Tomten Farm and Sanctuary

Dear Diary,

It was  a picture perfect September day and the drive through the White Mountains (at one point I climbed to almost 3,000 feet!) was stunning.  Once I arrived at the farm in Haverhill, New Hampshire I knew I was in a very special place.  For two hours we toured the farm and learned the names and stories of many of the animals in their care.  Some had outlived their "usefulness" on the factory farms and were headed to slaughter and some had been neglected or surrendered from small farms.  Many were in dire physical straits but now they had found "peace, protection and possibility" in this place,  Here are a few of the guests.  My favorite, although each one was totally endearing, was Beatrice Braymore, the Jerusalem Donkey.  She is 32 years old, blind in one eye and riddled with arthritis but she followed us around for most of the tour nuzzling up for hugs and tickles behind the ears.  I loved her.  Their work is expensive, $29,000. last year for hay alone, and the need is great.  Here is their site so you can find out more about the farm.  Tomten Farm and Sanctuary.  You might find it in your heart to make a small donation for Beatrice or any of the lovely animals who now live the most perfect life possible until the end of their days thanks to these wonderful people.