For my first “Luxury Gives Back” story I was thinking since it’s “Luxury” the story should have a luxe feeling… and then on Easter Day when 7 goats and 5 bunnies showed up at my home… I knew the story had to be about two incredible people that have devoted their lives to saving animals in need.
I was blessed to have my daughter set up some surprise guests for our Easter 2018. When the above number of farm animals started piling in my backyard… I was a little shocked at the number with only two people running the show. But the animals that showed up were not your usual barnyard multicellular eukaryotic organisms that form the biological kingdom Animalia. These goats and bunnies were like pets. Not a trained pet…. but an animal that has been loved into a calm and centered state. The 7 goats were not in a pen, but walking around, nudging and loving on everyone in their paths and the most interesting phenomenon was the fact that not one animal tried to escape. Quite a testament to the fearless leaders of this amazing charity.
The Sanctuary at Soledad Goats was founded by Carol and Julian Pearce, award winning goat cheese makers who, in 2015, decided to give it all up and go vegan. It wasn’t a decision that was made overnight. Since the day they met while saving sick calves, to their life in England where Carol was known to kidnap another farmer’s animals to save them from slaughter, to their own Southern California goat farm with a strict no kill policy, it has always been about the animals. They’ve been rescuing abused, abandoned and neglected goats, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks and dogs for years, saving many from being euthanized. Now those rescued animals live side by side with former dairy goats as they all live out their happy lives. The Sanctuary at Soledad Goats is a 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue organization funded by donations from supporters like you. In addition, proceeds from the sale of the new vegan cheese go to The Sanctuary.
At The Sanctuary, ALL the animals are known by name… and treated like family. Carol’s background in veterinary medicine and Julian’s expertise in ruminant nutrition, not to mention their many years as goat farmers, means they are closely attuned to the health of the animals, and they keep a sharp eye on the well-being of all of them. They have successfully brought back to health many animals who were near death or in other desperate straits. While at the farm (where the 300 pound pig laid upon my feet while she was expecting belly rubs), which is known as a “scratch farm” and about as low maintenance as it comes, I could feel the love between all the creatures that reside there. I could feel the warmth and compassion from Carol and Julian as they proudly showed us around and I actually could feel a change happening within, as my empathy and compassion grew for this crew of misfits that so desperately need our help. These people are the real deal and they really need our help.
If you are lucky enough to live in the Los Angeles area… you could make an appointment and visit the farm. Or you can go to the Grove on 3rd street where Julian and Carol make the hour and a half drive several times a week with the goats to sell lotions, creams and candles to help pay for food and run the farm. These people work hard and have devoted their lives to the mission. Any help would be greatly appreciated as these beautiful souls spend a fortune keeping these orphans alive. I have made a commitment to help run The Sanctuary at Soledad…. I hope you will as well.
