WEIRSDALE, FL (352today.com) – There’s a place right here in North Central Florida that welcomes animals who have been abandoned or whose owners no longer can care for them. This magical place has given many beloved fur-babies the happily-ever-after they all deserve.
Meet the Davis Family and their furry friends
Annie and Joe Davis, together with their daughter, Abby, are the caring souls behind The Story Book Farm Sanctuary in Weirsdale. Their residence serves as more than an animal sanctuary; they say it’s a refuge brimming with love and care. Completing their family are their cherished cats, Gunther and Ari, who add a touch of feline charm to the mix.
Chapter 1: The beginning of a rescue mission
The Davis family’s journey into animal rescue began with a simple yet profound need in their community. “We started with roosters. A lot of people raised roosters from chicks,” Annie said. “They have the biggest personalities and people don’t want them to become food. So, that’s where we started.”
The Davis’ love for animals is evident in every corner of their sanctuary. The pandemic saw many people adopting chickens and roosters, only to find themselves unsure of what to do with them later. The Davis family demonstrated their commitment to compassion, empathy, and respect for all living beings through their actions. Despite the fact that the sanctuary is not currently home to any roosters, their dedication to creating a nurturing environment for these birds remains.
At The Story Book Farm Sanctuary, every animal has a story worth telling. The Davis family believes that each life, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated. Visitors to the farm enjoy the distinct stories of each resident, which promotes a deeper connection and understanding.
Chapter 2: Education and responsible pet ownership
Education plays a key role at The Story Book Farm Sanctuary. The Davis family is dedicated to teaching children the importance of spaying and neutering pets and treating animals with kindness. They believe that ingraining compassion for animals in children helps them grow into empathetic and responsible adults.
In the past, every foster kitten taken in by the Davis family has found a forever home, with a few staying with them as beloved pets. Like Gunther and Ari, their “foster failures.” Currently, they are fostering eight kittens, and working to find them loving homes.
They say spaying and neutering helps control the animal population prevents animal suffering. An unspayed female cat can produce dozens of kittens in a short time, contributing to overpopulation.
Fostering animals is an emotional journey, but the Davis family finds joy in seeing their rescues thrive in new homes. They stay connected with adoptive families, receiving updates and photos which they say reaffirms their mission.
Chapter 3: From house pets to farm hams, these pigs are living the life
The Davis family has taken in a variety of animals, including pigs.
“Winston is one of our big farm pigs. He’s from the Lake County animal shelter,” Annie said. “Coco is also from the Lake County animal shelter. She’s a potbellied pig.”
The Davises say potbellied pigs are cute as babies, but many people don’t realize how big they get. The Davis family educates the public about the realities of caring for these animals.
Chapter 4: Let’s talk turkey
The Story Book Farm Sanctuary also contributes to wildlife conservation, particularly for endangered species like the chocolate turkey. While they don’t breed animals, they do their part to protect and preserve rare breeds.
Turkeys at The Story Book Farm Sanctuary are like “dogs with feathers,” following the Davis family around. The sanctuary is home to four turkeys, each with its own charm and quirks.
“One of our chocolate Toms years ago, he was very funny about if we wore certain colors he didn’t like,” Annie mentioned. “We always joked that he must be a Gators fan because if I would wear red, he would chase me. But if I wear that blue and orange, we’re fine.
Chapter 4: The challenges and rewards of animal rescue
The Davis family faces daily challenges, from funding to managing the sheer number of animals. They receive frequent calls about cats, pigs, and roosters, highlighting the ongoing need for their sanctuary.
The Davis family recounts touching tales of their rescue animals, including the story of a woman who, despite having to surrender her cat, was able to regularly visit it at the sanctuary.
“Four or five weeks later, we brought the cat to her and the expression on her face… they said that she was depressed, but after that she was very happy,” Joe said. “You know, we told her that we would come back once, or maybe twice a month because it’s hard to give up that love. Her cat was like a child to her.”
Hurricane season also brings additional challenges. They say owners often drop off animals they can’t care for during storms. The Davis family provides temporary shelter and care in those circumstances.
Chapter 5: Community involvement and open farm days
The Story Book Farm Sanctuary hosts open farm days, inviting the community to meet the residents – from cows, pigs and goats to cats, dogs and roosters – and learn about the sanctuary’s mission.
Visitors to the farm often participate in naming new rescues. For example, a college class named a rescued potbellied pig “Hope,” symbolizing a new beginning for the neglected animal.
The Story Book Farm Sanctuary also offers a mobile petting zoo. They bring rescued animals to events and parties. This unique approach educates the community about animal rescue while providing an interactive experience.
Chapter 6: A Happily Ever After
The Davis family’s long-term goal is to expand their sanctuary. They envision a larger farm filled with rescue animals and opportunities for teaching compassion and kindness.
To support The Story Book Farm Sanctuary, you can visit their website to make a donation or follow them on Facebook to simply learn more.