo, a trained bear, a sloth and a bearded dragon. Sister Crosley, of the Historic Johnson Farm sent thanks for attending the tour of that inimitable facility.
The overage for the printing of program books will be covered by the contingency fund in the budget , which will be reviewed to avoid a similar situation for next year. The annual Christmas party will be held at 6:30 (note time change)on December 7, with members exchanging simple ornaments.
Happy Trails Animal Sanctuary is a refuge for farm animals which have been abused, abandoned or neglected and have been rescued from dire circumstances all over the state, not just in Portage County–some even farther away. Turkeys, geese, chickens, goats, pot-bellied pigs, the occasional cow and the barn cat (Binks) join the population of horses which have been sometimes adopted/re-homed and sometimes live out their days at the farm.
Animals often grow beyond the “cute” stage and owners cannot care for them; the animals then frequently suffer. Working farm animals sometimes live beyond their usefulness to the farm but not beyond their need for care.
The farm works in concert with local law enforcement and with the local Amish community to avoid animal suffering in as many cases as possible.
They are a certified( ASPCA, HSUS) animal sanctuary which offers tours, school tours and programs, as well as thoroughly-vetted adoptions. It is run entirely by volunteers and supported by grants and donations.
