Last weekend, we introduced our kids to sanctuary life.
I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought it might not go that well but hoped for the best. Like, maybe the kids would be a bit scared or shy around the animals and new faces? But it went way better than I hoped, which made me so happy!
Thanks to the Picturing Pigs team and the Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary (BSAS), we got to finally introduce everyone. My family met the kind people who created and run the sanctuary, as well as our team making the documentary. I don't think I realized just how much that meant to me until after it happened.
We talked a lot about what the sanctuary means: safety, family, and freedom for the animals. We told them about how volunteers run the sanctuary by preparing the food, scooping poo out of stalls, putting down fresh wood chips, etc. And how much work it really takes to care for all of them.
We also shared that we're going into their home, so we oblige by following their rules. If an animal doesn't want affection, that's ok, we don't pet them. If the sanctuary asks us not to bring any food on site, we leave it behind for the good of everyone. We don't scream or chase the animals. We do our best to keep the peace within the sanctuary while we're there.
I am one proud mama! The kids were a little apprehensive and eventually opened up. They seemed to have a great time. Once we got in the car, they asked, "When can we go back?!"
It was a lot of fun to show my kids what I've worked hard to learn over the last few years. It made me so grateful for the time I've been able to volunteer at BSAS, learning about the animals and their unique personalities. I have really missed being there in person while we've been working on post-production. I fantasize about volunteering as a family together, too.
We're working hard to wrap up the film. We have a lot of plans taking shape. Please stay tuned for details.
More Info
If you'd like to tour or volunteer, please visit blindspotanimals.com. You can follow BSAS on Facebook for more behind-the-scenes photos and videos. If you're able to help financially, a donation would help them cover all sorts of necessities like vet care, food, etc.
Learn more about Picturing Pigs at picturingpigs.com.