A DAY IN THE LIFE

from 2023 Homefront Magazine

The Governor Croswell Tea Room

By Cashmere Morley

A typical day at SASHA Farm in Manchester looks something like this: pigs rolling over in the tousled grass for belly rubs, goats swaying lackadaisically in sunshine-dappled hammocks, cows batting their big brown eyes as a visitor embraces them in a warm hug. SASHA, short for Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals, opened its doors during the 1980s — establishing it as the oldest, as well as the largest, animal sanctuary in the Midwest. Their weekend tours, now in their second year, allow visitors to embrace these farm animals in a whole new way — a way that sees them not as food, but as friends.

“What is included in our tours is up close and personal interactions with all of our animal residents,” said Executive Director and Animal Care Manager of SASHA Farm, Shara Jones. “We tell you everything there is to know about our farm. We talk about rescue stories and what our mission is, and we go into each enclosure, visit with all of our animal friends and everybody gets a chance to bond. A lot of people have never been around farm animals like big pigs and cows and it’s pretty cool to actually meet them and talk to them.”

Participating in a tour is a suggested $25 donation, and starts around noon, lasting until around 2pm, rain or shine. Since visitors will be on a farm, Jones suggests dressing accordingly — layer up for changing weather, wear close-toed shoes, and expect to get dirty.

“We have awesome produce volunteers that pick up produce that local Whole Foods stores donate to us,” said Jones. “They chop it up and get it ready so our guests can feed some of the cows and potbelly pigs. After the tour is done, we have merchandise available and it’s just a really good time.”

Jones said their rescues come from the Humane Society, ASPCA, or even neighbors in the area reaching out. SASHA Farm houses animals from all over the country, taking in rescues wherever help is needed. These animals cannot be adopted from the farm; SASHA is their forever home. Tour donation fees go toward the care and maintenance of all the animals at the farm.

“Just being able to be there with the animals during a tour is very unique, because at a lot of places set up more like a petting zoo, and we are not a petting zoo. You’re learning about the animals first-hand; you’re seeing them up close, you’re letting a goat nibble on your jacket, or a cow lick the palms of your hands.”

Upcoming dates for weekend tours at SASHA Farm are June 10 and 25, July 15 and 30, and August 5, with a date at the Humane Fair to be determined in August — check Facebook for updates on that festival. n