Ravenna – When considering adopting a new pet from a local shelter, many limit their search to dogs, cats, and other traditionally domestic animals. However, with National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary points out that these are not the only animals in need of our help and affection.
In 2020 alone, Happy Trails took in a total of 196 animals: 119 from criminal seizures, 45 relinquished from their owners, 23 transferred from other agencies, 6 for Amish retirement, 2 that came from the Sugarcreek auction, and 1 that was simply abandoned. With these numbers, having a quick and easily accessible point of communication with possible adopters, other agencies, donors, and any other member of the community wanting to learn more about the sanctuary, is imperative.
Executive director of Happy Trails, Laurie Jackson, elaborates, “for Happy Trails, social media is an essential tool in carrying out our goal to find loving and forever homes for each of our farm animals and horses. Having direct access to our 18K followers on Facebook helps to quickly make heart matches and happy endings.”
When Harry Truman, a cockfighting rooster in need of a loving home and a flock of hens to welcome him in, was posted about on their Facebook page in the beginning of April, it took only a week for someone to see him, complete an application to adopt, and embrace him into a forever home.
While a main focus of the Happy Trails Facebook page is to help these rescued animals find a good home, the sanctuary also utilizes the fundraising tab, which has been used by dozens of supporters who create fundraiser goals for their birthdays, Earth Day, and other special occasions to help Happy Trails continue their work.
While the global pandemic left many businesses floundering and uncertain about future prosperity, Happy Trails persevered, and admitted their surprise and gratitude in their 2021 newsletter saying, “we wouldn’t have thought it possible, but 2020 finished strong with adoption numbers in line with the year before. Despite COVID-19 and quarantine and uncertainty and caution, our team forged forward. The result was 166 animals adopted into loving homes making way each day for the next animals in need.”
